ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Senate slate of President Marcos took a break yesterday from campaigning to spend Valentine’s Day with families or partners.
Returning senator Panfilo Lacson said their Iloilo kickoff rally was initially scheduled on Feb. 14 – until they protested the plan for romantic reasons – as well as the usual obligations.
“Our schedule here was previously on the 14th, and then the Davao del Norte rally will be on the 16th. This was changed to 13th in Iloilo, and 15th in Davao del Norte,” Lacson said at a press briefing with the rest of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate on Thursday.
“We would only be faced with problems at home if we don’t make it there on the 14th. Happy Valentine’s Day to all,” Lacson added, to chuckles from the audience.
Meanwhile, for Valentine’s Day, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to always value the love of their families and friends as well as the community where they belong.
“The Office of the Vice President joins the nation in celebrating this day of hearts,” Duterte said in a statement posted on her social media accounts.
“May we always value the love, unity and concern of our family, friends and our community,” Duterte added.
She also called on Filipinos to always strive to deepen their relationships with their fellowmen to triumph over the challenges that the nation is facing.
“In everything that we do, let us continue to strengthen our ties in order to triumph as one nation. Happy Valentine’s Day!” Duterte said.
Love scams
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport warned the public against online love scams, especially those involving alleged foreigners visiting their Filipino partners in the Philippines.
In a common scheme as described by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, a scammer pretends to be a foreigner who has developed a romantic relationship with a victim online, and after promising to visit the Philippines, they claim to have been stopped at the airport for carrying large sums of cash or expensive gifts, such as an engagement ring.
“These scammers fabricate stories to make their victims believe they are in trouble and need immediate financial assistance,” said Viado. “We remind the public that the BI does not demand payments over the phone, nor are we responsible for handling incoming currency or personal belongings such as luggage or jewelry.”
A fake immigration officer or anyone pretending to be an airport official then contacts the victim, demanding money to secure the foreigner’s release.
In one case reported in August, a victim was tricked into paying P70,000 after being told her foreign fiancé was being held for money laundering violations.
Other victims have been scammed into paying for the supposed release of their partners, only to later realize they had been deceived.
Viado urged the public to remain vigilant, verify information and report suspicious incidents.
“Scammers prey on emotions to manipulate their victims. We strongly advise against sending money to anyone without verifying their claims through official channels,” he said. — Elizabeth Marcelo, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jose Rodel Clapano, Rudy Santos, Evelyn Macairan, Rhodina Villanueva