By Jun Ramirez  Commissioner Jaime Morente of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has welcomed the graft and corruption investigation conducted separately by the Senate and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente
(ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) "We will cooperate with any impartial probe and lifestyle check conducted by authorities," Morente said. The BI chief was referring to the so-called "pastillas" scheme scandal at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Immigration officer (IO) and whistleblower Allison Chiong Chung told a Senate inquiry that many of his colleagues received payoffs from tour operators to facilitate the entry of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers and wanted criminals from China. READ MORE: BI official testifies at Senate, reveals inner workings of ‘pastillas’ scheme "I am sad and disappointed with the unauthorized activities of some IOs who continue to commit irregularities despite our determined efforts to get rid of the culture of corruption," Morente said. He said IOs implicated in the so-called "pastillas" racket had already been relieved and placed in the administrative holding office without any privilege. "We shall observe due process as we bring the accused to the court of justice. This incident should serve as a strong warning and reminder to others not to engage in any unethical practices," Morente stated. He added, "I call all on every member of the bureau to remain professional and focused on performing their  duties, protecting our borders and securing our gateways from the entry of undesirables." READ MORE: Panelo: PRRD relieves BI personnel involved in ‘pastillas’ scheme