DOJ head Remulla warns BI ‘corrupt elements’: Don’t profit from POGO ban

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday warned the “corrupt elements” within the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to not take advantage of foreign workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who are set to leave the country.

“Pra-prangkahin ko kayo, ‘no, ‘wag sana sila mag iisip — maraming elements within the BI — na gagawa pa sila ng pera. Palabas na… ‘yung mga Chinese. Palabas na itong mga tao, peperahan pa rin,” Remulla said in a media briefing.

(I will be frank with you, I hope they don't think — there are many elements within the BI — to make a profit from this. These Chinese workers are leaving. These people are leaving, and they will make money from this.)

“Alam naman natin ano ito, eh, palabigasan ito na maraming corrupt elements within the BI. Huwag na nilang isipin ‘yon. Let’s help the President wrap up this problem,” he added.

(We already know this. There are many corrupt elements within the Bureau of Immigration. They should not even consider this. Let's help the President wrap up this problem.)

During his third State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs in the country. He instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to cease all operations of POGOs by the end of the year.

According to the BI, around 20,000 foreigners working in POGOs are expected to leave the country following the nationwide ban.

Meanwhile, the BI said POGO and internet gambling licensee (IGL) companies will be given 60 days to exit the Philippines.

Further, the Justice secretary said the DOJ will clarify with the BI on what rules should be implemented regarding the deportation of foreign workers.

Remulla said the DOJ will conduct a high-level meeting with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the BI on the steps the government will undertake in implementing the POGO ban.

“(The Bureau of Immigration) gave an order without consulting us kaya sinama namin sila sa high level meeting. They cannot act independently on this,” Remulla said.—RF, GMA Integrated News