Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado reiterated his support for the passage of a new immigration law to replace the country’s 84-year-old Philippine Immigration Act.
In a statement, Viado described the current law as “outdated “and “an obstacle” to the agency’s modernization efforts.
The new law, he added, would simplify immigration processes while enhancing border security and improving immigration policy governance.
“The Bureau is fully supportive of the President’s initiative to prioritize a new immigration law, which will enhance our operations and allow us to serve the public more effectively,” the BI chief said.
Viado also emphasized the need to combat corruption within the bureau through the automation of key processes.
“We will take advantage of the aggressive thrust of the national government in terms of ICT,” said Viado.IMT