BI employees banned from posting Tiktok videos

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday banned its employees from posting any videos on the social networking platform Tiktok while wearing their uniform.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente imposed the ban after videos of airport-based BI personnel on Tiktok circulated online.

Morente described the videos as “reckless” and said they “belittle the image of the bureau.”

He reminded immigration personnel that they should follow the BI regulations on the proper wearing and use of their uniform.

“They should uphold the integrity of their uniform because it represents the institution of the Philippine immigration service,” Morente said.

He said posting of Tiktok videos by BI employees undermines the reputation of the bureau and creates a negative image for the agency’s personnel, especially the frontliners assigned at the ports of entry.

“Our policy on the wearing of the BI uniform is clear.  As public servants and supposed model Filipinos, employees must proudly wear their uniform at all times, present a professional image to the public and observe proper decorum in all their actions while they are on duty,” Morente said.

He cautioned the employees that taking videos of themselves and uploading these on social media violate the prohibition on the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets while on duty.

Under the bureau’s Internal Social Media Policy, BI personnel must comply with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees with respect to their actions online, and to desist from behaviors that would bring disrespect to public service.

The BI chief ordered immigration employees to observe proper decorum on social media to protect the integrity of the agency.

BI personnel who defy the ban face administrative complaints for insubordination and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service, according to Morente.