Senate panel to subpoena former, current BI execs in ‘pastillas’ scheme

The Senate panel is set to subpoena former and current Immigration officials and officers allegedly involved in the ‘pastillas’ scheme identified by whistleblower Allison Chiong, Senator Risa Hontiveros said Thursday.

“Planong ipatawag ng aming komite sa susunod na hearing, among others, si dating BI deputy commissioner Red Mariñas upang bigyan ng dagdag na linaw at ang kanyang statement dun sa mga seryosong issue na dininig,” Hontiveros said after the hearing.

“Babalikan ko ‘yung lahat ng  sinulat kong pangalan at a good number of those ay aming iimbitahan under the principle of command responsibility just to get to the bottom of this. Ilang taon na tayong nakakarinig, palit-ulit ang ganitong mga problema, mga operation or schema sa loob ng BI,” she added.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Philippines offshore gaming operations, Chiong said former Travel Control Enforcement Unit (TCEU) chief namely Bien Guevarra, Glenn Comia, and Den Binsol, who were then under former Ports Operation Division chief Mariñas, were allegedly involved in the scheme.

He said other groups also involved were headed by different personalities within the BI such as Totoy Magbuhos, Deon Albao alias Nancy, Paul Borja alias Lisa, Anthony Lopez alias AL, and Dennis Robles alias DR.

“Ilang beses na ring naibalitang dinisiplina, inimbestigahan and yet paulit-ulit ang problemang ito. The Senate commitee wil do our part na mag-contribute sa mas lasting naman na solusyon dito,” Hontiveros said.

The senator said Chiong will be accepted at the Witness Protection Program and Senate President Vicente Sotto III has approved his immunity from suit.

“Tatanggapin na in a few minutes ng Department  of Justice si Mr. Chiong sa kanilang WPP,” she said.

“Inauthorize ni Senate President Sotto na ang aming witness ay may immunity from suit sa mga ebidensiyang iniharap niya sa aming  komite na dumidinig nitong POGO-related prostitution and other crimes in aid of legislation,” she added.