FIRST, there were only murmurs. Then, there were photos already circulating. Then, just recently, I read it in another column.
The controversial issue is finally out in the open.
An official from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office had, for some time now, been the subject of ugly comments and caused demoralization and embarrassment among his co-workers in the bureau, for setting a very bad precedent and example of how not to be a BI official.
According to very well-placed sources at the BI-NAIA, this official had been personally ‘escorting’ Chinese citizens arriving in the country. Immigration officers stationed at the airports frown at what the BI official is doing.
BI officials personally ‘escorting’ aliens was unheard of in the past, until recently.
Many airport immigration personnel have expressed dismay that while they are under very strict orders to not engage in such activity, here comes a ranking official personally and flagrantly doing what they (immigration officers) have been prohibited from doing.
Funny, the BI-NAIA officers commented that the concerned BI official does not seem to trust anyone, having to do the ‘escorting’ himself, unmindful of the fact that he is actually exposing himself to criticisms and maybe even a violation of the ethics attached to his position.
The immigration officers are also dismayed that they are left with no choice but to do away with the usual questioning of arriving aliens, knowing that a higher official is waiting for the said passenger.
The impropriety of what the said official had been doing, they said, leaves a terrible taste in the mouth and brings much shame to the office he supposedly represents.
Delicadeza is such a lonely word in government these days…. Paging, Justice Sec. Boying Remulla….
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The Airport Press Club (APC), composed of media members covering the airport beat, was cited by business tycoon Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of the conglomerate company JG Summit Holdings, Inc. for its support which he said has helped Cebu Pacific (CEB) and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts in providing a seamless travel experience for everyone.
In his message at the Thanksgiving Dinner for the Media held in Fili Hotel Nustar Cebu, Gokongwei said:” I want to take this opportunity to express the Gokongwei Group’s deepest gratitude for the incredible support and collaboration that we have received from you over the past year.”
“Your unwavering support to Cebu Pacific and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts has been instrumental in helping us reach new heights in our journey to provide affordable, accessible and memorable travel experience to every Juan, he said.
Gokongwei added: “Your passion for storytelling and exceptional coverage of our events have not only elevated our brand but have also contributed to our growth and success.”
He also recognized the ‘invaluable role’ that the media plays in helping CEB connect with its customers and expressed appreciation for all the hard work and creativity the media brings to the table.’
“As we continue to soar to new heights and explore uncharted horizons, we are thrilled to have you by our side. We look forward to many more exciting collaborations and achievements together. Here’s to a future filled with incredible stories, memorable experiences, and continued success,” Gokongwei concluded.
On behalf of the APC, thank you Sir Lance for the recognition and special thanks too, to your amazing officers who made our short stay in Cebu City enjoyable, led by CEB’s Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog, spokesperson Carmina Romero, Corporate Social Responsibility head Roxanne Gochuico, external PR representative Malou Reyes and additionally, Fili Hotel marketing manager Chanel Careno.
These CEB officers make our coverage of the airport beat easier by readily answering queries from the media.
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