BI chief to officers: Remain professional

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente yesterday ordered bureau employees to remain professional and focus on their job amid allegations of corrupt practices exposed by the so-called “pastillas” racket at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). 

“I call on every member of the bureau to remain professional and focused on performing our duties and responsibilities in protecting our borders and securing our gateways from the entry of any and all threats,” Morente said. 

“The bureau and its personnel have been tested by various issues in the last few years, and despite these trials, we have remained steadfast, strong in our adherence to the values of patriotism, integrity and professionalism,” he added. 

Morente released the statement yesterday amid the on-going investigation on the pastillas scheme wherein BI employees at the NAIA allegedly provide VIP treatment to and escort newly arrived Chinese nationals who bribe the immigration officers to enter the Philippines and work at the controversial Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs). 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an investigation on the alleged pastillas scheme. 

The BI and NBI are both attached agencies of the DOJ. 

Morente said he welcomes all efforts to cleanse the ranks of all personnel in the bureau as he vowed to cooperate should there be calls for lifestyle check on their personnel and officials. 

“The leadership of the Bureau of Immigration welcomes the efforts to cleanse the ranks of all personnel involved in unethical and corrupt practices. We will cooperate with any impartial probe and lifestyle check to be conducted by authorities,” Morente said. 

“As the commissioner, I am very disappointed with the unauthorized activities of some personnel who continue to commit irregularities despite our determined efforts to get rid of the culture of corruption in the bureau since 2016,” he added. 

Despite the “damaging blow” brought by the pastillas scandal to the bureau, Morente said that the public scrutiny will only make them strong as an institution that provides front-line service in border security. 

In another development, Morente said that all of the accused officials in the pastillas racket have already been placed in the administrative office and all of their privileges have been cancelled. 

“We shall observe due process as we bring the accused to the court of justice. This incident and the corresponding consequences should serve as a strong warning and reminder to others not to engage in any unethical practices,” he said. 

BI records also showed that Morente has dismissed or suspended 70 personnel “due to improper activities.” 

Morente said that they have installed additional closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in all areas of the primary inspectors and have included new protocols in the conduct of secondary inspections in open areas. 

While he assured the public that the BI is doing its part to address the issue, Morente said that their unparalleled commitment to serve the public remains despite allegations hurled against them. 

He said the BI is committed to sustaining the reform efforts in the bureau, which has resulted in the expanded implementation of the BI E-Gates at major international airports, streamlining of procedures for BI frontline services, among others. 

“Once again, let us focus on doing our job and doing it well,” he said.  -With Rudy Santos