Philippines Launches E-counters At Airports

The Department of Justice (DOJ) – Bureau of Immigration (BI) launched the BI Information System (BIIS) E-Counter Project at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The e-counters are designed for passengers’ convenience and welfare – simplified process and faster processing. The estimated interphase time is one minute per person. It will scan passports, verify fingerprints and photos electronically. Once cleared, the passenger may directly access the express or APEC lanes for immediate stamping of the passport.

Aside from efficiency, the project will enhance security checks.

“The country joins the ranks of the global community with e-counters and e-gates to seamlessly address the increase in travellers in recent years given the capacity constraints,” said Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima.

BI Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison said that “e-counters is the physical equivalent of the Bureau’s ‘good guys in, bad guys out’ formula. It will be faster for the right reasons and slower or never for unwanted visitors.”

“The launch of the e-counter completes the first phase of the Department’s signature National Justice Information System (NJIS) under the Aquino administration,” said Assistant Secretary and Chief Information Officer (CIO) Geronimo L. Sy. “It is internally developed and adopted for the local context by the joint DOJ-BI ICT working group,” he said.

The BI system as a major NJIS component to link justice sector institutions will be in place in all airports and seaports nationwide. Initial implementation is expected at three major airports in time for APEC event in November.