MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan pushed for sweeping reforms to modernize the country’s immigration system, citing growing threats to border control and the need to strengthen national security.

Pangilinan expressed support for measures aimed at upgrading the Bureau of Immigration (BI), saying reforms are necessary to curb transnational crime, human trafficking, visa abuse, and other cross-border threats.

The senator presided over a joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights with the committees on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation, Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, and Finance on February 23. Pangilinan chairs the justice and human rights panel.

During the hearing, he sought details on the BI’s modernization roadmap, stressing the importance of having a clear plan in place should the proposed reforms be enacted into law.

“When we defend your measure on the floor, we want to have a roadmap to modernization – a clear roadmap. If this becomes law, what is your three-year modernization deliverables?,” he asked Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado during deliberations on pending bills seeking to upgrade the agency.

Pangilinan also emphasized the need to allocate sufficient funding to ensure effective border control enforcement.

“For the delivery of immigration border control enforcement, we should provide a first-world budget as well,” he added.

The senator pointed out that stronger immigration systems and better coordination with other sectors might have helped prevent the entry of the Covid-19 virus into the country.

“So ganon katindi ang border control at palakasin ang ating pag papasok ng foreign nationals sa ating bansa, not just for criminal activity but precisely for these health issues, epidemic, outbreak, etc.,” he stressed.

In response, Viado underscored the importance of strict border measures in addressing potential security and health risks.

“Entering the Philippines is a privilege, not a right. To enjoy that privilege, applicants must undergo thorough scrutiny regarding their identity and background,” the commissioner stated.

Pangilinan’s Senate Bill No. 1867 seeks to strengthen and modernize the Bureau of Immigration to address emerging migration concerns and national security challenges. The proposed measure aims to expand the agency’s authority, reorganize its structure, enhance professional development for personnel, and establish stronger safeguards against abuse and corruption.