Esperon says he tends to look at influx of Chinese tourists who become employees as security concern

July 31, 2019

National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon on Wednesday said he tends to look at the influx of Chinese tourists who become employees as a security concern.

“If you ask me as security adviser I have a tendency to look at it as a threat. I’m on the cautious side,” Esperon said in a forum in Manila.

He said this set up of illegal employers is one of the government’s problems in offshore gaming.

Esperon said those who are planning to operate a business, especially offshore gaming, should acquire a license from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and have their employees registered with the Bureau of Immigration.

“Some of these Chinese would come in as tourist and they could end up for the period they are allowed to (stay and) be workers in such illegal operators,” he said.

“I’ll be not surprised with that but at least (when) they are going to do operations (it should be legal),” he added.

Esperon said it is worrisome when a property, such as condominium or residential house is being occupied by foreigners.

“We have to look into this… (they are) buying properties and you would see a rotation of people going in and out so you begin to wonder what they are doing. It (is) already shifting (schedule of employees) and they have service,” he said.

“We want a healthy investment opportunities in terms of housing and condominiums. We want more tourists but there is another side of the coin so we must not let our guard down,” he said.

Esperon assured the public that government agencies are addressing the issue.

Last July 11, the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Immigration and other concerned agencies signed a Joint Memorandum Circular providing rules and procedures for foreign nationals who are intending to work in the Philippines.

The Department of Finance (DOF) said the government can collect around P2 billion from foreign workers as they are required to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to be able to work here. Ella Dionisio/DMS