BONG GO ADVOCATES FOR BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION MODERNIZATION TO COMBAT CORRUPTION AND ENHANCE NATIONAL SECURITY

On Wednesday, September 18, during a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go advocated for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1185, which he authored. The proposed Bureau of Immigration (BI) Modernization Act, according to Go, is critical for updating the operations and systems of the BI to better tackle contemporary challenges and bolster national security.

In his manifestation speech, Go underscored the importance of equipping institutions to face modern-day challenges and security threats.

“As we continue to address the growing needs of our institutions and ensure that they are well-equipped to face modern-day challenges, it is incumbent upon us to provide for proactive measures that will enable our institutions to exert a more responsive, efficient, and effective governance in fulfilling their mandates,” he stated.

Highlighting the critical role of the BI, he noted, the Bureau of Immigration serves as the primary enforcement arm of the government in ensuring that all foreigners within the Philippines’ territorial jurisdiction comply with existing laws. It is principally responsible for the administration and enforcement of immigration, citizenship, alien admission, and other laws.

With this, Go stressed the necessity of updating the outdated legal framework governing the bureau.

“One of the primary reasons why we should modernize the Bureau of Immigration is the age of the law on which it derives its mandate. Commonwealth Act of 1940 is more than 80 years old at this point. The old law provides for outdated mechanisms, adversely affecting the efficiency of the Bureau of Immigration to provide quality service,” he explained.

“I believe that it is high time that we update and modernize the country’s immigration systems and policies to enable the Bureau to address ever-evolving challenges,” affirmed Go.

Emphasizing the need to stay ahead of various threats, he remarked, “Habang patuloy na nagbabago ang anyo at diskarte ng mga dayuhang may masamang balak na manamantala sa ating mga mamamayan, dapat ay unahan ng gobyerno ang mga pagbabagong ito upang mas maprotektahan ang Pilipino laban sa terorismo at iba pang krimen na dinadala sa ating bansa.”

Go also pointed out that improving the compensation of BI personnel is a key step in preventing corruption within the agency.

“Ito importante rin po ito, mas maiwasan po ang korapsyon kung mabibigyan sila ng maayos na kompensasyon, yung kanilang salary grade, at mataasan po ang kanilang suweldo. ‘Yan po ay isang paraan para maiwasan, matigil ang korapsyon sa Bureau of Immigration,” he said.

If passed into law, the BI will undergo a reorganization to enhance efficiency and professionalism. The Bureau will be administered by a Board of Commissioners, consisting of a Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners, who are tasked with formulating immigration policies, issuing and revoking visas, and adjudicating deportation cases.

The Act defines a wide array of non-immigrant visa categories, including temporary visitors for business or pleasure, transit passengers, crew members, treaty traders and investors, accredited foreign government officials, students, prearranged employees, religious workers, media personnel, exchange visitors, refugees, and stateless persons.

It also outlines provisions for quota and non-quota immigrants, prioritizing those who can contribute substantially to the national economy, and cultural, or educational interests.

The Act establishes stricter grounds for exclusion and deportation, such as health concerns, potential economic burdens, moral turpitude, and security threats. It also enhances penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment for severe offenses.

To promote inter-agency cooperation, the BI will work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Commission on Higher Education, and law enforcement agencies. Part of the revenue collected from immigration fees and fines will be allocated to modernizing immigration facilities and improving employee benefits, including upgraded salaries and enhanced training programs.

On the same hearing, Go also championed SBN 1186, aiming to create additional divisions in the Court of Appeals to alleviate the caseload pressures currently burdening the judiciary.

Concluding his remarks, Go highlighted the broader impact of modernizing the BI. “By modernizing the Bureau of Immigration and expanding the capacity of the Court of Appeals, we are reinforcing the foundation of governance and justice system in the country,” he stated.