Ex-Lanao Norte lawmaker assumes post as BI associate commissioner

MANILA, Philippines — A former Lanao del Norte congressman officially assumes his position as associate commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration on Monday.

Lawyer Abdullah Mangotara, 58, was appointed by President Aquino on May 12. He took his oath of office before Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on May 17 and paid a courtesy call on Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. the next day.

Mangotara will fill up one of two posts for associate commissioner in the BI which have remained vacant since November 2010. The Chief Executive has yet to appoint the other associate commissioner.

The new official is expected to address the officials and employees during the flag-raising ceremony at the bureau’s main office in Intramuros, Manila, Monday morning.

Mangotara will sit as a member of the three-man BI board of commissioners, which is chaired by David.

The board hears and deliberates on deportation cases and on visa applications of foreigners who wish to obtain residency in the Philippines.

David welcomed the appointment of Mangotara, saying the former solon’s expertise in formulating laws would greatly helped the bureau in pushing for the enacted of new immigration act.

A veteran member of the Liberal Party, Mangotara represented Lanao del Norte’s second district for two terms between 1998 and 2001.

Mangotara, a lawyer and businessman by profession, chaired at the House of Representatives several committees such agrarian reform, ways and means, and public works and highways.