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BI chief still faces trouble despite Duterte's character endorsement
President Rodrigo Duterte publicly vouches for Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente, expressing his trust despite ongoing corruption allegations against the agency.
Duterte stated his belief that Morente is not directly involved in the bribery scheme but acknowledged that the Commissioner was unable to prevent it.
The President confirmed he ordered the removal of BI officials and personnel involved in the "pastillas scheme," where Chinese nationals were escorted through immigration for a fee.
Senator Risa Hontiveros exposed the scheme, which allegedly involved fees for fast-tracking Chinese nationals working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs through immigration.
Despite Duterte's endorsement, Malacañang stated that Morente is not off the hook and his performance will be assessed in the next Cabinet meeting.
Morente initiated an investigation, leading to the relief of NAIA BI terminal heads based on command responsibility and the filing of cases against those involved.
The BI reported that 19 personnel have been relieved following the President's directive.
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President Duterte has decided to keep Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente in his post for now.
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President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the relief of 18 Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials and employees implicated in the "pastillas" bribery scheme.
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Bureau of Immigration (BI) chief Jaime Morente is subject to an investigation regarding the "pastillas" bribery scheme.
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Malacañang, through Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, stated that Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente will not escape charges if investigations reveal he committed lapses in stopping the "pastillas" scheme.
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Nineteen immigration personnel have been relieved from duty amid an investigation into an alleged "pastillas" racket, a scheme involving the escorting of Chinese nationals through immigration processes for a fee.
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