‘Tanim-bala’ problem not on BI’s turf

This is in reference to the Inquirer’s Oct. 30 editorial cartoon by Gilbert Daroy, depicting a magician performing an act on a thing labeled “BI” with the thought of having a bullet come out of a hat, while an old lady watches.

The cartoon falsely attributes the alleged “tanim-bala” misdeed to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), thereby misleading readers into blaming the agency for the scam. It is difficult for us to believe that the cartoon was an honest mistake, because a reputable and leading newspaper such as the Inquirer is supposed to keep abreast of current events and issues—as the “tanim bala” is. Also, the “tanim-bala” stories the Inquirer ran last Oct. 5

and Sept. 25 cited another agency, not the BI.

The cartoon having been published and seen by the general public, we strongly suggest that the Inquirer take the necessary, appropriate action to disabuse readers of whatever misimpression the cartoon might have made in the public mind.

—ELAINE G. TAN, spokesperson, Bureau of Immigration

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Our apologies.—Ed.