Councilor presses for immigration bureau's probe results

THE City Council must be informed of the results of the investigation done by the city field office of the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) on undocumented collections and overpricing of foreign student study permits.

This is according to Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda following the Council’s call in November for the BOI to investigate the alleged irregularities within the agency.

The call for a “discreet” investigation was made after BOI Alien Control Head Ricardo Cabochan said he did not hear of any complaint.

Such practice reportedly affected Baguio’s reputation as one of the frequent destination of foreigners, especially students from South Korea.

When he appeared at the council in November, Cabochan said the fees implemented here are the same ones implemented in any BOI office.

Cabochan then denied the Baguio office charges higher than other urban centers like in Cebu.

Cabochan also said the BOI here only accepts payments while processing and verification are done by its central office.

The Council suggested for a discreet investigation because complainants declined to file formal complaints. Processing fee costs P5,000. (Rimaliza Opiña)