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Some Chinese arrivals get ‘VIP’ treatment at airport immigration


A video released by Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday showing the apparent VIP treatment being enjoyed by some Chinese nationals entering the Philippines has sparked controversy.

In the video posted on Hontiveros’ Facebook page, immigration officers were recorded escorting some Chinese travelers through the immigration process.

 

 

Hontiveros said the footage was given to her by an informant from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In a Senate hearing, the senator revealed that there is a “pastillas” arrangement within the BI that facilitates the easy entry of Chinese nationals into the Philippines in exchange for P10,000 each. 

Immigration officials present at the hearing claimed to be unaware of the scheme.

“Somebody sold our country’s borders for Chinese money,” Hontiveros said.

“Kung sasabihin nating one million ang pumapasok gamit ang ‘pastillas’ system, P1 billion na ang nabayad na kickback,” she added.

The BI earlier said that some 1.8 million Chinese have entered the country in recent years. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News

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