Beijing asks Manila to check if Chinese workers suffer exploitation
MANILA, Philippines — China on Monday asked the Philippines to look into the possible exploitation of Chinese citizens working in illegal gambling operations in Manila.
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua raised the issue during a meeting with presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo Monday in Malacañang.
"He (Zhao) expressed concern on the possible exploitation of Chinese citizens in illegal gambling operations in the country and called for cooperation in strictly monitoring the situation and swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible," Panelo said in a statement.
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Panelo said the Chinese envoy also assured him that his government does not consent to any illegal entry or employment of its citizens in the Philippines.
The Labor department has issued almost 52,000 alien employment permits for Chinese workers. Labor officials revealed in a recent Senate inquiry that Chinese nationals enter the Philippines using tourist visas before getting short-term permits to work for online gaming companies.
Some sectors have expressed concern that Chinese workers may be taking away jobs that should be for Filipinos.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed readiness to allow Chinese nationals to work in the Philippines, noting that there are also hundreds of thousands of Filipinos working in China.
In a chance interview before his meeting with Panelo, Zhao said his country has the "persistent" policy of not allowing Chinese nationals to work in another country illegally.
"Whether they have working permit or not, it really is something of concern to both sides, both the Chinese side or the Filipino side. The policy is very clear. If they are working illegally here, it's up to you to deal with the issue in accordance with your law," the Chinese envoy said.
"But as we're dealing with the illegal foreign nationals illegally working in China, we also follow our laws and procedures. But in the meantime, we would also call on the law enforcement agencies here to deal with this issue professionally," he added.
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Zhao urged agencies to take into consideration the "humanitarian needs" of the Chinese nationals.
"There's a problem of Chinese working illegally here but also there are Filipinos working illegally in China. So we are handling this in accordance with our respective laws and regulations. We are handling it professionally in the spirit of our friendship and cooperation," he said.
Panelo and Zhao also recognized the value of responsible use of marine resources of the West Philippine Sea, including the rich fishing ground of the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
"Both officials likewise give importance to the existing bilateral consultation mechanism between China and the Philippines as an avenue to address possible issues in the West Philippine Sea and to resolve any conflict or misunderstanding that may arise therefrom," Panelo said
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