Reso to probe alleged corruption at BI filed in Senate

A resolution to conduct an inquiry into alleged corruption in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has been filed in the Senate.

Senator Imee Marcos filed Senate Resolution 1355 on Thursday seeking an investigation into the alleged irregularities, particularly regarding the process of extending the tourist visas of foreigners.

“Reports and complaints have surfaced from national and other stakeholders alleging corrupt practices, inefficiency, and irregularities committed by BI personnel, specifically in the processing of tourist visa extensions,” the resolution read.

Among these, said Marcos, is a “price menu” of P15,000 to P70,000 to foreign tourists, depending on how long they will stay in the Philippines.

“Hindi puwedeng ginagawa nilang negosyo ang serbisyong para sa mga dayuhan. Nasisira ang tiwala sa ating pamahalaan at pati ang imahe ng Pilipinas bilang destinasyon para sa mga turista,” Marcos said in a statement.

(They should not make this service for foreigners a business. Trust in our government is being ruined as well as the image of the Philippines as a tourist destination.)

“Kailangan nang busisiin ang mga iregularidad, panagutin ang mga sangkot, at magsulong ng mga batas upang matiyak na tapat, mabilis, at makatao ang serbisyo ng Bureau of Immigration,” she added.

(The irregularities should be scrutinized, hold those involved accountable, and amend laws to ensure that the services of the Bureau of Immigration are honest, prompt, and humane.) — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News