The Department of Justice (DOJ) designated Joel Anthony Viado as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bureau of Immigration following the removal of Norman Tansingco as BI Commissioner.
"In the interest of the service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, Deputy Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado, is hereby designated as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bureau of Immigration," read the Department Order dated September 10 and signed by Justice Secretary Boying Remulla.
Viado will be granted the authority to perform the Bureau of Immigration's mandates along with his current duties and responsibilities.
The said designation will take effect immediately and shall remain in force until a new commissioner is appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
On Monday, President Marcos approved the dismissal of Tansingco as confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary.
Justice Secretary Boying Remulla previously stated that he had discussed the matter with President Marcos, who agreed to his recommendation to remove Tansingco from his position.
Among the reasons cited for his removal were Alice Guo’s illegal departure from the Philippines and the alleged issuance of visas to fraudulent corporations.
