By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Senate on Monday adopted House Joint Resolution 24-1, urgently requesting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to include the Philippines in the non-immigrant Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program.
Authored by House Floor Leader Marissa Flores and introduced by the entire House as a committee of the whole, H.J.R. 24-1 notes that the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program allows qualified passport holders from 12 pre-approved nations to enter Guam and the CNMI visa-free for up to 45 days.
The resolution also notes that the Philippine passport now ranks as the 75th “most powerful” — up from 77th in 2021 — with visa-free access to 65 nations. In addition, the National Economic and Development Authority reported that the Philippines is projected to reach upper-middle-income status by the end of 2025.
According to the resolution, including the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program could significantly benefit the tourism industry due to the close ties and geographic proximity between the Philippines and the CNMI. The resolution also cites U.S. Census Bureau data showing that more than 15,000 Filipinos currently reside in the CNMI and would greatly appreciate visits from family members.
The resolution further cites a Hotel Association of the NMI report projecting over 400,000 new visitors if the Philippines is added to the visa waiver program.
“Granting the Philippines visa-free entry to the CNMI will strengthen the U.S.-Philippines partnership, reinforcing joint military defense efforts and furthering shared goals of security and democracy,” the resolution states.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
