Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has expressed his support to newly appointed Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco who was ordered to rid the agency of corruption and red tape.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said on Friday, Sept. 16, that Remulla’s support was conveyed during the secretary’s first meeting with Tansingco on Thursday, Sept. 15.
Clavano said that during the meeting, “the Secretary wished the new commissioner well in his new endeavor and asked for his transparency and responsible leadership.”
He said Secretary Remulla also gave marching orders to Tansingco to rid BI of the “evil practices that have hounded the bureau with much issues and controversies.”
Tansingco was also told “to make a priority protecting the credibility and the forward-looking attitude of the new administration -- free from any controversy and issues,” he said.
The new commissioner was also advised to create “a new legacy founded on effective and efficient service,” Clavano said.
“The Secretary reminded Commissioner Tansingco that the Bureau of Immigration is the first government contact upon entering the country. Thus, it is important to always have the best foot forward,” he added.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles confirmed last Monday, Sept. 12, that Tansingco, who is a lawyer, has been picked by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to head the BI which is under the DOJ.
Prior to Tansingco’s appointment, Remulla designated BI Immigration Regulation Division Chief Rogelio D. Gevero as BI officer-in-charge.
Gevero temporarily took over from former BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente, a retired police director who was appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the bureau in 2016.