BI chief denies corruption allegation, vows to unmask accusers

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado. (Photo: PIO Palawan/Facebook)

MANILA – Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado on Monday denied allegations of corruption reportedly hurled against him by several employees of the bureau.

“For the record, I unequivocally state that all the allegations contained in the alleged ‘white paper’ are patently false,” Viado said in a statement, in reaction to the reported June 2, 2025 letter sent by BI employees to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The letter, according to reports, accuses Viado of committing illegalities in handling cases involving illegal foreign workers and Philippine offshore gaming operators.

Viado said the letter was “obviously the handiwork of shadowy characters hiding beneath the mask of ‘concerned employees’.”

“For the information of our media partners, we have already identified the parties behind this orchestrated and well-funded campaign aimed at shoving the agency into negative limelight once again,” Viado said.

“We shall expose these parties at the appropriate time and venue.”

Without mentioning any name, Viado said a senior BI official pretending to be a whistleblower and who once tried to pressure the Office of the Commissioner to release a Chinese national linked to a powerful political figure from the previous administration could be behind the smear campaign.

“I was also told that my rejection of the plea by this person to release the said Chinese national may have fueled the smear campaign,” he said.

Viado added those behind the campaign may be receiving assistance from “a handful of employees” who have been subjected to the bureau’s “one-strike policy.”

The BI chief said the bureau is ready to support any investigation that may arise from the allegations.

“Should any pertinent agency of the national government decide to look into the supposed ‘allegations,’ I reiterate the commitment of the Bureau to lend its fullest support,” he said, adding that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is aware of these developments as well as the identities and motives of those behind the smear campaign.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) defended its oversight of the BI amidst the allegations against Viado.

In an interview with reporters, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the department has continuously directed the BI to carry out President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instructions.

“The public can be assured that the DOJ has constantly given guidance and orders to the Bureau of Immigration to follow the President’s directive — not only in his words but as well to the spirit behind the directive,” Clavano said.

The DOJ spokesperson also warned against using the political situation for personal gain.

“Let us not use the political climate to further personal agenda,” he said.