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Guevarra hopes BI modernization will address agency's corruption woes

Philippines | National

Guevarra hopes BI modernization will address agency's corruption woes

By Jeffrey Damicog

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday, Nov. 11, expressed hope that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) modernization bill will address the government agencies corruption woes.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)

“Ang unang epekto niya (It’s first effect) would be to improve the compensation package kasi napaka baba ng salary grade under the existing law (because the salary of personnel is very low in the existing law),” he explained during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay with Marichu Villanueva.

“Kaya nakaka-tempt gumawa ng extra income by some rackets (This is the reason why they are tempted to make some extra income through rackets),” Guevarra pointed out.

On the other hand, the secretary does not believe that the BI has become undermanned following the suspension of its officials and personnel facing criminal complaints over allegations of their involvement in the “pastillas” money-making racket.

Just last Monday night, Nov. 9, President Duterte confronted and gave money in pastillas wrappers to 40 suspended BI personnel who were tagged in the racket.

“Madaming regional airports and terminals ang hindi very active, I mean the because of the restrictions on travel (There are many regional airports and terminals that are not very active because of travel restrictions),” Guevarra said.

“So madaming available manpower not only in the Metro Manila area but also in the regional offices of the BI,” he pointed out.

Because of this, Guevarra explained the BI can “authorize the transfer or reassignment of some of these BI personnel in the field to the major airports or even sa head office if necessary.”

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