Remulla names acting BI chief

MANILA, Philippines — Following the dismissal of Norman Tansingco as commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration over the escape of former Bamban mayor Alice Guo, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday designated an officer-in-charge of the BI.

Remulla named Deputy Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado as acting BI chief.

“It is important that we assure our people that the services of the immigration bureau will remain uninterrupted regardless of any transition in leadership,” Remulla said.

“I entrust the stewardship of the bureau to Deputy Commissioner Viado, who I believe is best fit for the job,” he added.

Viado’s appointment will take effect immediately until a new BI commissioner is appointed by President Marcos, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

Earlier, Remulla said the President accepted his recommendation to sack Tansingco.

Remulla said he was not satisfied with Tansingco’s performance, especially after Guo’s escape despite being on the lookout list of the BI.

Remulla said another reason for Tansingco’s ouster was his alleged inaction on the issuance of working visas to fake companies, allowing foreign nationals to illegally enter the country.

Tansingco no-show at BI

A day after his dismissal, Tansingco was a no-show at the BI central office in Manila yesterday.

BI security personnel said Tansingco did not report to his office.

“I will issue a formal statement at the proper time,” Tansingco said in a text message to The STAR.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval did not respond to calls and text messages.

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero urged the BI to prioritize reimbursing thousands of passengers who missed their flights due to unnecessary delays caused by pre-departure procedures.

Escudero said immigration personnel involved in reimbursement processes are seemingly “dragging their feet on this matter despite clear instructions” under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“It’s fast to offload travelers, but slow to release the reimbursement,” he said.

Escudero introduced a special provision in the GAA, mandating the BI to reimburse passengers who missed their flights after being subjected to lengthy interrogation by immigration personnel. — Evelyn Macairan, Cecille Suerte Felipe