Airline passengers can now heave a sigh of relief over the lifting of control on liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in all aircraft as a new Philippine regulation has eased up the stern requirement over the three items.
     Effective last August 1, the Manila International Airport Authority through the Office of Transport Security loosened up its regulations on hand-carried liquids, aerosols and gels, allowing these items not exceeding 100 ml in all aircraft cabin.
     Undersecretary Cecilo R. Penilla, administrator of the MIAA Office of Transport Security issued a memorandum circular no. 0607-001 saying that all liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) must be in containers 100 ml in volume or smaller, placed in a fully transparent, re-sealable plastic bag whose dimension must be no bigger than one liter in volume. Specifically measuring 20cmx20cm, the bag should close comfortably when full. Only one LAGs bag entitlement is allowed per passenger.
     Last Wednesday’s lifting of the ban on LAGs is in observance of the new security control protocols issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to all its member states including the Philippines.
     These amendments were intended to be put into effect last March 31. Major airports in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia adopted the new guidelines as scheduled but it took longer to implement in the Philippines. News reports said the agencies expected to enforce the new regulations couldn’t agree on the technicalities such as who will provide the required 20cm by 20 cm resealable plastic bags. According to the amended regulations of the ICAO, passengers are allowed liquids, aerosols and gels of 100 ml or less in their carry-on bags, but containers must be placed in transparent plastic bags during security inspections.
     Officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and airlines operating in Manila were only recently able to settle the matter. MIAA Security Chief Ret. Gen. Angel Atutubo said that the government will not be providing the plastic bags nor will they be selling it – as government should not be involved in business endeavors.
     Only LAGs greater than 100ml with the passenger during the security screening will be confiscated including duty free items.

                                                     Confusion
But according to Dan Tardecilla, head executive assistant of the

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