Immigration creates new body vs erring personnel

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has formed a new body that will go after its erring personnel.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the new Board of Discipline in the agency will investigate all complaints against BI officials and employees.

The board will also recommend the imposition of disciplinary penalties, including suspension and dismissal from the service, on BI employees found liable for administrative offenses, he added.

The BI chief explained that the board was formed to "institutionalize a mechanism that will ensure that the highest level of honesty, efficiency, transparency, and professionalism" in the agency.

He said the board replaced the BI's internal affairs unit (IAU) and its supervision was transferred from the bureau's administrative division to the office of the BI commissioner.

Lawyer Grace Gaudelyn Lara, BI head executive assistant, said David decided to assume direct supervision over the board to ensure the speedy investigation and resolution of all complaints lodged against the bureau’s personnel.

Lara said the defunct IAU was undermanned and had difficulty disposing the voluminous complaints and cases it handled.

"Commissioner David wants these administrative cases resolved immediately in line with his thrust to foster the highest degree of integrity and professionalism among our rank and file," she said.

Lara added that the creation of an internal disciplinary unit is required under civil service rules and regulations.

She disclosed that the board will be chaired by an associate commissioner with two division chief as members.

They will be assisted by lawyers from the bureau's law and investigation who will comprise the board’s legal staff and conduct fact-finding investigation on pending administrative cases. (SDR/Sunnex)