Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco has been dismissed from his position, as confirmed by Malacañang on Monday, September 9. Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez stated in a text message to reporters, “His dismissal has already been approved by the president,” confirming Tansingco’s removal.
The dismissal follows a recommendation from Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, who expressed dissatisfaction with Tansingco’s performance. “Well, I have asked the President to relieve him and to replace him. I’m not satisfied. We’ve had several issues,” Remulla said.
One major incident leading to the decision was the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo. Remulla noted a lack of communication from Tansingco regarding Guo’s escape timeline and criticized the behavior of immigration personnel who took selfies with the arrested former mayor. “Hindi pupuwedeng ganyan lang kasi wanted ‘yan eh. Palitan natin ‘yong kultura na ‘yan,” Remulla emphasized.
In addition, Remulla pointed to questionable practices related to the issuance of working visas during Tansingco’s tenure, further contributing to the decision for his removal.