Immigration officials admitted that they were fined only 5000P for participating in the Chinese "customs protection plan".

A former officer of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) pleaded guilty to crimes related to the milk sugar scandal or the customs protection scheme, ending the legal battle with a fine of 5000 pesos.

At Thursday's trial, Asliyah Maruhom, a former immigration officer, obtained leave from the Sandiganbayan's Chamber VII to plead guilty to the lesser offenses of "prohibited conduct and dealing," under section 7(d) of Republic Act 6713, or Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics for Public Officials and Employees.

At Thursday's trial, Asliyah Maruhom, a former immigration officer, received permission from the Integrity Tribunal's Seventh Division to plead guilty to the lesser offenses of "prohibited conduct and dealing. In its judgement issued that day, Chamber VII stated that since Maruhom had admitted her guilt before the prosecution team of the Office of the Ombudsman had formally presented evidence, this "mitigating circumstance" would be in her favor.

The court also ordered the release of the 30000 peso bail that Maruhom had previously paid for her bail and lifted an exit ban previously issued against her.

Maruhom is one of 50 former immigration officers and employees who were charged by the Government Ombudsman in the Integrity Court for violating Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Corruption Act. The bill provides for six to ten years' imprisonment and permanent disqualification from public office.

In accordance with the judgement of the seventh chamber, the Maruhom entered into a plea bargain agreement with the special prosecutor of the Office of the Ombudsman, with the approval of the Director of the Ombudsman (Samuel Martires).

According to the indictment submitted by the government inspector in June, Marc Red Mariñas, former deputy commissioner of the port operations department of the Immigration Department, and dozens of other immigration officials allowed 143 foreign citizens (mainly Chinese) to enter the Philippines without immigration procedures between 2017 and 2020.

The government inspector said that these foreign citizens can enjoy VIP treatment at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by paying a "customs fee" of 10000 pesos each, and can quickly pass immigration checks.

These bribes are said to be wrapped in white paper, like the local milk candy "pastillas".

In a judgment issued in July last year, Martieres ordered the removal of concerned immigration officials and employees for serious misconduct and conduct prejudicial to service. Mariñas was excluded from the dismissal order because he resigned from the immigration service in 2018.