Atty. Joel Anthony Viado officially assumes the role of Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner, following his previous designation as the agency's officer-in-charge (OIC) last month, and pledges to implement significant reforms.
As part of his reform initiatives, he advocates for a new immigration law to succeed the current Philippine Immigration Act, calling it outdated and a barrier to the agency’s modernization.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the new legislation would not only facilitate immigration procedures but also improve border security and enhance the oversight of immigration policies.
"The Bureau is fully supportive of the President’s initiative to prioritize a new immigration law, which will enhance our operations and allow us to serve the public more effectively," Viado said on Tuesday.
The new Commissioner also emphasized the importance of addressing corruption within the agency by automating key processes, as digital systems are a top priority under the current Administration.
He affirmed his commitment to working alongside the Department of Justice (DOJ) to drive enhancements within the agency.
Viado announced that his office will conduct a thorough review of the BI's current policies and procedures to pinpoint inefficiencies and eliminate redundancies.
His appointment fills the final seat on the three-member Bureau of Immigration (BI) Board of Commissioners, joining Deputy Commissioners Daniel Laogan and Aldwin Alegre.
Prior to his recent appointment, Viado held the position of Deputy Commissioner at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) since April 2023.
On September 9, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the removal of Norman Tansingco from his position as Bureau of Immigration Commissioner.
Among the reasons cited for his removal were Alice Guo's illegal exit from the Philippines and the alleged issuance of visas to fraudulent corporations.
On September 10, the DOJ designated Viado as OIC of the Immigration Bureau following the removal of Tansingco from his post.
