Hontiveros urges BI to clean up ranks amid visa scandal
MANILA, Philippines — Deputy Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros told the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to “clean up its ranks” following the alleged issuance of employment visas to foreigners supposedly working for fake companies.
In a statement on Wednesday, Hontiveros recalled that this was not the first time BI had been involved in such controversy.
“Mag-aapat na taon na mula noong unang naisiwalat ang pastillas scam sa BI. Why does it seem like nothing has changed? Kailan pa ba tuluyang maaayos ang BI? Ilang Senate hearings pa ang kailangan? It is disappointing that the agency is front and center of this issue once again,” said Hontiveros.
(It has been four years since the pastillas scam was first disclosed in BI. Why does it seem like nothing has changed? When will BI finally be fixed? How many more Senate hearings are needed? It is disappointing that the agency is again at the forefront and center of this issue.)
In 2020, Hontiveros exposed some corrupt BI personnel’s alleged involvement in the so-called “pastillas scam” — a scheme that supposedly allowed foreigners to enter the Philippines in exchange for bribes.
Hontiveros noted that the recent issuance of employment visas to aliens, if proven true, could be a national security risk.
READ: BI gave work visas to aliens in 500 fake firms – DOJ
“Hindi natin alam baka mga sindikato at kriminal na ang mga nakapasok sa bansa. We also have information that these work visas are what foreign nationals use to work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. Sisiyasatin namin ito sa susunod na hearing,” Hontiveros said.
(We don’t know whether those who have entered the country are syndicates and criminals. We also have information that these work visas are what foreign nationals use to work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. We will investigate this in the next hearing.)
READ: Senate seeks raps vs ‘pastillas’ scheme ‘bosses,’ others
The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier ordered an investigation into BI’s alleged involvement in the controversy.
Hontiveros, on the other hand, said the DOJ’s directive is a vital step to prevent “wonders” in the agency.
