MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado denied allegations raised in an alleged anonymous “white paper” reportedly sent to the Office of the President.

In a statement, Viado said the contents of the document were “patently false” and claimed the accusations were part of a smear campaign by individuals with vested interests.

“We have already identified the parties behind this orchestrated and well-funded campaign,” Viado said, without naming those involved. He added that the bureau would expose them “at the appropriate time and venue.”

Viado said the Department of Justice has been informed of developments, including the alleged identities and motives of those behind the document. He claimed the smear campaign may be linked to people affected by reforms at the BI, including those whose operations were disrupted and employees dismissed under the agency’s “one-strike policy.”

He also alleged that a senior BI official, who he said is now presenting himself as a whistleblower, could be involved in the campaign. According to Viado, the official previously tried to pressure his office to release a Chinese national allegedly connected to a political figure from the previous administration—a request he said he rejected.

Viado said the agency is willing to cooperate with any government inquiry into the matter. He also said the name of the BI is being used to mask personal and political agendas.