BI eyes maximizing use of AI, e-gates vs. ‘escort services’ scheme

To date, the BI has filed more than 100 cases with the justice department against erring immigration personnel. (File Photo: Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday cited the need to maximize the use of modern technologies to combat the “escort services” of erring immigration personnel.

“Ngayon manual pa rin tayo (We are still using the manual method). A passenger has to interact with an immigration officer to be processed. But with the upgrades we are implementing, our operations would involve e-gates and AI (artificial intelligence), which would remove unnecessary person-to-person contact,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.

Tansingco made the statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) warned against the resurgence of the “escort services” reportedly offered by BI personnel at airports for visitors who have problems with their travel documents.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier disclosed that the DOJ had received information that blacklisted persons could travel in and out of the country in exchange for PHP150,000.

“This has been a long problem of the bureau, and we are making significant strides to catch corrupt employees and prevent other personnel from being tempted to go the rouge path,” Tansingco said. “Corruption has no place in the BI. Together with the DOJ, and with the use of technologies, we will weed out corrupt personnel.”

He said the BI has already started the procurement of e-gates, intending to complete replacement of 50 percent of its manual operation by 2026.

To date, the BI has filed more than 100 cases with the justice department against erring immigration personnel.

This year, the cases of 73 BI personnel have been resolved, with some being suspended, while others were dismissed from office.