BI employees told to stay off nearby cafés, restos

Employees of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have been disallowed from visiting nearby commercial establishments during office hours following reports that these places have become venues for agents engaging in shady deals. BI acting chief Ronaldo Ledesma issued the memorandum after receiving reports that BI employees frequent establishments near the agency’s office in Intramuros, Manila, to meet with their supposed clients and engage in anomalous transactions. According to Ledesma, employees have been prohibited from entering during office hours such nearby establishments as Starbucks, Mocha Blends, Jollibee and Max’s Restaurant, all of which are just within walking distance from the BI main office in Magallanes Drive in Intramuros. These outlets are now off-limits to BI employees from 7 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on regular working days, the memorandum said. Ledesma said these places have become the favorite meeting place for immigration personnel acting as fixers and foreigners needing assistance with their travel documents. “There were even reports that money intended for immigration transactions change hands in these restaurants in full view of the public and to the detriment of the bureau’s reputation as a frontline agency of government," Ledesma said. “They even (boast) of their connections with certain bureau officials in a bid to facilitate the travel documents of the foreigners," he added. Ledesma said civil service rules and regulations prohibit government employees from loitering in restaurants, coffee shops and other similar establishments during office hours, with violators facing such penalties as suspension or dismissal from service. Following the implementation of the directive, Ledesma issued notices to several BI employees who were reported spotted in these establishments during office hours, and asked them to explain in 72 hours why they should not be administratively charged. Ledesma has also instructed BI acting Associate Commissioner Alberto Braganza and head of the bureau’s civil security unit to strictly implement the order and monitor violations. For his part, Braganza is asking the public to report to his office BI employees whom they frequently see in these establishments. - JA/KBK, GMANews.TV