Duterte cites improvements in airport inspections

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday cited improvements at the airports, including his “no human contact” and “no opening of baggage” policies. “Alam mo kung mayroong improvement d’yan sa public service sa airports, one is that no more inspection sa bagahe papasok,” the President said in his remarks during the celebration of the 85th Anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 6.

(You know, if there are improvements in public service at the airports, one is that there is no more baggage inspection at the entrance.)

He added: “Magdala kayo ng dinamita, bala, marijuana, cocaine, okay lang. Walang bukas ‘yan. Pero pagdating mo sa labas doon naghintay ‘yung PDEA pati pulis.”

(You bring in dynamites, bullets, marijuana, and cocaine, it is okay. Nobody will open that. But the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and police officers are waiting outside.)

He said he “made it a point that opening of bags and human contact” with immigration officers will no longer be allowed.

“You just swipe your passport, and then you can go out. No more question sa (at the) Immigration,” he said.