Duterte warns Immigration staff from extorting tourists

June 20, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Wednesday the Bureau of Immigration personnel from extorting tourists, particularly Chinese and Koreans.

In a speech in Iloilo, Duterte said only Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente is authorized to question the Chinese and Korean tourists once they are allowed entry.

"To Immigration, if the tourist is already out of the airport, there's a seal already (on the passport), and he's given so many days. Don't get near to them, especially the Koreans as well as the Chinese," he said.

"Only your director can do it, General Morente," he said.

Duterte said if he learns that an Immigration employee approaches a tourist, he would reassign him to Jolo, Sulu where there could be the presence of ISIS terrorists.

Duterte said he did not want tourists to be victims of extortion.

"So there's a lot of stupid things going on. Do not do that because just with one mistake, I will be hard on you. Either I will kill you...or I will assign you to Jolo," he stressed.

During Duterte's recent visit to South Korea, he promised a friendly business climate to foreigners.

Meanwhile, as to the Chinese businessmen, he urged them to pay the right taxes.

"If you want a lower tax, then ask the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) if you have proof to show that it's the right (tax)," he said. Celerina Monte/DMS