Palace frowns on BI’s ‘pastillas’ scheme for POGO workers

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente on Monday already ordered the conduct of an investigation into the alleged money-making modus. (File Photo: Bureau of Immigration, Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the reported “pastillas” modus or the supposed money-making scheme by some Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel to facilitate the entry of Chinese workers in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo vowed that the Palace would look into the alleged scheme that gives Chinese nationals easy access into the country for a fee, once a formal complaint is lodged before the Office of the President (OP).

“Any violation, any transgression, any anomaly, the Palace frowns on it and will act on it if there are complaints formally filed before its office,” he said in a Palace press briefing.

During a Senate hearing held Monday, Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that Chinese nationals pay PHP10,000 as “service fee” or grease money to earn special treatment from BI officials when they enter the Philippines.

Hontiveros dubbed the unlawful act as “pastillas” scheme because the money would be hidden in rolled bond paper like the wrapper for the milk candy.

Panelo said the Palace cannot initiate a probe into the allegation unless a formal complaint or even a simple letter is lodged before the OP.

“Any complaint should be filed. Because unless you file a formal complaint, we will never know that there’s an anomaly. And even if these are being subject of talks in media, in columns, unless there is a complaint filed, we will never know. You have to submit proof so that we can do something about it,” he said.

Not turning a blind eye

Panelo also ensured that President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration was not turning a blind eye on the so-called “pastillas” scheme.

“The record of this administration speaks for itself. It never turns a blind eye on anything that concerns governance,” he said.

He stressed that Duterte could not take “reckless” action on any “rumor” that has not been validated.

“Right now, there is only an allegation. If there is an allegation, then, that must be proven,” Panelo said.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente on Monday already ordered the conduct of an investigation into the alleged money-making modus.

Morente created a fact-finding panel that will submit a report on the “pastillas” scheme within 15 days.

Panelo said POGO operations are still considered lawful unless results of the pending investigations prove otherwise.

“Well, if those will be proven, then there’s something wrong with the operation of the POGO. Then the government has something to do about it. Until such time, the presumption is they’re performing regular task in accordance with the law,” he said.

Panelo, however, reassured that there is “no sacred cow” in the government under Duterte’s leadership.

“There is no sacred cow in this government. (Duterte has repeatedly said), ‘If it’s against the interest of the people and general welfare, I’ll stop it.’ This is the kind of President we have,” he said.

Duterte still trusts Morente

Panelo said he was unaware if Duterte has already been briefed about the alleged bribery by some Immigration personnel.

Despite the allegations hurled against BI officials and employees, Morente still enjoys Duterte’s trust and confidence, Panelo said.

“Until he (Duterte) says otherwise, the assumption is he has confidence on him (Morente),” he said.

He, however, could not tell whether there is a need to summon Morente over issues hounding the BI.

“The Immigration commissioner is tasked to do his job. Meaning, apart from the usual governing of his own territory, he has to know if there is an anomaly in his territory and respond to it. It does not have to take the President to do the job for him,” Panelo said.