Immigration Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco on Monday, Jan. 8, expressed hopes for the enactment of a new law that would modernize the operations of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and upgrade the salaries of its personnel.

Tansingco said the proposed BI Modernization Act has been passed by the House of Representatives and will be deliberate on by the Senate.

“The passage of the new law is another step forward towards the President Marcos’ vision of Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.  

“We are thankful because many lawmakers have expressed their support and have seen the urgent need to modernize the BI,” he also said. 

In a statement, the BI said the proposed law is meant to update the 84-year-old Commonwealth Act No. 613, the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.

“Apart from updates on visa types and penalties, the new law ensures the income augmentation for the salaries of BI employees,” it said. 

Tansingco welcomed the provisions in the proposed law that will greatly benefit employees that are stuck with low salaries and would allow the agency to recruit fresh graduates from good schools to join government service.

He said the proposed modernization measures will also “authorize the BI to utilize its income to acquire advanced tools and technologies.”

“This will enable the BI to operate more efficiently and effectively in fulfilling its vital role in national security,” he also said. 

“By enhancing its infrastructure and embracing state-of-the-art systems, the Bureau will be more capable of detecting and thwarting illicit activities, such as human trafficking, illegal cross-border operations, and other threats related to the borders,” he added.