CAGAYAN de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez today said the Immigration Modernization Act has been approved by the House of Representatives with unanimous support, receiving a vote of 287-0.

The bill, also known as Bill No. 8203, aims to introduce advancements to the structures and mechanisms needed for the management of immigration laws.

Rodriguez, one of the main proponents of the bill, noted that changes are necessary to keep the Bureau of Immigration (BI) up to date with international standards and current times.

“The outdated Commonwealth Act No. 613, which was enacted in August 1940, needs updating to meet present immigration requirements,” said Rodriguez, adding that this bill has been reintroduced multiple times over the last two decades.

Rodriguez highlighted that the 1940 immigration legislation is no longer suitable for current conditions and realities.

Recent events have exposed that numerous foreign nationals in the country were involved in various organized criminal activities, including terrorism, human trafficking, illegal gambling, labor recruitment, kidnapping, and smuggling.

To address these issues, the proposed new immigration law aims to define the immigration bureau's functions and powers.

Additionally, a board of commissioners consisting of a chairperson and two deputy commissioners will be established to decide on applications and cases related to deportation, revocation of immigration status, reacquisition and retention of Philippine citizenship, visa and permit issuance and revocation, and legalization of residence as required by the law.

In relation to its quasi-judicial responsibilities, the board would have the authority to accuse and penalize individuals who show contempt while presenting themselves before it.

Additionally, the board may set fair fees for the transactions that the public conducts with the BI.