Amid reports of fugitives hiding and of foreigners engaging in criminal activities in the country, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has given newly appointed Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco his marching order upon their meeting for the first time this week.
According to Department of Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano, Remulla told the new chief of the Bureau of Immigration to focus on three things, namely, protecting the country's sovereignty; provide effective and efficient service; and stop all shenanigans at the bureau.
In helping protect the country's sovereignty, Remulla said the BI should transform into a forward-looking institution that is free from controversies related to the performance of its personnel.
The DoJ chief, according to Clavano, also emphasized to Tansingco that the BI provides the first contact by the government for those entering the country, thus its personnel must always be at their best.
The BI should also strive to be free from corruption and red tape, Remulla told Tangsingco.
"Furthermore, the Secretary wished the new commissioner well in his new endeavor and asked for transparency and a responsible leadership," Clavano said.
It may be recalled that a number of senators scored reports of Chinese nationals being kidnapped in the country by their own countrymen over online gambling. Of late, a video surfaced of two Chinese being killed by their compatriots in a shooting and stabbing incident inside a condominium unit.
Tansingco was named by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. as the new BI commissioner weeks back. He replaced officer-in-charge Rogelio Gevero Jr., who was appointed by Remulla last month.
Aside from the BI, the DoJ also oversees the Bureau of Corrections and the National Bureau of Investigation, as well as government prosecutors and public defenders.
Tansingco worked at BI from July 2007 to January 2017, including as chief of staff of former Commissioner Marcelino Libanan during the term of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Prior to his appointment, Tansingco was technical assistant for operations under the Office of the Commissioner and attorney III of the BI Board of Special Inquiry.
Tansingco, a certified public accountant, was admitted to the Philippine bar in 1991.
The BI is tasked to ensure that all foreigners in the country comply with existing laws. It also acts as the chief repository of all immigration records pertaining to entry, temporary sojourn, admission, residence and departure of all foreigners in the country.
