Category: NAIA

As our flight from Iloilo (Philippine Airlines 934) was starting its descent to the Ninoy Aquino International Airprt, the pilot announced that we were number 12 in the queue for landing and that our arrival would be delayed by 30 minutes. Reason: traffic congestion.

This kind of delay due to traffic congestion at NAIA has become a standard happening. It has become a practice.
Two weeks ago when we went to Palawan, our departure was delayed for about 30 minutes.

We were already seated, our seatbelts fastened yet we were not taking until after half-an-hour later. Same reason: traffic congestion.

We encountered the same problem in our return flight from Puerto Princesa to Manila. Our flight was delayed for an hour. The same reason was given: traffic congestion at NAIA.

To say that the delay due to airport traffic congestion is annoying is an understatement because it tells a lot of the many things wrong the way the government handles a most basic infrastructure in a globalized world: airports.

Our airports, especially NAIA, has been left behind by developments in the travel industry. Puerto Princesa airport is another case of a facility not being able to keep pace with the tourism boom in the province.

Budget flights have allowed many Filipinos to travel within and outside the country, discovering new places and widening their horizons.

Our airports is one aspect that we can say “It’s not more fun in the Philippines.”

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Here’s one good news:

The Department of Foreign Affairs announced that after maintenance service of their electronic passport system, they have resumed normal processing starting April 15. 2014.

Here’s the processing period that they released:

At the DFA-Aseana (Office of Consular Affairs) at Aseana Center, Bradco corner Macapagal Ave, Parañaque City, 15 working days for regular processing and seven working days for express processing.

It’s the same with passport application in DFA’s satellite offices in Metro Manila:at SM Megamall, SM Manila, Metro Mall Alabang, Robinsons Galleria and Ali Mall.

That note that it’s “working” days. That means Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays are not counted.

For passport applications in Regional Consular Offices like Cebu , it’s 20 working days for regular processing and 10 working days for express processing.

For applications filed with Foreign Service Posts (Philippine Embassies and Consulates General), processing is three to four weeks.

The DFA said for “those with urgent travel needs due to emergency reasons (medical emergencies, death in the family, work) they could still avail of early release of their passports as long as they present documentary proof (valid employment contract processed by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or Philippine Overseas Labor Office, medical certificate, death certificate) of their emergency situation in order for DFA personnel to effectively assist them and address their concerns.”

For fees and other inquiries, call up 567-1111; 834-4000; 834-3000.