MANILA, Philippines — Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado has firmly rejected allegations of corruption raised by employees of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In a statement issued on June 9, Viado characterized the allegations as 'patently false' and part of a targeted effort to undermine his leadership.

Viado's comments came in response to claims made by several BI employees regarding corruption and misconduct associated with activities linked to the now-prohibited Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

Some of these employees have reportedly taken their complaints directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Viado described the accusations as an 'orchestrated and well-funded campaign' aimed at discrediting the Bureau of Immigration.

He indicated that the agency has identified certain individuals behind this campaign and expressed his intent to reveal their identities at an appropriate time.

Viado also suggested that a small number of employees, who had previously faced disciplinary action under the bureau’s 'one-strike policy', might be colluding with those making the allegations.

In a significant development, Viado raised concerns about a senior officer within the BI, who is allegedly masquerading as a whistleblower.

This official is said to have pressured Viado’s office to release a Chinese national connected to a prominent political figure from a previous administration.

The commissioner indicated that his decision to deny this request may have triggered the current smear campaign against him.

Viado emphasized his commitment to reform within the bureau, stating that his mandate is focused on addressing longstanding issues of abuse, regardless of the potential personal consequences.

He acknowledged that the challenges posed by the accusations were an unfortunate side effect of his efforts to clean up the agency.

In response to the allegations, Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano of the Department of Justice indicated that an investigation into Viado would not be initiated without substantial evidence.

'If they have evidence, we would love to see it.

If they have supporting documents, we would love to see them,' Clavano remarked during a press briefing.

He questioned the validity of complaints that lack concrete proof and suggested that pursuing vague claims would not be conducive to efficient use of resources.

Viado was appointed as the head of the Bureau of Immigration in October 2024, following the dismissal of former Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

Tansingco's removal was prompted by a fallout with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla related to the escape of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who had been the subject of an Immigration lookout bulletin before her departure.