Palace on 'Chinese-only' establishments: We cannot allow that to happen

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang said reports that some Chinese establishments are keeping Filipino customers out should be investigated.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the government cannot allow this to happen.

"They cannot be discriminating against Filipinos. It's public business and therefore should cater to all," Panelo said in a press briefing Monday.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson had called for the closure of "Chinese only" establishments in the country.

In an earlier interview with radio dzBB, Lacson said Filipinos appear to be second-class citizens in their own country when Chinese restaurants bar them from entering.

"It's bad enough that there is discrimination when we go to western countries you can see that there are some countries that still have a strong racial discrimination whether they admit it or not," Lacson said in Filipino.

"But we are here in our own country, you will not be allowed to enter and eat in a Chinese restaurant? And you are Filipino? That should be closed," the senator added.

Panelo said Malacañang would ask Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to look into reports of establishments that are excusively for Chinese nationals.

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Malacañang also advised Filipinos to avoid confrontation if ever they encounter "Chinese-only" establishments.

"The better step, or thing to do, is to file a complaint. [If] you engage the owner or try to force yourself [in], you will only trigger a fight," Panelo said.

Earlier this year, there have been concerns over the influx of Chinese workers in the Philippines.

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, said Chinese workers should be allowed to remain in the country for fear that Filipino workers in China might also be affected.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila later on clarified that it would not be enforcing a "tit-for-tat" policy on deporting illegal workers, as earlier stated by Panelo.

"The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines did not say that Beijing would adopt 'tit-for-tat' approach should the Philippine government deport Chinese nationals found working illegally in the country," the Chinese Embassy said.

Malacañang also declared that the Philippine government would be enforcing immigration laws against violators.