Marcos Jr approves BI chief’s dismissal over irregularities

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the dismissal of Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Monday, citing irregularities in the agency.

Tansingco expressed gratitude for his service under President Marcos and acknowledged the support from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla's office during his tenure, despite facing criticism over the unauthorized departure of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo.

Guo faces multiple criminal charges including graft, money laundering, human trafficking, and accusations of misrepresentation in obtaining her Filipino citizenship. She was arrested by Indonesian authorities on September 3 and returned to the Philippines early September 6.

The BI reported that Guo left the country illegally without proper immigration inspection on July 18 via Batik Air to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before continuing to Singapore and Riau, Indonesia.

Joel Anthony Viado has been designated as officer-in-charge of the BI by the Department of Justice following Tansingco's dismissal.