Immigration no authority to stop Ramgen’s sister from leaving Philippines — Palace spokesman

Secretary Edwin Lacierda INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has no authority to prevent Ramona Bautista, one of the suspects in the killing of her brother Ramgen, from leaving the country on Friday night, Malacanang said on Saturday.

Secretary Edwin Lacierda, President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesman, made the remark when asked why Ramona who was the subject of a PNP complaint for Ramgen’s murder was able to slip out while former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was having a difficult time getting permission to go abroad for medical treatment.

“The difference is that former President Arroyo is in the watchlist order. With Ramona, the Bureau of Immigration has no hold departure order, no watchlist order on Ramona,” Lacierda said on radio.

“Immigration had no authrity to prevent Ramona from leaving the country,” he added.