Philippine Passports Sold To Chinese On Social Media Platform, WeChat
PHILIPPINE PASSPORTS SOLD TO CHINESE – Aside from the “pastillas” bribery, the Senate had uncovered another criminal racket — selling Philippine passports.
According to ABS-CBN, Chinese-run travel agencies offered local passports, birth certificates, and bank accounts on WeChat. Additionally, they advertised “de-listing from blacklists and airport release if barred entry”.
During the Senate probe, Sen. Risa Hontiveros showed screen captures of the advertisements. Following this, she stated:
They can even give Philippine passports to Chinese tourists… Obviously, these are criminal acts,
Hontiveros showed the advertisement written in Chinese. When translated, it read:
“We can process LTO driving licence even using tourist visa. We can also get you Philippine birth certificate, opening of PHL bank account, just provide photo of passport, no personal appearance needed at the bank”
As the hearing progressed, Hontiveros called on a certain Empire Travel Agency. They allegedly had a huge influence over the Bureau of Immigration.
According to the informants, Liya Wu, the Empire’s boss, was “very generous”. Hontiveros then cited how Wu gave branded items to some immigration officers.
But, during questioning, she contradicted the accusations. Wu cited that her 22-year-old travel agency had never advanced the entry of Chinese workers in POGO.
Additionally, she added that the Empire does not have its own office within the Bureau of Immigration headquarters. Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism would begin reviewing travel agencies offering similar illegal services.
As per the report, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is expected to hold a probing next week on the illegal entry of POGO in the country.
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