House panel OKs BI modernization bill

MANILA, Philippines — A House panel has approved a proposal that seeks to reorganize and modernize the 82-year-old charter of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The measure was passed, but was not ratified during the previous 18th Congress.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, a congressman from Cavite until he was tapped to join the Cabinet by President Marcos, said the House committee refined the original bill he filed in 2019.

In August 2021, the House voted 209 (no negative and abstention votes) to approve on third and final reading House Bill 8850 or the Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act.

The measure seeks to modernize structures and mechanisms necessary for the administration of immigration laws and professionalize the immigration service by instituting a rigid system for screening and selection of officials and employees.

The bill also seeks to create a Board of Commissioners composed of the immigration chief as chair and two deputy commissioners as members.

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez – who both served as immigration commissioners during the time of former presidents Gloria Arroyo and Joseph Estrada, respectively – are now co-authors of the bill.

“We will transform the BI into an investor and tourist-friendly office. Hopefully, with a reinvigorated economy, less filipinos will leave the country as overseas workers,” said Libanan of the 4Ps party-list.

Libanan said the BI remains to be governed by Commonwealth Act 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 until now, which has been “outdated by the constant evolution of international migration.”

He said it is crucial for the BI – being the agency in charge of controlling the entry of foreigners and migrants within Philippines’ borders, to be in tune with modern times in the interest of national security and development.

He expressed hope that a modernized BI would support the government’s program of ease in doing business in the country and encourage more foreigners to invest and visit the country.

Under the proposed law, the bill states that immigration policies, rules and regulations should be applied and administered as instruments for the promotion of domestic and external interests of the Philippines in recognition of the necessity for encouraging and enhancing capital investments, trade and commerce, cultural exchanges and other forms of friendly relations and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Remulla wants airport BI personnel issued with handcuffs as a symbol of sovereign authority and tool for border control.

Remulla said BI personnel should be allowed to carry handcuffs since they are implementing border control functions and screen foreigners who enter the country.

He said the handcuffs would make immigration officers more effective in discharging their functions.

“They wield a sovereign function. They protect our territories,” Remulla said.

He clarified that only immigration officers assigned in airports should be allowed to carry handcuffs.

“In case an arriving or departing passenger causes problems while at the immigration area, the officer can immediately act and subdue the person,” he said.

The officers can also prevent illegal foreigners from entering the country.

“This is a police function and the BI officers are the territorial guards of the country,” Remulla said. “This should only be done at international air and sea ports as these are the points of entry.” — Evelyn Macairan