Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday urged individuals accusing Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel 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 emphasized that while the Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the anonymous letter, as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., supporting evidence would strengthen the complaint.
According to Philippines News Agency, the letter, dated June 2 and received by Malaca±ang, accused Viado of improper handling of cases involving Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which were banned by Marcos last year, and the deportation of illegal foreign workers. The anonymous complainants expressed fears of retaliation but warned that the issues, if ignored, could lead to significant corruption problems and potentially damage the administration's image.
Castro, who is also a lawyer, highlighted the limitations of acting on anonymous letters alone, stating that government agencies cannot base their actions solely on unsigned documents. "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 stated, pointing out the inefficiency of focusing on allegations without evidence.
She encouraged individuals with valid complaints to come forward with documentation, ensuring that even those who wish to remain anonymous could still contribute valuable evidence. "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," Castro urged, emphasizing the need for a valid basis to conduct a deeper investigation.
President Marcos had previously remarked that the government would not dismiss the contents of the complaint letter, despite its anonymous nature and lack of specific details.
