Photo credit: BI

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Wednesday broke his silence amid accusations being stirred by a fellow high-ranking official of the agency, reiterating his full support for the Senate investigation initiated by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Refusing to be drawn into a public spat, Viado said the proper venue to uncover the truth behind the allegations particularly the questionable handling of foreign nationals tied to POGO operations, is the Senate.

“In the spirit of transparency and accountability, I have ordered our personnel to prepare and submit all relevant documents to the Senate, including those involving the case of Mr. Tony Yang and other incidents where immigration protocols may have been bypassed,” Viado said.

Yang, a detained POGO boss considered both a flight risk and a threat to national security, was the subject of a bail recommendation issued in Viado’s absence. The recommendation was ultimately disapproved by the Commissioner.

While Viado refrained from naming names, official documents confirm that Atty. Gilberto Repizo, Chairman of the BI’s Board of Special Inquiry (BSI), signed the recommendation.

Soon after Viado rejected that proposal, a barrage of allegations against the Commissioner began circulating.

Viado pointed out the irony. “I commend the courage of the said official for signing his allegations. As a lawyer, I am sure he understands the legal implications of what he has done,” he said.

Analysts believe this exposes an internal battle within the BI: reformers facing off against forces resisting accountability. Viado stood firm, highlighting the President’s earlier warning about giving credence to anonymous complaints. “At least in this case, we have a name and signature. That person can now be summoned to prove his claims or be held liable if he can’t.”

Viado also raised serious questions about the nature and timing of the bail push. “What was the urgency? What prompted it? Was it purely legal, or were there outside pressures? Why was this recommendation issued while I was away?”

Since announcing full cooperation with the Senate, Viado revealed that more reports have come in some from partner agencies regarding efforts to sneak out foreign nationals through backdoor channels. These too will be turned over to the Senate and the Department of Justice.

Viado closed by thanking the media and renewing his vow to uphold reforms at the BI. “We will not be shaken by smear campaigns. The public deserves the truth and the truth will stand.”