Minister Remulla stated that the services of the Bureau of Immigration must remain uninterrupted and consistent, regardless of changes in leadership. Therefore, he believes Viado is the most suitable candidate for the position and has entrusted him with the management of the Bureau.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Viado will be responsible for the daily operations of the Bureau of Immigration and will be under the supervision of the Justice Minister. Viado's acting position takes effect immediately until a new commissioner is appointed by the president.
This change occurred after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. dismissed Norman Tansingco due to multiple issues under his leadership at the Bureau, particularly the successful departure of the wanted former mayor of Banban, Alice Guo, despite being under a surveillance notice issued by the Bureau.
Previously, Remulla expressed disappointment with Tansingco's inaction in handling immigration matters, noting that his mismanagement posed a long-term threat to national security.
Those who previously held a gaming 9G visa, but now have a downgraded tourist visa that is still valid, can book a flight and provide the ticket to the Bureau of Immigration to extend the visa until the departure date, then proceed with ECC for departure without needing to retrieve their passport at the airport.
2.【Those with a gaming record but an expired tourist visa】
If the tourist visa has expired, one needs to obtain an NBI clearance, submit it, and then undergo MR, which typically takes about 25 days. Book a flight for a month later, after which the passport will be sent to the airport for OTL departure.
3.【Currently holding an unexpired 9G gaming work visa】
First, obtain an NBI clearance, then after submission, purchase a flight ticket. The Bureau will downgrade the visa based on the flight date and then proceed with ECC, sending the passport to the airport for OTL departure.
4.【Currently holding an expired 9G gaming work visa】
Provide an NBI clearance, submit it, then purchase a flight ticket for visa downgrade and MR for overstaying processing, complete ECC and send the passport to the airport for OTL departure.
9G gaming visas not downgraded by October 15, 2024, will be blacklisted, allowing for departure and then visa processing in the home country or a third country before returning to the Philippines.
