More than 100 immigration personnel hired under contractual and job order schemes are likely to lose their jobs after sacked Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco failed to sign their job contracts, which were supposed to be extended until this year.
Deputy Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, who was named as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the BI following the termination of Tansingco, has yet to respond to this concern as he was conducting meetings and consultations with top immigration officers.
However, the BI assured that all transactions and services will continue unhampered despite the sudden change of leadership in the bureau.
The BI said that sufficient manpower will be available in all ports to address the influx of passengers.
With the dismissal of Tansingco, a group inside the commissioner’s office allegedly engaged in illicit transactions such as lifting of blacklists, issuance of working visas, visa extension, bail bond and quota visa, were still operating even without the approval of the new BI head.
In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla likewise assured the public that the services of the immigration bureau will remain uninterrupted and consistent regardless of any transition in leadership.
Tansingco did not show up at his office the following working day, Sept. 10, after the announcement of his dismissal.
Viado’s new position will take effect immediately until a new Commissioner is appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
