President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday disclosed that Malacañang is reviewing allegations of corruption within the Bureau of Immigration (BI), following an anonymous complaint reportedly submitted by personnel of the agency.
In an ambush interview at Malacañang, the President admitted that it is difficult to study a white paper that lacks a signature and sufficient details.
"Well, of course, we're looking at it. But, you know, mahirap mapag-aralan nang mabuti kung white paper na hindi napirmahan at saka walang specifics. But nonetheless, everything like this, we look into it, and we will continue to do that," said Marcos.
Malacañang has received a letter dated June 2 alleging that BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado mishandled cases involving Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and the deportation of illegal foreign workers.
Viado has denied the corruption allegations within the bureau, reiterating that the complaint is part of an “apparent vilification campaign” and describing it as an attempt by certain "aggrieved parties" to retaliate against him for requests he refused to grant.
He also disclosed that there was a request to release a Chinese national currently detained and facing charges linked to POGO operations in the country—a request he said he firmly denied.
Citing his personal principles, the bureau’s chief refrained from naming the individual or group involved, saying he does not wish to cause public embarrassment.
"Despite the vilification campaign now being waged against me and the BI, I will not resort to the same squid tactics," Viado said in a statement on Tuesday.
"What I can say for a fact is that the Secretary of Justice is fully apprised of this incident and that it will be up to him to take the appropriate action," he added.
