Bureau of Immigration Reforms Under Fire Amid Smear Campaign
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado firmly pledged to continue advocating for reforms in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) despite ongoing smear campaigns targeting him. He declared, “If the price of reform is to be the target of black propaganda, then so be it.” This statement was issued on Monday, June 9.
Viado responded directly to corruption allegations presented in a so-called “white paper” reportedly from concerned BI employees and allegedly delivered to Malacañang. He categorically denied all accusations, saying, “For the record, I unequivocally state that all the allegations contained in the alleged ‘white paper’ are patently false.”
He further emphasized the BI’s readiness to cooperate fully with any government agency that may investigate these claims. “Should any pertinent agency of the national government decide to look into the supposed ‘allegations,’ I reiterate the commitment of the Bureau to lend its fullest support. This is the same commitment I have extended to the Committee of Senator Imee Marcos,” Viado affirmed.
Commitment to Transparency and Justice
Viado vowed to reveal those orchestrating the smear campaign against him. “I warn these parties in turn that they shall be exposed in due time,” he said. He underscored the public’s right to know the truth, explaining, “The public deserves the truth and the truth will stand.” According to him, the parties behind this well-funded and coordinated effort to tarnish the agency’s image have already been identified, and they will be exposed at the proper time and venue.
In addition, Viado disclosed he has informed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla about the situation, including the identities and motivations of those behind the campaign. He shared that warnings were given about potential retaliation from vested interests whose previously thriving underground operations at the BI have been disrupted by ongoing reforms.
Alleged Whistleblower and Inside Collaboration
Viado also mentioned a senior BI official who is now acting as a whistleblower and allegedly pressured the Office of the Commissioner to release a Chinese national connected to a powerful political figure from the previous administration. He suspects this person may be behind the smear campaign, stating, “My rejection of the plea by this person to release the said Chinese national may have fueled the smear campaign.”
Furthermore, Viado noted that a small group of employees, who faced consequences under the BI’s strict ‘one-strike policy,’ are collaborating with these parties.
Details of the Accusations
A news report cited a letter addressed anonymously to President Marcos by BI employees accusing Viado of corruption. The letter alleged that Viado issued a release order for three influential figures connected to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub located at the RiRance Building in Tambo, Parañaque City. The individuals named were Wang Qixin, Chen Jiangsong, and Luo Shangfen.
The letter also claimed that Viado halted the transfer of 39 foreign nationals caught working illegally in Udenna Tower, Taguig City, to the BI detention facility. Instead, these individuals were confined in the BI’s conference room and were reportedly allowed to post bail soon. The letter mentioned that BI Board of Special Inquiry Chairman Gilbert Repizo publicly questioned this special treatment via Facebook.
Additional allegations included Viado’s supposed negotiation for the release of 114 foreign workers of the POGO Asian Gaming Technology after their arrest by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in March.
Lastly, the letter accused Viado of auctioning quota visas granting permanent residency to select foreign nationals, a claim he strongly denies.
Despite these serious accusations, Viado remains steadfast in his mission to reform the Bureau of Immigration and promises to bring the truth to light.
For more news and updates on Bureau of Immigration reforms, visit Filipinokami.com.