MANILA, Philippines – Following President Marcos’ word that heads will roll with the controversial escape of ex-Bamban town Mayor Alice Guo last July, Justice Secretary Boying Remulla said he personally recommended to the President the termination of Commissioner Norman Tansingco as Immigration chief “in the midst of his shortcomings as a leader.”
In an interview on ANC’s “Headstart” with Karen Davila, Remulla expressed his disappointment in Tansingco for his supposed lack of action and failure to manage matters under his watch leading to various immigration concerns which have compromised national security for quite some time.
“I talked to him more than a month ago about my complaints about visas being issued to fake corporations and I told him to make sure these are canceled and these corporations are exposed properly but he never he never did anything,” he said.
“We haven’t really talked after that. I’ve completely lost trust or any confidence in him completely,” he said.
Remulla said the President was already informed about these issues hounding the BI and believes that axing Tansingco will open a new chapter for the country’s immigration system.
Replacing Tansingco is Deputy Commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony M. Viado as BI Officer-in-Charge.
Viado will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the bureau under the supervision of the Justice Secretary.
Viado’s designation will be effective immediately until a new Commissioner will be appointed by the President.
“It is essential that we assure our people that the services of our immigration bureau will remain uninterrupted and consistent regardless of any transition in leadership. Hence, I entrust the stewardship of the bureau to Deputy Commissioner Viado, who I believe is best fit for the position.” Sec Remulla said.
