Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has sought for a Senate inquiry into the influx of Chinese nationals employed and residing in the Philippines. The senator has expressed her concern that the sudden rise of Chinese workers in the country may have implications on national security and local employment opportunities.
According to de Lima, there has been a significant increase in the number of Chinese nationals working in the country in recent years, especially after the Duterte administration signed a memorandum of agreement with China in 2016, allowing for Chinese construction companies to be involved in the government's infrastructure projects. The senator added that the influx of Chinese workers has extended beyond the construction industry, with many now employed in various industries across the country.
De Lima raised her concerns over the influx of Chinese workers during a Senate session earlier this week, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. The senator pointed out that the sudden increase in the number of Chinese nationals in the country has raised suspicions of potential violations of immigration laws.
Moreover, the senator believes that the influx of Chinese workers will impact the country's employment opportunities. She has noted that many Chinese nationals are being employed in low-paying jobs with minimum wage, which Filipinos could easily do. As a result, de Lima fears that many Filipinos will lose employment opportunities.
De Lima also expressed her concerns over the implications of the influx of Chinese workers on national security. The senator stressed that the country has to ensure that the influx of Chinese nationals is not associated with any intelligence activities or other security threats.
De Lima's call for a Senate inquiry into the matter has been supported by several other lawmakers. Senator Joel Villanueva, who chairs the Senate labor committee, said that he is open to the idea of conducting an investigation into the influx of Chinese workers, especially on whether they are being paid appropriately and if they have proper working permits.
Senator Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, has called for stricter immigration policies to be implemented to prevent illegal Chinese workers from entering the country.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also expressed its concern over the influx of Chinese workers in the country. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that the government needs to address the issue and ensure that the employment opportunities for Filipinos are not being affected by the influx of Chinese workers.
While the DOLE recognizes the need for foreign workers in some industries, Bello emphasized that the government should prioritize the employment of Filipinos. The labor secretary also called on the Chinese companies operating in the country to comply with local laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Andrea Domingo defended the employment of Chinese nationals in the country's gaming industry. Domingo said that it is necessary to have Chinese nationals, as they comprise the majority of the gamers in the country's casinos.
Domingo added that the employment of Chinese nationals has also brought in additional revenue for the government, as many of them are willing to pay taxes.
However, the Duterte administration has been criticized for its pro-China stance and its tendency to turn a blind eye to the influx of Chinese workers in the country. Some lawmakers have even accused the administration of being complicit in allowing illegal Chinese workers to enter the country.
In conclusion, the influx of Chinese workers in the country is an issue that needs to be addressed soon. While recognizing the need for foreign workers in some industries, the government should prioritize the employment of Filipinos and ensure that they are not discriminated against.
Moreover, the government should strictly enforce immigration laws and regulations to prevent illegal Chinese workers from entering the country. Lastly, lawmakers and government officials must ensure that the influx of Chinese workers is not associated with any intelligence activities or other security threats.