Photo credit: Congress PH

In response to growing concerns over the influx of Chinese nationals in the Philippines, House Speaker Martin Romualdez directed Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo to file House Resolution No. 1771.

This resolution calls for a thorough investigation into the processes surrounding the issuance of Special Resident Retiree's Visas (SRRV), Special Investor's Resident Visas (SIRV), and delayed registration of births.

The resolution highlights the socio-economic impacts of the Chinese influx, including shifts in the labor market, national security risks, and implications for public order. Recent reports have linked this influx to various criminal activities such as human trafficking, scamming, and illegal detention, often disguised under Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations.

Among the concerns raised are potential abuses of the SRRV and SIRV schemes, which provide foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, with exemptions from immigration requirements and tax obligations. These privileges enable them to work, invest, and engage freely in transactions with the Philippine government.

Moreover, the resolution underscores the risks associated with delayed registration of births, citing the case of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo as an example. Such delays could allow non-nationals to participate in activities reserved for Filipino citizens, including running for public office.

The House seeks to evaluate the efficacy and integrity of these visa processes and birth registrations to prevent circumvention of Philippine laws and safeguard national interests and security. The inquiry aims to gather pertinent data and insights to ensure that these policies align with the country's needs and do not facilitate illegal activities.