THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said its income levels were at a record level of over P7 billion in the 11 months to November.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said that the bureau’s collections were at P7.03-billion as of November, exceeding the 2017 full-year total of P5.58-billion with one month to go in the year.
Mr. Morente said he expects 2018 revenue to exceed P7.5-billion.
“We expect our total income in 2018 to surpass P7.5 billion in 2018 after all revenue from our main office and field and satellite offices for December are added to the 11-month collection figure,” Mr. Morente said.
The commissioner attributed the rise of the bureau’s revenue to government programs which attracted foreigners to visit and do business in the country.
He also noted that the BI is modernizing its facilities and easing procedures, resulting in faster transactions.
“We have been strictly monitoring our collections not only in the main office but in our sub-port offices as well to ensure that all our revenues are remitted to the government coffers,” said BI Finance Chief Judith F. Ferrera.
Mr. Morente also added that BI’s annual revenue collections have bean beating records “over the last six years.”
“(F)rom only P2.7 billion in 2012, our yearly income has increased four-fold, thanks to the aggressive efforts of the government in marketing the Philippines as a prime tourist and investment destination to the international community,” he said. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
