Marcos fires immigration chief

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco has been fired from his post, Malacañang said Monday, September 9.

In a text message to reporters, Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez said: “His dismissal has already been approved by the president,” confirming Tansingco’s relief as BI chief.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla earlier told reporters on Monday that Tansingco would be removed as immigration head.

“Well, I have asked the President to relieve him and to replace him [Tansingco]. I’m not satisfied. Marami kami naging problema na,” Remulla said. “Nagkasundo kami ng Pangulo. Papalitan siya. If I were him, I’d resign already. Mag-resign na lang siya.”

(We’ve had a lot of problems. The president and I have agreed. Tansingco will be replaced. If I were him, I’d resign already. He should resign.)

As justice secretary, Remulla’s oversees the immigration bureau.

After the arrest and deportation of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo last week, Remulla said he was no longer in communication with Tansingco. Remulla said the BI chief failed to promptly disclose the timing of Guo’s escape in the country. Another issue on the immigration arose when immigration personnel took a selfie (photograph) with Guo after the latter’s arrest.

“Malaking apology ang kailangan diyan. Kailangan diyan may reprimand talaga. Hindi pupuwedeng ganyan lang kasi wanted ‘yan eh. ‘Yong mga wanted, hindi mo [sila] sine-celebrate… Hindi na tama na ‘yong selfie-selfie na ‘yan. Palitan natin ‘yong kultura na ‘yan. Hindi dapat nangyayari ‘yan,” Remulla explained.

(A major apology is needed for that action. There should be a reprimand. That should not be allowed because Guo is wanted. Wanted people should not be celebrated. Taking selfies with them is not right. Let’s get rid of that culture. That should not happen.)

Aside from the Guo issue, Remulla also cited another concern with Tansingco: “Issuance of working visas was very questionable. I called his attention to it. Wala siyang ginawa (He did not do anything).” – Rappler.com