Bureau of Immigration Detects 241 Fraudulent Documents in 2023 Using Modern SystemsDOTr Commits to Assisting Drivers of Unconsolidated Public Utility Vehicles in Employment Transition

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines reported the detection of a significant number of fraudulent documents in 2023, attributing this success to the use of modern forensic equipment.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agency currently operates five new video spectral comparators, a sophisticated digital imaging system designed for advanced forensic-level document examination. This equipment is essential for verifying the authenticity of various travel and identity documents, including passports, identification cards, visas, and permits. Two of these machines were donated last year by Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship through the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

The BI Anti-Fraud Section noted that the questioned documents included birth and marriage certificates used for visa applications, passports, visas, and immigration stamps for international travel. Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized the effectiveness of these tools, stating, “Apart from our immigration officers who are skilled in detecting fraud, fake documents can already be detected by our modern equipment. Those who attempt to use spurious documents will definitely be intercepted.”

In a related development, the BI recently enforced stringent measures against criminal offenders at its borders. The agency barred the entry of three male American sex offenders, based on data from the sex offender registry. These individuals, aged 73 and 56, were intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque City, arriving from Taipei, Taiwan, and Shanghai, China, respectively, on January 10. Additionally, a 79-year-old offender was stopped at Mactan-Cebu International Airport upon his arrival from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 11.

The sex offender registry, implemented in several countries, serves as a vital tool for governments to monitor the activities of individuals convicted of serious sexual offenses, including rape, sexual assault, or child molestation.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines has pledged to provide necessary assistance to drivers of unconsolidated jeepneys and UV Express vehicles, ensuring their continued employment within the transportation sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, public utility vehicles (PUVs) that failed to consolidate by December 31, and those operating on routes without cooperatives, will only be allowed to operate until January 31. OTC Chairman Andy Ortega, speaking at a news forum in Quezon City, explained, “Our next phase is to help those drivers of units whose operators did not consolidate. We will help them find employment and continue their jobs as drivers, but the driver-operator relationship will change starting February 1.”

Ortega further clarified that the affected drivers could join transport cooperatives or corporations to continue working as PUV drivers. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) revealed that at least 190,000 units of PUVs have been consolidated nationwide since the program’s inception in 2017, with the establishment of at least 1,728 cooperatives and corporations.

Addressing concerns about the phase-out of traditional jeepneys, LTFRB board member Riza Marie Paches reassured drivers and operators that all consolidated traditional jeepneys could still operate until they are replaced with more environmentally friendly vehicles, 27 months after the issuance of their permit to operate. “So long as it is roadworthy, the consolidated units or those in a consolidated entity still have a certain amount of time to operate their old unit,” she added.

Furthermore, Ortega responded to the Commission on Human Rights’ call for a ‘balanced and considerate approach’ in implementing the PUV modernization program (PUVMP). He assured that the DOTr is conscious of the rights and needs of those affected by the consolidation and is committed to guiding and assisting them.

The DOTr also aims to improve dispatching with the PUVMP, potentially providing round-the-clock services to the public. “In terms of fleet management or proper dispatching, what a cooperative will dispatch on the road would be the right number of vehicles depending on the demand,” Ortega said.

Regarding concerns about the cost of imported minibuses, Ortega assured that transport groups have the freedom to choose their vehicle suppliers. He also mentioned that the Marcos administration is encouraging more local manufacturers to participate in the PUVMP, allowing cooperatives to freely select the design, quality, or brand of their vehicles.