BI favors new immigration law

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday said it was backing calls to change the existing immigration act, saying the law is already “antiquated” and no longer attuned to present realities.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. urged the next Congress to prioritize the passage of a new Philippine immigration law, saying that the enactment of such was already long overdue.

“We are throwing our full support behind moves in Congress to pass an immigration act that will not only spur our economic development but also bolster our ability to thwart the entry of undesirable aliens into our country,” said David Wednesday.

The BI chief was reacting to a statement earlier made by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who said the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 already needed updating and that it should be one of the priorities of the incoming House of Representatives.

“We are optimistic that under the leadership of Speaker Belmonte, the next Congress will finally pass this long-awaited law,” said David.

He lamented that his predecessors had lobbied for a new immigration act but the measures did not draw much attention and the needed support from lawmakers.

He also agreed to the proposal calling for the reorganization of the bureau so that it can be transformed into a commission with broader powers and functions.

David believed that a reorganization of the bureau would usher in the birth of a “modern, efficient and professionalized” Philippine immigration service.

Belmonte earlier noted that the present immigration law was no longer capable to meet the demands of the changing times.

He said there was a need for a new one that will strike a balance between protecting the country from undesirable aliens and making it attractive to foreign tourists and investors.