BI ousts Tansingco, names Viado OIC

Joel Anthony Viado has been appointed as the officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) following the dismissal of Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

The dismissal of Tansingco was sought by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who accused him of inaction regarding alleged fake corporations issuing working visas that facilitated the entry of illegal gambling workers.

Remulla also implicated the BI in assisting the escape of Alice Guo and her alleged siblings.

Viado, a deputy commissioner, will serve as the interim head of the BI until President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appoints a permanent replacement.

The BI stated that Guo and her alleged sister departed the Philippines illegally, bypassing regular immigration inspections, and that their passports showed no Philippine stamps.

Guo was later apprehended in Indonesia and denied receiving assistance from immigration personnel or Filipino officials in her escape.

Tansingco had reportedly learned of Remulla's intent to replace him through media reports and had not received official notification.

Alice Guo is facing multiple charges including graft, money laundering, and human trafficking, along with accusations of fraudulent acquisition of Filipino citizenship.