BI head ‘wished’ to stay on ‘daang matuwid’

The reputation of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the gatekeeper of the nation, has, since its foundation, been tarnished by anomalous acts and controversies. But thanks to the present administration of President Aquino, the bureau has introduced remarkable reforms to slowly rebuild and reconstruct its image and honor.

I started to work with the bureau during the term of Commissioner Ricardo A. David Jr. His relentless efforts to lead his subordinates to follow the President’s path of “tuwid na daan” impressed me. Under his leadership, initiatives were made to cleanse the bureau of corrupt officials, cut red tape, and enhance the travel system at our international ports for the convenience of passengers. During his term, he ensured that fees due government were collected and remitted, thus boosting revenue targets.

Most importantly, he also pushed for the hiring and training of a new breed of immigration officers to address the needs of new and existing international ports of entry and exit, as well as to provide an efficient, professional service to the growing number of  passengers. All these were part of the administration’s drive toward good governance and transformational change.

The series of unfortunate events and controversies that befell the bureau didn’t stop Commissioner David from enforcing policies aimed at strengthening the organization, particularly its anticorruption campaign. David bravely faced the pressing issues and concerns coming from different agencies and the public. Despite all these, I strongly believe that it was the lack of support and trust that prompted him—a man of outstanding character, remarkable values and exceptional work ethic—to resign his post.

Through this letter, I just wish to express my full support to former Commissioner David, who became truly instrumental in transforming the Bureau of Immigration to what it is today. I do hope that his successor will continue to strive for excellence and stay true to the President’s path of “tuwid na daan.”

—MONICA E. ANDAYA,

immigration officer I,
monicaandaya@gmail.com