Eighteen officers and employees of the Bureau of Immigration involved in the “pastillas scheme,” were dismissed from office.
Justice Assistant Secretary Neal Bainto said the DOJ discovered that the Immigration personnel are administratively liable for Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect of Duty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service in relation to the scheme.
The said scheme allowed the illegal arrival of Chinese citizens in the Philippines.
“The 18 respondents have been meted the penalty of Dismissal from the Service, with the imposition of the proper accessory penalties,” Bainto said.
The penalty of dismissal includes the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The dismissed personnel are Francis Dennis Robles, Glen Ford Comia, Rodolfo Magbuhos Jr., Deon Carlo Albao, Danieve Binsol, Paul Erik Borja, Abdul Fahad Calaca, Anthony Lopez, Gabriel Ernest Estacio, Chevy Chase Naniong, Danilo Deudor, Ralph Ryan Garcia, Phol Villanueva, Fidel Mendoza, Benlando Guevarra, Bradford Allen So, Cecille Jonathan Orozco, and Erwin Ortañez.
— Ronald Espartinez