By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred its personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as well as other international ports in the country from using mobile phones while on duty.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said Friday the move seeks to ensure that immigration officers render full and uninterrupted service to the traveling public during their duty.
He also warned that using such is in violation of a standing directive prohibiting the said practice.
“I have thus instructed our Port Operations Division Chief, Grifton Medina, to see to it that the ban on mobile phones is implemented to the letter not only at the NAIA but in the other international airports as well,” the BI chief said in a statement.
Morente issued the warning after his office received reports that some immigration officers on duty at the NAIA were caught on camera while using their mobile phones.
For his part, Medina has directed BI head supervisors of NAIA’s three terminals and the other airports to follow the BI chief’s order or be also held responsible for the actions of their subordinates.
“Using mobile phones is disallowed as aside from being counterproductive and may promote corruption, it is also an eyesore to passengers who expect us to give them fast and efficient service,” he said.
Meanwhile, Medina announced that they will soon launch an integrity management program (IMP) for immigration personnel as part of the agency’s anti-corruption campaign.
He added that an integrated management committee, composed of selected BI officials, will soon be formed to formulate and implement anti-corruption measures in all of the bureau’s offices, including the different ports and sub-ports nationwide.
Medina, who also chairs the BI’s composite committee on good governance, explained that the IMP will be initiated to support the anti-corruption advocacy of the Duterte administration.
Launched in 2014 under Executive Order 176, the IMP was established as a national corruption prevention program which aims to reduce levels of corruption in government agencies and improve public trust and confidence in the government.
