By JUN RAMIREZ
Commissioner Jaime Morente of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has welcomed the graft and corruption investigation conducted separately by the Senate and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“We will cooperate with any impartial probe and lifestyle check conducted by authorities,” Morente said.
The BI chief was referring to the so-called “pastillas” scandal at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Immigration officer (IO) and whistleblower Allison Chiong Chung told the Senate inquiry that many of his colleagues received payoff from syndicates of tour operators to facilitate the entry of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers and wanted criminals from China.
“I am sad and disappointed with the unauthorized activities of some IOs who continue to commit irregularities despite our determined efforts to get rid of the culture of corruption,” Morente said.
He said IOs implicated in the so-called pastillas racket have already been placed in the administrative holding office without any privileges.
“We shall observe due process as we bring the accused to the court of justice. This incident should serve as a strong warning and reminder to others not to engage in any unethical practices,” Morente stated.
He added: “I call all on every member of the bureau to remain professional and focused on performing their duties, protecting our borders and securing our gateways from the entry of undesirables.”
FOCUS ON JOBS
Meanwhile, BI officers assigned in air and sea ports nationwide has vowed to remain committed to their jobs, despite the alleged pastillas scandal and the threat of the novel coronavirus outbreak to their health.
“We assure the public that big majority of us are focused on our jobs as gatekeepers of the country,” said the Immigration Officers Association of the Philippines in a press statement.
IOAP president German Robin said his group fully support the investigation conducted by the Senate and the NBI into the racket.
However, Robin said his group is duty bound to extend legal assistance to members implicated in the racket as well as morale support to Chiong.
“We don’t denounce Chiong for his actions, instead we welcome the investigation as we believed that a big majority of our members are honest and dedicated to their jobs,” Robin added.