Marcos on corruption raps vs Viado: It’s white paper but we’ll look into it

Bureau of Immigration Building at Double Dragon Center, D. Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City (INQUIRER photo / NINO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said they are looking into the corruption allegations against Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

In an ambush interview at Malacañang, the president was asked if he had any instructions regarding the issue raised by anonymous employees of the Bureau of Immigration.

“Well, of course, we’re looking at it. But, you know, it’s hard to study it thoroughly if it’s just a white paper that’s unsigned and has no specifics,” Marcos responded.

“But nonetheless, everything like this, we look into it and we will continue to do that,” the chief executive told reporters.

In a letter dated June 2 and addressed to Marcos, employees of the bureau accused Viado of corruption and misconduct in handling cases involving the now-banned Philippine offshore gaming operators and the deportation of illegal foreign workers.

READ: BI employees report boss to Marcos

The employees said that these issues, if left unaddressed, “could lead to significant corruption problem, potentially tarnishing the image of the administration.”

READ: Remulla taps Viado as Bureau of Immigration OIC

Viado refuted these accusations on Monday through a statement.

“For the record, I unequivocally state that all the allegations contained in the alleged ‘white paper’ are patently false,” he said.

“For the information of our media partners, we have already identified the parties behind this orchestrated and well-funded campaign aimed at shoving the agency into negative limelight once again,” he also noted.

“We shall expose these parties at the appropriate time and venue,” Viado added./apl