The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed strong support and gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for urging Congress to replace the obsolete immigration law.
In his recent State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos highlighted the importance of updating the immigration law, acknowledging that several provisions in the 82-year-old Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 are no longer relevant in modern times.
According to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, the proposed legislation has already been approved by the House of Representatives on May 29 and is currently undergoing review in the Senate.
One significant aspect of the new measure is granting authorization to the BI to use its income for acquiring advanced tools and technologies. This move is expected to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, thereby bolstering national security and infrastructure.
By embracing state-of-the-art systems, the agency will be better equipped to combat illicit activities like human trafficking, illegal cross-border operations, and other internal and external threats.
Meanwhile, the efforts to update the immigration law have garnered widespread support from the BI and its personnel, as it represents a crucial step forward in fortifying the country’s security and overall development.