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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI justifies designation of official earlier dismissed but later cleared in 'pastillas' scheme at airports

BI justifies designation of official earlier dismissed but later cleared in 'pastillas' scheme at airports

Published Sep 8, 2024 08:53 am

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday, Sept. 8, defended the designation of one of its officials who was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) but was cleared by the Court of Appeals (CA) for his alleged involvement in the "pastillas" scheme at the airports.

The "pastillas"  scheme involved immigration personnel escorting foreigners at the airports in exchange for bribe money that is handed in white wrapper to make it look like the popular native delicacy called "pastillas."

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that Vincent Bryan Allas has been designated head of the BI's Boarder Control and Intelligence Unit (BCIU) after the CA cleared the latter of his alleged involvement in the "pastillas" scheme.

Tansingco responded to the concerns earlier raised by Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Allas' designation.

“The Bureau is closely monitoring all appointments to ensure that our standards of accountability are upheld,” he said. 

“The Bureau of Immigration continues to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in its operations,” he assured. 

“While we recognize the gravity of the past incidents, it is equally important to recognize that individuals are entitled to due process and given that his case was dismissed by the CA, he remains eligible to be given positions of responsibility in the Bureau,” he pointed out.

Tansingco said that since Allas' designation as head of BCIU, "he has been performing his duties to the Bureau’s expectations and has demonstrated improvements in the performance of the BCIU.” 

 

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Bureau of Immigration
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