BI to push through with biometrics project

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will push through with its plan to implement a P50-million biometrics scheme at the country’s airports amid a new graft complaint filed against its chief in connection with the alleged anomalies in the project.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the project is tentatively set to be launched by the middle of the year even as he belied allegations that the project is a waste of government funds.

Advocacy group Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines Inc. filed charges against David before the Office of the Ombudsman for violating Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and Executive Order 292 (Administrative Code) for pursuing a project that is allegedly disadvantageous to the government.

David said the project will improve the country’s border security and strengthen the agency’s capability to prevent the entry of foreign terrorists and other illegal aliens.

Aside from improving border security, he said a biometric system will expedite the processing of travelers and prevent foreigners from using fraudulent documents to enter the country.

“It will also enable us to identify overstaying aliens and prevent those who are in our derogatory list to leave or enter the country,” David said.

The biometrics scheme involves the use of an ink-less device and digital camera in capturing the fingerprints and photographs of international travelers.

BI Associate Commissioner Abdullah Mangotara, chair of the BI bidding committee, described as premature the graft complaint that was filed against BI officials in connection with the biometrics project.

“How could there be anomalies when we have not even awarded the project yet to a competent bidder?” Mangotara said.