BI defers to Senate on corruption allegations

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado said he will not directly address allegations of misconduct in the handling of foreign nationals tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), but expressed support for the Senate investigation into the matter.

“I will not dignify the accusations by answering them point by point. I prefer instead to leave the matter in the hands of the Honorable Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to investigate all issues raised against the members of BI,” Viado said in a statement.

He added that BI staff have been directed to cooperate fully with the probe and are currently preparing documents for submission to the Senate, including those involving Chinese national Tony Yang and reports of alleged procedural lapses in the release of foreign nationals from detention.

The Senate inquiry follows Gatchalian’s filing of Senate Resolution 1381, which seeks to examine alleged irregularities in the BI’s deportation processes involving foreign nationals connected to POGO operations.

Earlier this month, a group of anonymous BI employees circulated a “white paper” accusing Viado of corruption. While Viado did not name the source, the document has since been attributed to BI Executive Chairman Gilberto Repizo.

“His act of identifying himself as the source of these allegations is one brave act, and provides a stark contrast the black propaganda initiated by anonymous parties using the discredited method of issuing “white papers” and hiding behind the mask of “concerned employees,””

He concluded by wishing Repizo well but warned of potential consequences if the claims remain unsubstantiated.

“The said official is a member of the bar and I am sure he understands fully the legal implications of his actions and their possible legal consequences,” he said.