Wang Bo deportation still a big question, says De Lima

The deportation of Chinese fugitive Wang Bo to his country any time soon remains a big question.

Wang is currently being held in isolation at the Immigration’s Detention Facility in Bicutan, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Monday. This means he neither can talk to other Immigration detainees nor receive visitors.

Although De Lima has already issued a resolution approving his deportation, she said it was still not certain if it would be implemented anytime soon.

“It will really depend on developments in the ongoing investigation by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” De Lima told reporters.

“Kung wala naman patutunguhan ang imbestigasyon, there is no confirmation or validation on the allegation of bribery, I might already order the immediate implementation of the summary deportation order on my June 8 resolution,” De Lima said.

However, she said if as a result of a case conference on Tuesday (June 23), the NBI would tell her that they still need Wang’s testimony, she would defer the deportation.

The NBI is conducting an investigation on bribery allegations against Immigration officials who allegedly received money from Wang to prevent his deportation.

De Lima’s decision to affirm the March 5 deportation order was bolstered by the submission of documents by the Chinese Embassy that certified Wang as a fugitive from justice and bearer of a cancelled passport. AU