By Junex Doronio

MANILA – Alarmed by the suspicious influx of Chinese nationals in the country, House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo is set to file on Tuesday (18 June 2024) a resolution urging Congress to investigate, in aid of legislation, the processes for the issuance of Special Resident Retiree’s Visas (SRRV), Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) and late filing of registration of birth as possible avenues enabling the entry of such dubious foreigners in the country.

“Nakababahala ang patuloy na pagdagsa ng mga Chinese nationals sa ating bansa at ang mas nakababahala ay kung paano sila nakapasok sa atin? Ano ang mga pinanghahawakan nilang dokumento bakit sila nakapagtrabaho ng legal sa ating bansa,” Tulfo said in a statement.

Tulfo cited reports of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) that out of the 79,000 foreign retirees in the Philippines, more than 30,000 Chinese “retirees” were allowed to permanently reside in the country.

The hard-hitting journalist-turned-lawmaker noted that the PRA has been accepting retirees who are at least 35 years old since 1991.

It was only in April 2021 that the age requirement for foreign retirees was raised to 50 years old, Tulfo further noted.

“Imagine, 35 taong gulang na mga Chinese nationals ang binigyan natin ng SRRV? Ganyan ang edad ng kalakasan ng tao, bakit retirement visa ang gamit nila? E pwede pa silang sundalo sa edad na 35 taong gulang,” Tulfo quipped.

“The influx of Chinese nationals has raised concerns regarding the socio-economic impact, including but not limited to labor market dynamics, national security, and publix order,” he added.

Meanwhile, it also revealed that several crimes were linked to the Chinese influx, including human trafficking, scamming, kidnapping, illegal detention, prostitution, and other fraudulent activities.

Tulfo also noted that the recent raids of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) establishments not only resulted in traces of criminal activities thereat but also in the discovery of offices, dormitories, villas, and lifestyle facilities within such hubs, indicating prolonged presence and actual living situations within supposed business establishments.

He cited the case of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo whose identity and nationality are now being questioned and whose birth certificate was late registered.

“It is imperative to assess the foregoing governmental processes in place that allow foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens, to enter the country, stay indefinitely herein, and even maintain employment in the Philippines,” Tulfo said.

He said he will also request his colleagues from the ACT-CIS partylist namely Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo to be his co-authors in the resolution.

(el Amigo/mnm)