By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Tuesday urged individuals accusing Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado of wrongdoings to submit concrete evidence, not just anonymous complaints or so-called white papers.
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will look into the anonymous letter, as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., but noted that it would be better if the complaint came with supporting evidence.
The letter, dated June 2 and received by Malacañang, accused Viado of improper handling of cases involving Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), banned by Marcos last year, and the deportation of illegal foreign workers.
The complainants, who chose to remain anonymous citing fear of retaliation, claimed that “if left unaddressed, [the issues] could lead to significant corruption problems, potentially tarnishing the image of the administration.”
Castro, a lawyer, stressed that government agencies cannot act on anonymous letters alone.
“Mahirap po na white paper lang at walang pinanghahawakang anumang ebidensiya or isinusumite dahil mauubos po ang oras ng DOJ kung puro white paper lamang po ang kanilang pagtutuunan ng pansin,” she said.
The Palace official encouraged complainants to come forward with documentation, even anonymously.
“So, hinihikayat po kung mayroon po talaga kayong reklamo kahit hindi na po kayo magpakilala ibigay ninyo lang po iyong ebidensiya para po mayroon naman pong dahilan para magkaroon nang mas malalim na pag-iimbestiga,” she said.
The President earlier said the government would not ignore the contents of the complaint letter despite its lack of signatures and specific details.