BI Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr. imposed the fine even as he approved the issuance of a special work permit (SWP) to the two foreign artists, both of whom were mainstays of ABS-CBN’s popular reality show concluded last month.

Fernandez explained that Barum was meted a lower fine because the gravity of his offense was unlike that of Milby who appeared more frequently in television commercials aside from being a contestant of the reality show.

The immigration chief also issued a stern warning that a repetition of the offense would merit a stiffer penalty in the future.

The work permits issued to Milby and Barum are valid for three months and may be renewed for another three months upon request of their producer.

Both of them appeared yesterday morning before Fernandez who advised them to file their petition for recognition as Philippine citizens based on their claims that one of their parents is a Filipino citizen.

BI Executive Director Roy Almoro said that Milby, an American, and Barum, an Israeli, violated the conditions of their stay as tourists by engaging in gainful activity here without a permit from the bureau.

Almoro, who chairs the BI special committee on foreign artists and athletes, again stressed that the country’s immigration law strictly prohibits a foreigner from engaging in gainful activity here without a permit and that any alien who violates the rule can be arrested and deported.

It was Manuel Ferdinand Arbas, the bureau’s hearing officer on special work permits (SWPs), who invited the two foreign actors to appear at the bureau after ABS-CBN filed their application for work permits last week.

Arbas said Milby and Barum have been appearing on television since Pinoy Big Brother, which is now on its second season, started airing on television last August.

He disclosed the actors’ application for work permit, which was filed by ABS-CBN assistant vice-president Florida Tan, was received by the bureau only last Jan. 2.