(Manila, 15th) Philippine Senator Hontiveros has called on relevant government agencies to step up investigations and internal reforms in response to yet another incident of foreigners posing as Filipino citizens, a case already being dubbed the 'Manila version of the Alice Guo case' by observers.
Hontiveros stated today that she was "shocked but not surprised" by the case, emphasizing that "Philippine citizenship should not be for sale."
She pointed out that during previous Senate investigations into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the identity of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, the selling and illegal use of government-issued official documents had already been exposed.
"This has clearly been an ongoing trade for a long time, and now serious action must be taken," she stressed.
Hontiveros urged law enforcement agencies to pursue those involved in illegally selling government identification documents to foreigners.
She also called on key institutions such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to immediately review their personnel and, if necessary, remove corrupt staff.
"The government must prioritize cleaning up the mess left behind by POGO," Hontiveros stated.
She emphasized that she will continue to push for stronger mechanisms to prevent identity fraud and foreign infiltration of Philippine public institutions, in order to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law.
Hontiveros stated today that she was "shocked but not surprised" by the case, emphasizing that "Philippine citizenship should not be for sale."
She pointed out that during previous Senate investigations into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the identity of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, the selling and illegal use of government-issued official documents had already been exposed.
"This has clearly been an ongoing trade for a long time, and now serious action must be taken," she stressed.
Hontiveros urged law enforcement agencies to pursue those involved in illegally selling government identification documents to foreigners.
She also called on key institutions such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to immediately review their personnel and, if necessary, remove corrupt staff.
"The government must prioritize cleaning up the mess left behind by POGO," Hontiveros stated.
She emphasized that she will continue to push for stronger mechanisms to prevent identity fraud and foreign infiltration of Philippine public institutions, in order to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law.