Binay eyes Senate probe of passports

SENATOR Nancy Binay has filed Senate Resolution 111 urging the Senate to investigate the alleged P200-million scam involving government officials and employees in the issuance of Philippine (Hajj) passports to foreigners.

Binay said the fraudulent processing and issuance of Hajj passports to non-Filipino undermines national security and exposes the Philippines to increasing risk of terrorism.

The Bureau of Immigration recently barred 177 Indonesians from leaving the country after they were found out with fraudulently obtained Philippine Hajj passports.

The Philippine passports were allegedly provided to the Indonesians by their Filipino escorts who organized the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.