The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday that misrepresenting details about your identity is a sign of doubtful intention for travel.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that passengers who make up details about their travel are often flagged for misrepresentation.
“Just be truthful,” said Tansingco. “If you lie about your identity, your background, or the details of your travel, then it could be a reason for our immigration officers to doubt the legitimacy of your trip,” he stated.
Tansingco made the comment following a social media post about a passenger being prevented from boarding her flight four times.
“Initial investigation revealed that during her attempt in April, she claimed that she was employed by a large real estate company in the Philippines, even showing documents purportedly issued by said company,” said Tansingco.
However, upon verification with the company, it was confirmed that supposed certification, as well as other documents, were fake.
He added that a common modus of illegal recruiters and human traffickers is to provide fake documents to victims to make their travel seem legitimate.
“If you are traveling for legitimate purposes, then there is no reason to lie,” added Tansignco.
BI welcomes new commissioner
The Bureau of Immigration welcomed on Tuesday Daniel Y. Laogan as its new Deputy Commissioner.
A lawyer by profession, Laogan has a degree in Commerce from the University of Santo Tomas. He also took up Master of Science in Commerce under the same university. He graduated law from the Ateneo de Manila University, and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1982.
Apart from his experience in both the public and private sectors, Laogan also worked in the academe, having served as the Regent of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and professor of law in taxation at the college of law, Adamson University.
He previously worked as the director of the Philippine Savings Bank, the National Food Authority, and the Development Bank of the Philippines. He was a Senior Adviser for Investment and Promotions and Investor Relations of the Manila Economic and Cultural Center.
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Commissioner, he was the Director of the Philtrust Bank, and a Senior Adviser of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. He also served as President Emeritus of the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. and Chairman and President of Addmore Group of Companies, as well as a managing partner of the Daniel Y. Laogan Law Offices.
The latest appointment completes the BI’s three-member board of commissioners, composed of a commissioner and two deputy commissioners, presently occupied by Commissioner Tansingco and Deputy Commissioner Joel Viado who joined the BI in September 2022 and April 2023, respectively.
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