BI chief still faces trouble despite Duterte's character endorsement

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente is not yet off the hook in connection with the “pastillas” bribery scheme even though President Rodrigo Duterte had vouched for his character, Malacañang said Friday.

Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo told reporters that the Cabinet will dicuss Morente’s performance in the next meeting.

Asked if Morente would still face possible sanctions should he be implicated in the bribery controversy, Panelo said, “Yes.”

“Everyone is not off the hook. He will be assessed [in regard to his performance],” Panelo said.

But the Palace offcial said Morente won't be summoned to the Cabinet meeting to explain the corruption allegations against the bureau.

“Siguro mag-aantay ng report si Presidente. Si Presidente ganun gumalaw eh, ‘pag may report pinapa-imbestigahan niya kaagad,” he added.

In a speech in Davao City last Thursday, Duterte said he had ordered the removal of BI officials and personnel linked to the “pastillas” scheme, which provides escorts to Chinese nationals undergoing immigration process in exchange for thousands of pesos (rolled up like the Filipino delicacy) in "service fees.

In vouching for Morente, Duterte pointed out that the commissioner's authority is “limited.”

Morente once served as police chief of Davao City where Duterte was mayor for two decades. —LBG, GMA News