MANILA, March 17 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday asked legislators to amend existing laws to close legal loopholes that allow foreign fugitives to evade deportation.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said legislative action is necessary to establish clear and permanent prohibitions against these tactics.

"We need Congress to step in and introduce laws that prevent these delaying maneuvers. Without clear legal safeguards, we will continue to see fugitives manipulating the system," he said in a statement.

"Handa po kaming makipagtulungan sa ating mga mambabatas upang mapabuti at mapatatag ang ating (We are ready to work with lawmakers to enhance and tighten our) immigration laws. Kailangang tiyakin natin na walang makakagami...