President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday announced plans to increase the number of e-gates in Philippine airports to reduce long queues and improve service, especially for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who often face multiple checkpoints before boarding.
In recent years, the Bureau of Immigration installed e-gates as a response to the limited number of immigration officers. These automated gates allow returning passengers to scan their own passports, streamlining the arrival process.
“We’re going to increase the number of e-gates. It’s fast,” President Marcos said in the first episode of his podcast. “It may seem like a small thing, but people really feel the difference. That’s what they’re asking for, so let’s give it to them.”
The President also called for expedited lanes for OFWs, noting the disparity in how foreign travelers and OFWs are processed at airports.
“It’s really unfair to our OFWs at the airport. Foreigners get through quickly without any issues. But our OFWs are asked for so many requirements—QR codes, IDs, various clearances—before they can even exit,” he said.
“What should happen is this: ‘Oh, you’re an OFW? Okay, go ahead, go ahead, stamp—done.’ That’s how it should be. We’ll get there gradually,” he added.
Mr. Marcos also highlighted the recent launch of the e-Gov app, designed to minimize the need for Filipinos to physically visit various government agencies for paperwork.
“That’s why the internet is a huge help,” he said. “My dream is for all government services to be done online—from making payments to the government, to receiving payments from the government, to applying for anything—so people won’t have to travel far and go through so much trouble.”
These initiatives are part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve government services, especially in light of public dissatisfaction reflected in the results of the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, Mr. Marcos said.
