De Lima scraps 'scary' BI uniform

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday she wants the uniform of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel assigned at airports to be “pleasant and colorful.”

De Lima, a guest of honor during the BI’s 71st anniversary, said she has been receiving comments from fellow Cabinet members and some lawmakers that the “stiff” black button-front shirts and slacks of airport immigration officers were “scary.”

“It would not hurt to showcase the personality traits of Filipinos such as hospitality, the bayanihan spirit and (our) rich and colorful culture. These are things can be manifested while still maintaining a professional attitude even through basic physical appearance,” she said.

She later told The STAR that she “just relayed” the observations made by some that while the BI personnel look professional “but rigid,” so they could change their uniform to “something relaxing, something colorful.”

De Lima said the uniform could have a “Hawaiian” touch, but should not make BI employees look like an “ex-mayor… you know who.” Among those known for their preference for Hawaiian shirts is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza.

She added there are already members of the private sector who have expressed willingness to finance the creation of the new uniform.