MANILA, Philippines — Convinced that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) chief is not involved in the so-called “pastillas” bribery scheme, President Rodrigo Duterte is giving BI Commissioner Jaime Morente a chance to address the issues surrounding the agency. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Morente attended Monday night’s Cabinet meeting where he supposedly “reported on what they intend to do” about the pastillas scheme. Morente earlier admitted that it is difficult for him to address a syndicated operation such as the “pastillas” scheme due to “his limited powers.”Duterte also publicly expressed his support to Morente amid the issue. The President has ordered the relief of all immigration officials and employees involved in the pastillas scheme. ADVERTISEMENTThe scheme was called “pastillas” supposedly because the bribe money would be rolled in a bond paper like the wrapping of the Filipino milk candy.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 03, 2020 06:11 UTC