Bureau of Immigration (BI) Ricardo David Jr. vowed to pursue his drive against corruption in the agency even as he urged Congress to rush the passage of a new Philippine immigration act.

               In his first remarks to the BI rank and file in 2012, David said “we aim to intensify our battle against corruption and other graft practices through programs that aim for an honest and excellent public service.”

             He added that the BI will continue to strictly adhere to the provisions of the anti-red tape act by expediting the processing of visa applications and other immigration documents.

               He exhorted BI employees to faithfully observe the bureau’s citizen’s charter which mandates them to deliver fast and efficient services to the transacting public.

              “We also aim to be more accessible to the public through a competent and efficient public assistance desk or complaint desk,” he declared, adding that complaints may also be filed directly with his office.

                David again warned BI employees that irregularities will not be tolerated and that those who defy his order will be punished.

               The BI chief underscored the need for a new immigration act that will replace the present law which was passed in 1940 when the country was still a US commonwealth.

                He said a bill now pending in Congress “aims to strengthen the role of our bureau in securing and protecting the country, its sovereignity and its people.”

              David also disclosed that he has asked Malacañang for authority to hire 50 additional immigration officers who will be deployed to the various ports, thus augmenting the country’s border security.###