In the midst of ongoing external doubts about corruption within the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Director Joel Anthony Viado responded publicly for the first time on Wednesday, stating that he will fully cooperate with the investigation led by the Senate and promises to provide all necessary documents and evidence.
Viado emphasized in his statement that he has instructed all immigration personnel to actively assist the investigation initiated by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. He noted, "We are currently preparing all documents that may be helpful to the hearing, and encourage our staff to cooperate with the investigative team to demonstrate our transparency and accountability."
The controversy originated from Senate Resolution No. 1381 recently proposed by Gatchalian, which calls for a formal investigation into a series of anonymous reports of corrupt practices by immigration officials. These allegations include senior officials abusing power, implementing "special arrangements" for foreigners, and irregularly allowing entries, some of which have been submitted to the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., attracting significant political attention.
Despite curiosity about specific allegations, Viado chose to remain restrained. He stated that to avoid politicizing the issue, he would not respond to the allegations individually but would leave all suspicions to be adjudicated by the Senate investigative committee. "I believe that allowing the legislative branch to perform its supervisory role is the most appropriate way to handle this situation," he said.
It is noteworthy that Viado confirmed that the Bureau is organizing key case materials, including files related to Tony Yang, a high-risk individual from China. Yang is closely associated with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and his case has broad implications, receiving focused attention from law enforcement and Congress.
Additionally, the Bureau is also compiling records of foreigners who were "rapidly cleared without full scrutiny," which may reveal some immigration officials colluding with illegal intermediaries to profit others.
Viado revealed that since announcing full cooperation with the investigation, multiple government units have submitted new intelligence to the Bureau, some of which may involve internal personnel assisting in the illegal release of foreign nationals. He firmly stated, "Eliminating the bad elements within our system is an unavoidable responsibility."
This round of investigations is expected to be the most thorough and extensive examination of the Philippine immigration system in recent years, with high public interest in its progress. Viado calls on the public to actively provide information to help safeguard national border security and the spirit of the rule of law. He added, "Corruption cannot be tolerated, and we will not stand idly by."
