The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has made significant improvements under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte despite a number of difficulties, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said.
“It has been a very challenging 6 years, as we faced many issues, scandals, and adversities,” said Morente in a statement.
“But we soldiered on because we remained steadfast in our aim to improve the BI,” he added.
Among the improvements, he cited that in 2016 the BI attained ISO 9001:2008 certification for the entry and exit formalities at NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and was the first to be certified among the attached agencies of the Department of Justice.
Eventually, the BI successfully transitioned to the ISO 9001:2015 expanding the scope to include the extension of stay for Temporary Visitors’ Visa.
“This prestigious certification is a clear indication that the service that we offer is at par with international standards,” said Morente.
Because of the improved systems, Morente boasted that, prior the COVID-19 pandemic, the BI reported its highest income of P11.9 billion.
“I hope that in the coming years, the BI will continue its path towards improvement, as it moves towards its vision of providing the most excellent, efficient, effective, and innovative public service,” said Morente.
Meanwhile, Morente said has taken short and medium-term solutions to address the problem of corruption at the BI.
Among the measures, Morente said he has implemented continuous rotation of personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as well as assigned units to serve as auditing and the checks and balances of airport personnel.
The BI chief is also pushing for, as a long-term solution, the passing of the Philippine Immigration Act, which would answer salary woes, remove systemic issues, plug loopholes in policies, update fines and penalties, ensure proper division of power, and confer to the commissioner proper disciplinary powers.
