Remulla names Gevero OIC immigration chief, for now

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has appointed Bureau of Immigration (BI) Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division Rogelio D. Gevero Jr. as o cer-in-charge (OIC) commissioner of the immigration bureau.

Gevero will replace BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, who was appointed by former President Duterte to head the graft-ridden agency in July 2016.

“As such, Mr. Gevero is hereby authorized to discharge the powers and mandates of said position, in addition to his existing duties and responsibilities,” Remulla said in his Department Order No. 299-A dated July 4, 2022.

As OIC of the BI, Remulla said Gevero will perform and discharge the duties and responsibilities of the o ce until July 31 or until a replacement has been appointed. “This order takes e ect immediately, amends all previous inconsistent issuances, and shall remain in force until sooner revoked,” the order read.

Remulla’s order was in line with the June 30 Memorandum Circular No. 1 issued by the O ce of the President to declare vacant certain positions in the departments, o ces, agencies and bureaus in the Executive department to ensure the continuous e ective delivery of service.

BI Spokesman Dana Sandoval earlier said the bureau would cooperate with the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

During Morente term, 43 BI o cers were charged for graft before the Sandiganbayan, for their participation in the so-called “pastillas” scheme where Chinese nationals allegedly bribed o cers for easy access into the country.

Subsequently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it ordered the dismissal of 18 o cers and employees of the agency after they were found administratively liable in relation to the pastillas bribery scheme.