First of all, thank you so, so much for all those who sent their greetings for my birthday yesterday either through regular text messages or messages sent through social media, viber or email.
Rest assured that I may not be able to reply to all individually, but certainly, all greetings are highly appreciated and loved.
Special thanks to my kind bosses, Sir Gus Villanueva and Madam Tess Lardizabal for their unending support and love. Thanks Madam Tess for the column you dedicated to me. It was so nice that after reading it, I got confused if I’m really the subject there. Hahahh.
***
In the midst of the allegations being hurled at the officials and employes of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) particularly those assigned to man our Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals, the BI announced on Monday the exclusion of 242 foreign nationals who were suspected to be planning to illegally work in the country.
The said exclusion followed after the relief of all NAIA heads from their posts due to the alleged “pastillas” scheme.
Of the number, according to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, a total of 79 were excluded at NAIA 1, while 33 were excluded at NAIA 2 and 130 were excluded at NAIA 3.
The exclusions comprised of Cambodians, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Myanmars, Malaysians and Chinese. Said foreign nationals, according to the BI Chief, were intercepted from Februay 21 to February 28 only.
It was learned from to BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. that they noticed an attempt of suspected illegal workers to use other ports of entry to come to the Philippines.
“We see this as a cause for concern. Our frontliners will heighten our efforts in screening these aliens. We are in close coordination with our foreign counterparts in ensuring that no aliens with bad records enter the country. But if they are already in the country before we receive information about their crimes, we will immediately send them out,”Manahan said.
Sandoval said the BI has vowed to expand the probe on the alleged ‘pastillas scheme’, following statements from whistle-blower Allison Chiong that the said modus reportedly continued to operate ‘until recently.”
An order had been given for all NAIA heads to be replaced and for all frontline personnel tobe reshuffled in order to break any possible collusion among them.
The said revamp affected around 800 officers while the Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) and the Border Control and Investigation Unit (BCIU) have been placed under the control and supervision of the Intelligence Division to serve as an external check and balance to monitor airport operations.
Sandoval said the BI management has warned that those who will be proven to be part of the alleged scheme will face both administrative and criminal cases. This, despite the fact that the BI can only recommend. Hehehh.
Regarding the Senate probe into the alleged scheme, I just note with dismay how Senator Rissa Hontiveros questioned former ports operation division chief Marc Red Marinas. She sort of questioned Marinas’capacity to run for mayor in the last elections given his salary.
Does Sen. Hontiveros mean that the elections are only for the moneyed? Is this the way she looks at elections in this country? I dunno but to me, what she said just leaves a bad taste in the mouth…
***
Jokjok (from from Atty. Jun Icaonapo/former Philippine Trial Lawyers Association, Inc. president and former IBP Governor for Greater Manila Region)—A married trial lawyer had some ‘fun’ in his car with his secretary. Once home, his wife saw panties in the backseat/ Wife (tearing panties apart, screams): Darling, what is this??/ Husband: You just destroyed the evidence of a rape case worth a million that I am handling. You can forget the jewelry you wanted!/Wife (quickly falls on her knees) I’m so sorry, darling.. Can you forgive me?? (Lesson: No one wins over a lawyer)
***
Beauty tip: Since everyone gets acne at some time, the right time to treat it is when it bothers you or when the potential for scarring develops. This can be when severe acne flares suddenly, for mild acne that just won’t go away, or even when a single pimple decides to show up. Never squeeze or pop out pimples by yourselves. Doing so always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. (Source: Dr Rosary May Canay-Diaz of Californian Bloom Aesthetic Institute and Medical Spa /4108424/4669596/09178038240/ 025053987)
***
Direct Hit entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to [email protected] or text 0927-7169778.
