Photo credit: BI

Amid growing media inquiries and circulating rumors, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado has stepped forward to categorically deny the allegations contained in an alleged “white paper” reportedly submitted to the Office of the President.

Speaking firmly yet calmly, Commissioner Viado addressed the issue, stating that the supposed document—which claims to come from “concerned employees”—is entirely fabricated. “All the allegations are patently false,” he emphasized.

While Viado initially intended to ignore what he described as the work of shadowy characters, he acknowledged the importance of addressing the issue for the sake of transparency and public trust, especially given the media’s interest in the matter.

“I reiterate the commitment of the Bureau to lend its fullest support should any national agency decide to look into these baseless claims,” he said. Viado added that this same cooperation has already been extended to the Senate Committee chaired by Senator Imee Marcos.

In a revealing statement, Viado disclosed that the agency has already identified the individuals behind what he calls an “orchestrated and well-funded” effort to discredit the Bureau of Immigration. He pledged to expose them “at the appropriate time and venue.”

Notably, the Commissioner has kept the Secretary of Justice informed about the situation, including details about the people allegedly involved and their possible motives. Viado suspects that the smear campaign may be a reaction to recent reforms in the Bureau—reforms that have disrupted long-standing underground operations.

“There are vested interests that have clearly been hurt by our cleanup,” Viado explained, citing warnings received about possible retaliation. He also pointed to a “handful of employees” who may be cooperating with these groups, particularly those affected by the Bureau’s strict “one-strike policy.”

One senior Bureau official, Viado noted, is reportedly pretending to be a whistleblower. This individual allegedly tried to pressure the Commissioner into releasing a Chinese national linked to a powerful political figure from the past administration. Viado’s refusal to accommodate the request may have sparked the smear campaign, according to information he received.

“I have disregarded these warnings because the mandate I accepted was never about protecting myself,” Viado said. “It was about cleaning up a system long plagued by abuse.”

The Commissioner made it clear that the reform agenda will not be derailed by what he described as “black propaganda.” He also expressed concern that those behind the campaign are misusing the name of the Bureau’s hardworking employees to lend credibility to their allegations.

Viado ended his statement with a firm warning to those responsible: “You shall be exposed in due time. The public deserves the truth—and the truth will stand.”