Ombudsman suspends 45 BI execs over ‘pastillas scheme’
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has placed 45 Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials on preventive suspension in connection with the so-called “Pastillas scheme,” which has rocked the agency.
According to an order signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires dated Monday but was released on Tuesday, the suspension would last for six months and would be without pay.
“Whereas, in consonance with Section 9 of the Administrative Order No. 17 amending Rule III of Administrative Order No. 07, respondents […] are hereby placed under preventive suspension for a period of six months without pay,” Martires said in the order.
The following BI officials are included in the Ombudsman’s order:
- Erwin Ortañez
- Grifton S.P. Medina
- Glenn F. Comia
- Benlado Guevarra
- Danieve H. Binsol
- Deon C. Albao
- Arlan Edward D. Mendoza
- Anthony D. Lopez
- Cecille Jonathan Orozco
- Dennis Robles
- Bradford Allen So
- Vincent Bryan Allas
- Rodolfo I. Magbuhos Jr.
- German T. Robin
- Gabriel M. Estacio
- Ralph Ryan Garcia
- Ralph M. Garcia
- Phol B. Villanueva
- Abdul Fahad G. Calaca
- Danilo C. Deudor
- Mark D. Macababad
- Aurelio S. Lucero
- George Bituin
- Salahudin P. Hadjinoor
- Cherry Pie P. Ricolcol
- Chevy Chase R. Naniong
- Carl Jordan C. Perez
- Abdulhafez Hadji Basher
- Jeffrey Dale S. Ignacio
- Juan Carlo S. Gomez
- Clint John Q. Simene
- Jhayson B. Abelda
- Asliyah A. Maruhom
- Jan Christian D. De Villa
- Jessica Anne Salvador
- Jennifer Timbreza
- Robern Michael Sarmiento
- Maria Victoria Jogno
- Catherine S. Mendoza
- Lorenz Arlei Bontia
- Paul Borja
- Hamza U. Pacasum
- Manuel B. Sarmiento
- Fidel Mendoza
- Dimple Mayumi R. Mallari
The pastillas scheme was a way BI officials are bribed in exchange for allowing easy access of Chinese nationals to the country. The scheme got its name from bribes being placed in paper sheets — just like how pastillas delicacies are wrapped. [ac]
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