By Jeffrey Damicog
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra believes the impending passage of the immigration modernization bill has caused an influx of applicants at the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra
(TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Marami nag-aapply sa (Many are applying at) Bureau of Immigration (BI),” said Guevarra.
Because of this, he noted the BI appointed around a thousand personnel which were assigned to various ports.
“Maybe people are anticipating that pretty soon the immigration modernization bill will be passed by Congress and that would improve the organization and compensation pattern of the BI substantially,” he said.
“Not to mention yung kanilang modern facilities na maa-acquire (the modern facilities it will acquire),” he added.
Even without the bill, the secretary said the BI has been engaged in modernization efforts including the setting up of e-gates.
“So many people have praised the Bureau of Immigration for that innovation…just swipe your passport unto the machine, dere-derecho ka na pagpasok (you enter straight) if you are a returning resident,” he said.
“And pretty soon e-gates will also be installed for outbound overseas Filipino workers,” he assured.