Commissioner Viado reforms BI to restore public trust
SINCE assuming leadership at the Bureau of Immigration, Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado has been waging a relentless battle against entrenched corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and criminal syndicates that have long operated within the agency.
As a seasoned lawyer with a deep background in public service, Viado is bringing his legal expertise and reformist mindset to modernize the BI and restore public trust.
A proud graduate of the University of the Philippines, Viado earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1987 before obtaining his Bachelor of Laws from the UP College of Law in 1993.
His career in governance began as a legislative staff officer for the late Cong. Gerardo “Dinggoy” Roxas Jr., where he worked on policy reforms and legislative drafting.
He later joined the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) under President Joseph Estrada before transitioning to private practice, where he co-founded a law firm specializing in corporate and international law.
Now at the helm of the BI, Viado has made it clear that dismantling corruption is a top priority. He has launched an aggressive crackdown on immigration syndicates involved in illegal visa approvals, human trafficking, and bribery schemes.
Under his leadership, internal investigations have been initiated, personnel suspected of corruption have been reassigned or relieved, and lifestyle checks are being conducted to root out unscrupulous officials.
Beyond personnel changes, Viado is pushing for structural reforms. A key part of his agenda is advocating for the repeal of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, an outdated law that syndicates have long exploited.
He is working with lawmakers to pass a new immigration law that will modernize procedures, strengthen border security, and impose stricter penalties for corruption-related offenses.
Viado understands the power of legal frameworks in combating corruption. He is accelerating the BI’s transition to automation, reducing human discretion in visa processing and travel clearances to eliminate opportunities for bribery.
He has also intensified enforcement actions against illegal foreign workers, particularly those linked to illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, ensuring their swift deportation.
Viado’s leadership marks a turning point for the Bureau of Immigration. His “Bagong Immigration towards a Bagong Pilipinas” vision is not just about modernization—it is about accountability, transparency, and a firm stand against corruption.
By taking on both bureaucratic inefficiencies and deep-seated syndicates, he is proving that genuine reform is not only necessary but possible.
“Ang tunay na paglilingkod ay hindi nasusukat sa posisyon kundi sa iniwang mabuting pagbabago. Ang isang malinis, tapat, at maayos na Bureau of Immigration ay hindi lang para sa ngayon kundi isang pamana para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak at susunod na henerasyon,” Viado said.
