VISA CONDITIONS VIOLATED The nine Chinese, who were arrested for violating the conditions of their stay in the Philippines, have been turned over to the Bureau of Immigration’s detention facility in Taguig City. — File photo from BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers of the House of Representatives are calling on the chamber’s leadership to probe into the revealation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that nearly 200 fake birth certificates were issued to some Chinese from 2018 to 2019.
These documents were reportedly all processed by the civil registry of Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur.
Members of the so-called “Young Guns” aired their sentiments in a joint statement on Sunday following reports that a Chinese was arrested after applying for a passport in Davao City using a falsified document.
READ: NBI Davao uncovers ‘200 falsified birth certificates’ issued to Chinese
“We must understand that a birth certificate is more than just a document. It symbolizes a Filipino’s connection to their country. It is the first official document that every Filipino receives as their birth right, establishing their official tie to the nation,” Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario said.
“This is not something that can be easily given, fabricated, milled or bought. Sa madaling salita, the Filipinos are not for sale. Dapat walang pekeng Pilipino,” he stressed.
“We need to strengthen our legislative framework to ensure rigorous verification processes are in place for the issuance of birth certificates. This includes enhancing the capabilities of local civil registries, implementing more robust checks and balances, and imposing severe penalties on those found guilty to be facilitating such fraud,” he added.
Aside from Almario, other lawmakers calling for an investigation are Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Inno Dy V of Isabela.
Citing reports, lawmakers said Hengson Lemosnero, identified initially as Hanlin Qiu by the NBI, was collared by authorities at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Ecoland, Davao City.
The arrest happened as Lemosnero was applying for a Philippine passport using a fake birth certificate.
Lemosnero was among nearly 200 Chinese who acquired falsified birth certificates from the municipal civil registry in one town.
“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicates ang mga Chinese nationals na na-isyuhan ng pekeng birth certificates,” Khonghun lamented.
The lawmaker chairs the House Committee on Bases Conversion.
“They probably also found the easiest route to secure spurious documents to conceal their true identities and citizenship to continue their nefarious activities here in the country. Kailangan itong imbestigahan ng Kongreso,” he pointed out.
For his part, Adiong wanted to know if these foreigners “had a backer.”
“The issuance of falsified birth certificates to foreign nationals compromises the integrity of our civil registration system, undermines the trust of the Filipino people, and poses a significant threat to national security,” said Adiong.
He heads the House Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation.
“It is imperative that the House of Representatives launches an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter in aid of legislation to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring,” he said.
“Ipatawag natin ang buong tanggapan ng local civil registry of Sta. Cruz,” he suggested.
(Let’s call on all the persons from the office of local civil registry of Sta. Cruz.)
Likewise, Ortega said the alleged reports on Chinese infiltrators armed with falsified Philippine birth certificates pose a threat to the Philippines’ national security.
For his part, Gutierrez pointed out these actions might become an avenue for criminal activities such as identity theft, human trafficking and smuggling.
“These individuals could potentially exploit their newfound status to engage in activities detrimental to our country, including espionage, economic sabotage, and other criminal enterprises,” he said.
“These crimes not only endanger the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnish our international reputation and relations,” he warned.