NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
BI Sounds The Alarm: Foreign Fugitives Exploiting Legal Loopholes To Dodge Deportation
Photo credit: BI
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is calling on lawmakers to step in and close loopholes that allow foreign fugitives to outsmart the system and evade deportation.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado made the appeal after the re-arrest of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon in Angeles City, Pampanga. The case exposed a glaring flaw in the country’s immigration laws—one that certain lawyers are reportedly using to keep their fugitive clients in the Philippines indefinitely.
Legal Loopholes: A Get-Out-of-Deportation-Free Card?
According to Viado, some legal practitioners have been filing cases against their own fugitive clients. Why? Because as long as these cases are pending, the fugitives can argue that they must stay in the country.
“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 warned.
He pointed out that these fugitives are not your average lawbreakers—they are wealthy, well-connected, and can afford top legal experts who know exactly how to work around 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,” he said.
BI’s Hands Are Tied—For Now
The commissioner admitted that under the current system, the BI is often powerless to act.
“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,” he explained. “That’s why we are appealing to our lawmakers to fix these flaws in the law permanently.”
To address the issue, the BI is coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and the Supreme Court to prevent these legal maneuvers from being used as a shield for criminals.
But Viado stressed that real change must come from Congress.
“We need legislative action. Without it, fugitives will keep manipulating the system, and we’ll keep seeing the same cycle over and over again,” he emphasized.
Time to Clean Up the System
“This case is a wake-up call,” Viado said. “It highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and a massive internal cleanup.”
He reiterated that immigration laws should serve to protect the country—not be a tool for fugitives looking to escape justice.
“We cannot allow our immigration system to be exploited by moneyed criminals with the means to bend the law in their favor,” he said. “If the law allows them a way out, our hands are tied. The only way to stop this is through legislative reform and strict enforcement.”
With the BI pushing for change, the ball is now in Congress’ court. Will lawmakers step up and close these loopholes, or will fugitives continue to game the system? Time will tell.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado made the appeal after the re-arrest of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon in Angeles City, Pampanga. The case exposed a glaring flaw in the country’s immigration laws—one that certain lawyers are reportedly using to keep their fugitive clients in the Philippines indefinitely.
Legal Loopholes: A Get-Out-of-Deportation-Free Card?
According to Viado, some legal practitioners have been filing cases against their own fugitive clients. Why? Because as long as these cases are pending, the fugitives can argue that they must stay in the country.
“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 warned.
He pointed out that these fugitives are not your average lawbreakers—they are wealthy, well-connected, and can afford top legal experts who know exactly how to work around 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,” he said.
BI’s Hands Are Tied—For Now
The commissioner admitted that under the current system, the BI is often powerless to act.
“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,” he explained. “That’s why we are appealing to our lawmakers to fix these flaws in the law permanently.”
To address the issue, the BI is coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and the Supreme Court to prevent these legal maneuvers from being used as a shield for criminals.
But Viado stressed that real change must come from Congress.
“We need legislative action. Without it, fugitives will keep manipulating the system, and we’ll keep seeing the same cycle over and over again,” he emphasized.
Time to Clean Up the System
“This case is a wake-up call,” Viado said. “It highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and a massive internal cleanup.”
He reiterated that immigration laws should serve to protect the country—not be a tool for fugitives looking to escape justice.
“We cannot allow our immigration system to be exploited by moneyed criminals with the means to bend the law in their favor,” he said. “If the law allows them a way out, our hands are tied. The only way to stop this is through legislative reform and strict enforcement.”
With the BI pushing for change, the ball is now in Congress’ court. Will lawmakers step up and close these loopholes, or will fugitives continue to game the system? Time will tell.
Mar 17, 2025
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