DFA to enforce stricter visa issuance rule for the Chinese, cites Pogo crimes

[Mike J]

Sounds like the issues and challenges with the POGOs has not gone away.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/dfa-to-enforce-stricter-visa-issuance-rule-for-the-chinese-cites-pogo-crimes/ar-BB1m5vSy?cvid=73867da164254a76f46bd1d67b974294&ei=16

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will implement a stricter visa issuance strategy for the Chinese “starting this week.”

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Gary Domingo said this is in light of the “headline discovery of fraudulently-obtained passports and visas resulting in the illicit entry and overstay” of foreigners in the Philippines.

“A major challenge is submitting fake documents, particularly from the Chinese side,” said Domingo.

“To help remedy this, we are actually looking at a best practice used by other foreign embassies such as Japan, South Korea, US and UK — and they also require applicants to submit a social insurance certificate,” he noted.
Apart from this, Domingo said they will continue to require the “presentation of proof for financial capacity with employment certificate and bank statements,” but they will be more vigilant in “scrutinizing” applicants’ bank statement and accounts.

In the same briefing, Domingo was prodded by the media as to why the DFA resorted to enforcing stricter visa issuance policies.

He was asked if the new development entails that there is now a large number of foreigners who are faking their documents to enter the country.

“It’s a bit confidential. Basta marami,” Domingo opted to respond.

Related video: Amid China’s audio recording claim, DFA says: Diplomats must follow PH laws (Dailymotion)

While the adjustment occurred amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, Domingo maintained that the change in the government’s policy “is not necessarily related to other national security concerns.”

“This is also for the good of the Chinese because again — itong mga Pogo (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) na nakalusot, who are their victims? Fellow Chinese,” he explained.

(These Pogos who are able to get away, who are their victims?)

“So, it’s not necessarily related to other national security considerations,” he emphasized.

[scott h]

1 hour ago, Mike J said:

POGOs has not gone away.

Well, (and this is just my opinion) they brought it upon themselves. The policy makers subscumbed to the public pressure from the well to do segment of society and forced a cash cow, both in taxes and the employment of Filipinos, to seek a more business friendly environment. The current pogos are the shady ones who will continue to operate without paying taxes until they are forcibly shut down (they raided two in the last couple of months). Now the only Chinese that are left are the undesirable element, who will continue to operate until caught or they sneak out of the country when the pressure is to great. 

[graham59]

Fine words....and the greed-based economy rolls on.

[JJReyes]

POGOs are very profitable, so these visas are highly desirable because the operation requires fluent Chinese speakers.  So continual gift giving is part of the business, and the operators of these illegal enterprises are willing to pay.  To increase the gift giving, you simply make it more difficult to obtain the visas and increase the law enforcement raids.  

[scott h]

21 hours ago, graham59 said:

Fine words....and the greed-based economy rolls on

Yeah, capitalism really, really sucks........its just to bad its the only system that really, really works 

[Old55]

Chinese organized crime is able to get those visas. As we all know it just takes the correct paperwork:

 

 

 

Edited May 10 by Old55

[graham59]

2 hours ago, scott h said:

Yeah, capitalism really, really sucks........its just to bad its the only system that really, really works 

We are talking about CORRUPTION sir, not capitalism.

Shame some don't know the difference. I have been a self-employed 'businessman' all my working life, giving employment to many along the way, without robbing others, or trampling over the weak.

[scott h]

16 minutes ago, graham59 said:

I have been a self-employed 'businessman' all my working life, giving employment to many along the way, without robbing others, or trampling over the weak.

 

[OnMyWay]

Question:  When Chinese are mentioned is this regard, is that strictly PRC, or is Taiwan involved in these types of problems?

[scott h]

7 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

Taiwan involved

Good question, I cannot remember any of the news articles make a distinction. Smart money would be that a few bad acting Taiwanese are included. There seems to be a worldwide criminal element that is attracted the PI. Or the press is just anxious to publish the fact.

As a side note:............I have become addicted to K-dramas on Netflix. It is funny, whenever a gangster or a corrupt politician is trying to avoid arrest. They almost always take a plane to the Philippines. On the latest hit show Queen of Tears, Boracay was specifically mentioned. Makes you think.