In order to fight corruption, the immigration chiefs in Philippines have banned the airport officials from presenting Christmas greetings and the rest of the staff from visiting cafes. According to Felino Quirante, the Chief for the Immigration Bureau Administration, an effort is being made to improve the image of the department. In view of this, the immigration employees have been prohibited from wishing “Merry Christmas” to the travelers. This is because this exchange of greetings was being used as a way towards gifts and tip solicitation.

He also said that the authorities would want to evade any form of impression which caters to solicitation of gifts by the officials during the festive season. This also includes money. Similar complaints have also been reported in the past.

The ban has been imposed on the staff working at the headquarters of the bureau from going to cafes and restaurants nearby so that they do not meet people and cater to dealings under the table.

Quirante has mentioned that many of the employees also act as fixers which lead them to conduct business outside the work place. This is especially for the facilitation of immigration papers in return for bribes. One such employee was terminated recently after he was found doing business in such an inappropriate manner.

However, it is agreed these fixers conduct their business even after office hours but such a restriction might make them think twice. The Immigration Bureau of Philippine is known for its corruption where in people tend to accept bribes so as to expedite the process for immigration, be it a simple basic procedure.

In May, the President of Philippine Benigno Aquino had led one of the strongest anti-corruption campaigns against the bureau. However, more has to be done in this regard.