BI vows no coverup in case vs 1300 Chinese nationals

Arrested Chinese workers caught engaged in illegal online gambling in Pampanga last week. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION)

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) assured that there will be no whitewash in the cases against 1,316 Chinese nationals who are now undergoing deportation proceedings for violating the Philippines’ immigration laws.

BI commissioner Jaime Morente made the statement following reports that bribes were being offered for the release of the Chinese nationals who were nabbed last week at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.

READ: Aguirre bares bribe offer for release of 1,316 Chinese

Morente said the deportation proceedings against the foreigners, who were illegally working in the country as employees of an unlicensed online gambling business, are underway.

“They will undergo deportation proceedings and their cases will be decided on the merits and the evidence to be presented,” he said.

The BI chief also promised a speedy resolution of the foreigners’ cases in order to avoid any suspicions or allegations of irregularities.

Those found liable for violating immigration laws, particularly those who overstayed or violated the conditions of their visas, will be deported immediately, Morente added.

READ: 99 Chinese in Clark raid found overstaying in PH

It may be recalled that Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II accused Macau-based gambling tycoon Jack Lam of allegedly trying to bribe him and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chair Andrea Domingo into releasing the Chinese nationals.

Lam allegedly offered a sum of a P100 million a month in exchange for the release of the foreigners.