The Bureau of Immigration (BI) emphasized on Tuesday the importance of the passing of the House Bill (HB) that will further digitize and enhance their service.

In a public briefing, BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac expressed his appreciation to the House of Representatives for passing HB No. 8203, or also known as the proposed BI Modernization Act.

Mabulac said that it is time to change the existing Immigration law they had been using since the 1940s.

“Lumang luma na hindi na angkop sa pangangailan at sa mode of transportation sa panahon ngayon,” he said

According to the BI Deputy Spokesperson, the bill is important in order for the Immigration to finally adapt to the modern technology that is in line with the Marcos administration’s plan of digitalization.

“Para mas mapabilis po natin ang pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan at kliyente na within the realm of immigration,” he added.

He also stated the new law will meet the requirements of giving immigration personnel the designation positions and certainty follow their new career path, and at the same time will lessen human intervention as well as limit the possibility of corruption.

On May 29, the HB No. 8203 was approved with a 287 votes that will allow the Bureau of Immigration to pursue the agency's modernization.

Written by Stephanie Anne Santos, DZRH News Online Intern