MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday welcomed the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) filing of cases against 20 immigration personnel supposedly involved in an illegal protection racket for Chinese nationals, known as the “pastillas” scheme.
“BI welcomes the (NBI’s filing of) cases against BI personnel and they will be given the opportunity to defend themselves in the proper forum. We are one with the campaign of the government to get rid of corruption and make those erring personnel accountable before the court of law,” BI spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said in a text message.
On Tuesday, the NBI filed charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against BI personnel allegedly involved in the scheme where they facilitate the entry of Chinese nationals working in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, in exchange for PHP10,000 grease money.
The scheme was exposed by Senator Risa Hontiveros in a Senate hearing in February where it was revealed that the money was rolled in a white bond paper which looks like the packaging of “pastillas”, a local delicacy made of milk and sugar.
Meanwhile, Mabulac said Commissioner Jaime Morente has directed the BI National Operations Center to strengthen its monitoring in all international ports and extension offices.
He added that more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
All CCTV cameras at the NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 were 100-percent installed while installation at the NAIA Terminal 1 is ongoing.
“We encourage the public to help BI in the campaign against erring BI personnel by reporting thru our hotline 8465-2400 or email us and send to immigPH@gmail.com,” he added.