BI dismisses corruption claims

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) chief on Monday dismissed allegations of corruption and misconduct from anonymous employees, adding the accusations were “orchestrated” and part of a “well-funded campaign” to discredit ongoing reforms within the bureau.

Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado, in a statement, affirmed the BI’s commitment to cooperate fully with any national government agency that chooses to investigate the allegations.

The dismissal of the “white paper” follows earlier reports where anonymous BI employees had reportedly approached President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., alleging Mr. Viado had abused his authority by expediting the release of foreign nationals linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and negotiating the release of foreign workers from a notorious POGO company.

There were also claims that quota visas were being auctioned off under his leadership, on top of issues raised regarding Mr. Viado’s work ethic and alleged violations related to attending meetings concerning the bureau’s e-gates project.

Mr. Marcos last year totally banned all POGOs due to rising illicit activities tied to them, such as trafficking and scamming.��

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro has not yet responded to a Viber chat seeking comment.

Mr. Viado said the BI has identified the parties responsible for what he calls a “smear campaign,” vowing to “expose these parties at the appropriate time and venue.”

He confirmed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla is aware of these developments, including the identities and motives of those behind the alleged campaign.

According to Mr. Viado, the bureau had been warned of potential retaliation from “vested interests whose erstwhile prolific underground operations at the BI have been thwarted and halted by our ongoing reforms.”

He also noted that a “handful of employees” subjected to the BI’s “one-strike policy” are believed to be collaborating with these parties.

The commissioner specifically highlighted a senior BI official, now “pretending to be a whistleblower,” who allegedly attempted to pressure his office into releasing a Chinese national with ties to a “powerful political figure from the previous administration.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana