‘Immigration law needs to be modernized’

by WiLLiam B. DePasuPiL ManilaTimes.net

AFTER four failed tries to have the Immigration Act of 1940 amended, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) continues to operate under a law that is no longer responsive and attuned to present conditions, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tangsingco said on Monday, May 15.

He remains hopeful the new law modernizing the agency which is now pending in Congress, would be enacted into law under the Marcos administration.

Tansingco said the immigration modernization law is among the priority measures that the leadership of the House of Representatives committed to passing.

“The Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) identified the proposed immigration modernization law as a priority measure,” he added.

“I’m hopeful that the bill will be approved on third and final reading prior to the President’s State of the Nation Address in July.”

Apart from updates on visa types and penalties, the new law also ensures income augmentation for the salaries of BI employees.

Tansingco said the move would greatly benefit employees who are stuck with low salaries, and allow the agency to recruit fresh graduates from reputable schools.

The first attempt to amend the law was during the time of former immigration commissioner and now Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. It was overtaken by the EDSA 2 event that toppled the administration of President Joseph Estrada. n