18 Immigration officers, employees dismissed over 'pastillas scheme'

Eighteen officers and employees of the Bureau of Immigration will be dismissed from office due to their involvement in the “pastillas scheme,” which allowed the illegal entry of Chinese citizens into the Philippines.

According to Justice Assistant Secretary Neal Bainto, the DOJ found the BI personnel administratively liable for Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect of Duty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service in relation to the scheme.

“The 18 respondents have been meted the penalty of Dismissal from the Service, with the imposition of the proper accessory penalties,” Bainto said in a message to reporters.

He said the penalty of dismissal also carries with it the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Those dismissed from service include Francis Dennis Robles, Glen Ford Comia, Rodolfo Magbuhos Jr., Deon Carlo Albao, Danieve Binsol, Paul Erik Borja, Abdul Fahad Calaca, Anthony Lopez, Gabriel Ernest Estacio, Chevy Chase Naniong, Danilo Deudor, Ralph Ryan Garcia, Phol Villanueva, Fidel Mendoza, Benlando Guevarra, Bradford Allen So, Cecille Jonathan Orozco, and Erwin Ortañez.

Under the scheme, Chinese nationals were allowed to enter the country without going through the appropriate Immigration formalities by paying P10,000.

The name "pastillas" came about because the bribe money was given in paper rolls that looked like the Philippine delicacy.

On Tuesday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges against 42 BI personnel who were allegedly involved in the scheme. —KBK, GMA News