Influx of Chinese nationals

Statements from several government officials, as well as an assurance from Chinese President Xi Jinping, that Filipinos should not worry about the signed agreements on oil and gas exploration and China's loans in connection with their "One Belt, One Road" program. The country will not fall into a debt trap, like what happened in Sri Lanka. The signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) is only an agreement to explore ways to survey and explore the ocean. Details of the agreement will still be threshed out, but the government will make sure that the country benefits the most.

The Palace did not appreciate the statements and warnings of Vice President Leni Robredo and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales regarding the signed MOU, calling their statements “unfair and baseless.” Robredo called for an explanation of the 29 agreements signed by both countries. All signed agreements should benefit the Filipino people. Morales on the other hand said that a country would not survive treason from within. They have only given their two cents on the matter, thinking only of how all these agreements would be beneficial to the people.

But despite China's seemingly good intentions for the country, the Senate intends to investigate the seemingly growing presence of illegal Chinese workers. Recently, 87 Chinese nationals were arrested by authorities for being involved in online gambling. The Chinese entered the country illegally. Why are there so many Chinese illegally working in the country? Even in the malls, there are so many Chinese nationals roaming around. Is it because they know how China is favored by no less than the president of the Philippines?

The Senate is well aware of this situation. It seems that some agencies do not enforce laws or turn a blind eye regarding the illegal entry of Chinese nationals in the country. According to the Bureau of Immigration, more than 119,000 “tourists” were able to circumvent labor regulations and gain temporary employment. Remember that every illegal foreign worker takes away opportunities for the Filipino worker. So easily, more than 119,000 Filipinos have lost opportunities to work.

The Senate is treading softly on this issue, so as not to “offend” China. But the reality is that the number of Chinese nationals in the country, whether tourists or workers, has increased exponentially. The administration’s shift to have warmer, friendlier ties with China seems to be the reason for the influx of Chinese nationals. We can only hope that Filipinos are not disadvantaged in any way, whether from the 29 agreements recently signed, or the influx of illegal Chinese workers in the country.