MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday warned Filipino-American actor Tony Labrusca that there are limits to privileges accorded to balikbayans or returning Filipinos.
The BI made the statement after Labrusca reportedly made a scene at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Thursday.
Reports said Labrusca got mad after immigration officers stamped his passport for a 30-day stay only.
The BI said he allegedly cursed immigration personnel for “giving him a hard time despite him being a celebrity, with people wanting to take pictures with him.”
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said under Republic Act 6767, balikbayan privileges are given only to former Filipinos naturalized abroad.
Labrusca, whose parents are Filipinos, is an American passport holder.
Dana Krizia Sandoval, spokesperson for the BI, said not all individuals of Filipino lineage are entitled to get one-year visa privilege.
“The privilege is for former Filipinos and their immediate family members who are traveling with them. If these family members are not traveling with them, then they are not qualified,” she said.
The 23-year-old Labrusca was not accompanied by his parents when he arrived in the country.
His father is actor Anthony “Boom” Labrusca and his mother is Angel Jones, a member of the former hip hop group Kulay.