Immigration Workers Revert to Old Working Schedule

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced Thursday that it is reverting to its old 7:00 am to 5:30 pm work schedule as a result of President Duterte’s directive to create a trust fund from which the overtime pay of the agency’s workers will be sourced.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said that the Bureau will resume charging express lane fees to the transacting public, the proceeds of which will be used for overtime pay and salaries of BI employees.

Morente said the BI Main Office and all its Satellites and Field Offices nationwide have been instructed to observe the new office schedule starting Wednesday, January 3.

Morente extended his gratitude to President Duterte for restoring the overtime pay of the Bureau’s personnel.

In creating the trust fund, the President said he recognizes the hard work and sacrifices made by BI employees whose primary duty is to guard the ports of entry and regulate the entry and stay of foreigners in the country.

Morente exhorted the men and women of the BI to reciprocate the President’s kindness by extending better and more efficient service to the public.

“Suklian natin ng matapat at taos pusong pagserbisyo ang tiwala na binigay ng Pangulo sa BI (Let us reciprocate with dedicated and sincere service the trust that the President bestowed on the BI),” the BI Chief said.

Immigration Officers also play a critical role in the government’s campaign against human trafficking.

Morente also thanked Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and his deputies who never wavered in their support to the Bureau’s efforts to persuade the Palace to reinstate their overtime pay.

Morente also acknowledged the efforts of BI Associate Commissioners J. Tobias Javier and Aimee Torrefranca-Neri; and the officers of the employees’ union Buklod and Immigration Officers Association of the Philippines Inc. (IOAP) who lobbied hard for the restoration of the express lane fund. (BI/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)