BI approves rules for refunding offloaded passengers

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has approved the rules on reimbursing the expenses of offloaded passengers.

The agency’s Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001 that “outlines the reimbursement process has already been signed by the BI and the Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla,” according to BI officer-in-charge Joel Anthony Viado.

Under the special provisions of the 2024 national budget or the General Appropriations Act, “Filipino passengers whose travel were deferred or were denied boarding without a court order shall be charged from the balance of the special trust fund account, subject to the guidelines issued by the BI, DBM (Department of Budget and Management), and COA (Commission on Audit),” said the BI statement.

The guidelines were sent to the DBM for its signature, but was sent back to the BI on Aug. 20 as it recommended the inclusion of the COA among the signatories.

The agency will formally issue the circular once the DBM and COA have signed it. Once released, offloaded passengers would be able to apply for refunds.