DOJ sacks employees for engaging in 'visa fixing'

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice sacked three of its employees after they confessed to engaging in illegal processing of visas at the Bureau of Immigration.

In a statement, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that he has ordered the relief of the following employees:

• Cyruz Morata
• Abvic Ryan Maghirang
• Smigred Erigbuagas

The DOJ said that the three confessed to taking part in a scheme to meet "quota visa" at the BI.

No additional details were released on the said money-making scheme as of posting.

The National Bureau of Investigation is also conducting a probe and case build-up on the said case, following Aguirre's Department Order 58.

The justice chief said that he expects an in-depth investigation the case. The NBI is also directed to file appropriate charges, if warranted, against the three sacked DOJ employees.

The DOJ also placed the three under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order, as it cited  "alleged graft and corrupt activities" committed by the three.

"Considering the gravity of the possible offense/s the above-mentioned individuals have committed, there is a strong possibility that they may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of the legal processes of this Department by leaving the country," Aguirre said.

An ILBO is different from a court-issued hold departure order. The former directs the immigration agents to check the status of the person and alert the DOJ for the attempt to leave the country.

An HDO effectively bars a subject from flight.

A subject of ILBO, however, should first seek clearance from the DOJ before being allowed to leave the country.