BI backs probe of ‘white paper’

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for an investigation into allegations of corruption and misconduct against Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado that were detailed in an anonymous “white paper.”

Viado, in a statement, said that he acknowledged and welcomed the President’s directive to look into the claim raised in the white paper, stressing that he shared the position that “transparency, fairness, and due process are essential in addressing matters of public concern.”

“We trust that an impartial and comprehensive investigation will bring clarity, establish accountability where warranted, and ultimately strengthen the public’s trust in our institutions,” Viado said.

The white paper, dated 2 June, was reportedly written by Bureau of Immigration employees who accused BI officials of intervening in favor of three Chinese nationals allegedly connected to a raided POGO hub in Parañaque City. It claimed that Viado blocked their transfer to the BI Warden Facility in Bicutan and instead had them detained in the bureau’s main office.

On Tuesday, the President said the Palace was looking into the allegations but pointed out that it was difficult to act on a white paper that was unsigned and lacked details.

“But, nonetheless, we’re looking into it and we will continue to do that,” Marcos said.

Viado has dismissed the accusations as “patently false,” describing them as part of a smear campaign by a senior BI official whose request to have a certain Tony Yang released was denied.

In a statement on Tuesday, Viado said he was leaving it to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to take the appropriate action.

“I will not publicly name the party concerned. It is not in my nature to publicly embarrass others. Despite the vilification campaign being waged against me and the BI, I will not resort to the same squid tactics,” the immigration chief said.