BI deputy commissioner named acting chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) named Joel Anthony Viado as officer in charge of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday, a day after President Marcos ordered the dismissal of Norman Tansingco over his “shortcomings as a leader.”

“It is essential that we assure our people that the services of our immigration bureau will remain uninterrupted and consistent regardless of any transition in leadership. Hence, I entrust the stewardship of the bureau to Deputy Commissioner Viado, who I believe is best fit for the position,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement. The BI is under the supervision of DOJ.

READ: BI chief Tansingco not yet ‘officially informed’ about his dismissal

The designation of Viado, who was appointed BI deputy commissioner in 2023, will take effect immediately until Marcos appoints a new commissioner.

Remulla said he recommended Tansingco’s dismissal due to a series of lapses—from the BI’s inaction on visas issued to fake corporations to the undetected escape of Guo—that left him “unsatisfied” with the BI official’s performance.

Remulla had initiated an investigation of the BI’s reported issuance of thousands of prearranged employment visas to foreigners supposedly hired by more than 500 local companies that turned out to be fake.

Remulla said he called Tansingco’s attention to it “but he did not do anything.”

The final blow to their working relationship was Guo’s escape, he added.