MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.347 billion to fund the second phase of the Electronic Gates (E-gates) Project in the country’s major international airports and a seaport, as part of efforts to modernize passenger processing and improve travel experience.
The project, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to upgrade the Philippines’ transport gateways, aims to ease congestion and enhance security by digitizing immigration procedures for both arriving and departing passengers.
“To fulfill President Bongbong Marcos’ directive of providing convenience to travelers and reducing long queues at immigration counters, the DBM has released the budget allocation for the 2025 E-gates Project,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in a statement on Tuesday, June 10.
Pangandaman added that the government released P1.976 billion in 2024 for the project’s first phase, and that Phase 3 is slated for 2026. She urged the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to fast-track procurement for full implementation by December 15, 2025.
The expansion will replace up to 50% of manned inspection counters with e-gates and will cover the following entry and exit points:
NAIA Terminals I and III
Clark International Airport
Mactan Cebu International Airport
Davao International Airport
Kalibo International Airport
Boracay-Caticlan International Airport
Zamboanga International Seaport
Laoag International Airport
Bohol-Panglao International Airport
Puerto Princesa International Airport
E-gates are already operational in some terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and will be rolled out to additional hubs to streamline passenger processing, regardless of nationality.