Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Thursday, July 25, hailed the decision of President Marcos to have the Immigration Modernization Law as one of the priority legislations.
“This law is crucial for enhancing our border security while promoting tourism and investment in the Philippines," Tansingco said in a statement.
He noted that the President listed the proposed law in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, July 22, as one of the priority measures aimed at driving economic growth, ensuring national security, and fostering good governance.
Tansingco explained the proposed law will replace Commonwealth Act No. 613, the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, that created the BI.
The proposed law is designed to update and streamline immigration policies, making them more responsive to current global standards and challenges, he said.
"The new law will equip the Bureau with the necessary tools and resources to address contemporary issues and ensure the safety and security of our nation," he also said.
“Updating our immigration law is crucial for us to effectively combat human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and other transnational crimes. It will also improve our services to both foreign visitors and our fellow Filipinos,” he added.