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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros alarmed over BI's issuance of work visas to fake companies

Hontiveros alarmed over BI's issuance of work visas to fake companies

Published Jan 17, 2024 04:36 am

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, January 17 expressed concerns over the Bureau of Immigration’s alleged issuance of work visas to bogus corporations, which facilitated the entry of thousands of foreigners to the Philippines.

 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the BI to investigate its legal department over the reported issuance of work visas to alleged “fake” corporations and sole proprietorships.

 

According to the agency, the BI has given out thousands of pre-arranged employment visas, called 9G, to foreigners allegedly employed in fake local corporations. 

 

“This is a national security risk. Hindi natin alam baka mga sindikato at kriminal na ang mga nakapasok sa bansa (We do not know if they are syndicates or criminals that have entered the country),” Hontiveros said in a statement.

 

“We also have information that these work visas are what foreign nationals use to work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Sisiyasatin namin ito sa susunod na hearing (we will scrutinize this in the next hearing),” she said. 

 

Hontiveros had earlier led a series of hearings on the so-called “pastillas scam” where some immigration officials are reportedly involved in a bribery scheme to allow the entry of foreign nationals involved or employed in POGOs that are manned by Chinese nationals.

 

The senator has reiterated her call for the agency to do more to clean up its ranks. 

 

“Mag-aapat na taon na mula noong unang naisiwalat ang pastillas scam sa BI (It has been four years since we exposed the pastillas scam at the BI). Why does it seem like nothing has changed? Kailan pa ba tuluyang maaayos ang BI (When will the BI fully shape up)?” she pointed out. 

 

“Ilang Senate hearings pa ang kailangan (How many Senate hearings do we need to conduct? It is disappointing that the agency is front and center of this issue once again,” Hontiveros lamented.

 

Related Tags

POGO Risa Hontiveros Bureau of Immigration
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