The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is urging legislators to amend existing laws to close legal loopholes that allow foreign fugitives to evade deportation.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado made the appeal following the recent rearresting of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon in Angeles City.
BI Authorities recently uncovered "legal tactics" used by some lawyers to delay deportation proceedings, allowing fugitives to remain in the country longer than necessary.
Viado revealed that some counsels have been "exploiting the system" by filing cases against their own clients.
The BI head said these lawyers are arguing that the foreign national should remain in the Philippines due to “ongoing legal cases.”
“If this goes unaddressed, then every fugitive will simply employ this tactic to delay their deportation or arrest. What will happen to us then?” Viado said.
He stressed that many of these fugitives are wealthy, well-connected, and capable of hiring top legal experts who know how to "navigate around" the country’s immigration laws.
“Let’s admit, these fugitives are not ordinary criminals. They have deep pockets, powerful backers, and legal teams who understand how to exploit every possible loophole in our system,” Viado said.
He also admitted that, under the current legal framework, the BI’s ability to act is sometimes limited.
“If there is an option for them to take advantage of a legal loophole, then we cannot do anything legally because our hands are tied. Kayat nagpapatulong sana kami sa ating mga mambabatas upang permanenteng maitama ang mga butas sa batas na ito," Viado said.
To counter this, the BI said it is working closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and the Supreme Court to ensure that legal proceedings cannot be misused as a shield for criminals.
However, Viado emphasized that legislative action is necessary to establish clear and permanent prohibitions against said tactics.
“We need Congress to step in and introduce laws that prevent these delaying maneuvers. Without clear legal safeguards, we will continue to see fugitives manipulating the system,” he said.
“Handa po kaming makipagtulungan sa ating mga mambabatas upang mapabuti at mapatatag ang ating immigration laws. Kailangang tiyakin natin na walang makakagamit ng ating sistema para sa kanilang pansariling interes," Viado added. “This case is a wake-up call. It highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and a massive internal cleanup."