Immigration chief won’t quit despite uproar over Reyes brothers’ escape

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David

MANILA, Philippines–Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David ignored calls Tuesday that he resign in the wake of the reported escape of former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother Coron Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes with the aid of two immigration employees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

David said Tuesday that only President Benigno Aquino III and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima can tell him to resign.

“In my 38 years in the military service, I know very well that command responsibility does not apply to me in this case,” he said during the 72nd anniversary of the Bureau of Immigration.

The immigration chief issued the statement after text messages from anonymous sources were sent to members of media and BI employees over the weekend alleging that David had resigned.

The Reyes brothers sneaked out of the country last March with the help of two Immigration employees.

The bureau has already relieved from duty Wesley Gutierrez and Rodel Udarbe and are now being investigated for possible criminal and administrative liability.