DOJ asked to probe BI biometrics project

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been asked to investigate alleged anomalies in the P50-million biometrics system project of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to keep track of foreigners in the country.

In a memorandum received by the office of DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday, a group of concerned BI employees calling themselves PRO-Philippine Immigration Advocates (PRO-PIA) asked for a probe on the regularity of the project of Commissioner Ricardo David Jr., which they believe could be disadvantageous to the government.

They urged De Lima to stop the procurement of software, hardware and services for the project until their concerns “are appropriately and adequately addressed.”

The group also asked the DOJ to release the results of the investigation to the public and charge the officials liable for the reported anomalies.

PRO-PIA alleged that the project would be “a waste of taxpayers’ money” since it could have been implemented without the government shelling out funds.

The group slammed David for claiming that the alternative Passenger Automated Service System (Philpass) was inadequate for the BI’s requirements.

“The profiling and screening of arriving passengers, even under the Philpass project, will still be the responsibility of immigration officers. There is nothing in the Philpass project that will result in the abdication by the (BI) of its sovereign function to regulate the entry and exit aliens into and from the country.”

The BI earlier said the biometrics project is designed to establish better screening of travelers to address problems on illegal immigration, facilitate legitimate travel of visitors and businessmen, reinforce existing BI security measures and enhance national security.

Despite questions about the biometrics project, the petitioners said David had instructed Associate Commissioner Siegfred Mison to proceed with the project. The opening of the bids for the procurement of the software, hardware and equipment for the project has been rescheduled to April 3.

Earlier, PRO-PIA charged David with graft before the Office of the Ombudsman over the project. The Anti-Trapo Movement of the Phils. Inc. filed a separate graft charge.