Philippines embassy in US warns vs false info on ‘dual citizenship ban’

MANILA, Philippines — Information circulating on social media about a new US policy regarding dual citizenship and green card travel restrictions is false information, the Philippine embassy in Washington said yesterday.

“The US government has made no policy changes regarding dual citizenship or lawful permanent resident travel rights,” the embassy said in an advisory.

The Filipino communities in the US were urged to verify information through official government sources, avoid sharing unverified content and report false information.

“Please do not make legal decisions, such as renouncing your Philippine citizenship, based on social media content. Renunciation of Philippine citizenship is a serious, irreversible legal action,” the embassy said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is serving as the country’s top diplomat only until June 30.

“Our foreign policy remains the same. We are firmly anchored on the values and principles of peace, democracy, human rights, fairness and justice. And we will continue to do so, especially in terms of enhancing national security,” Manalo said during a luncheon with the media.

He will be replaced by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

Malacañang announced on May 23 the appointment of Manalo as the Philippine permanent representative to the United Nations, a post he previously held.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Manalo will remain in his post until confirmed as UN permanent representative.

Tourist arrivals

The Philippines has welcomed a total of 2,905,363 foreign tourists as of June 25, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said yesterday.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Frasco said many factors have “affected tourist arrivals” in the Philippines including “external shocks, geopolitical challenges and internal challenges.”

“This also includes non-resumption of the e-visa (electronic visa) by the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) for Chinese nationals,” she said.

Despite the hurdles, Frasco welcomed as positive development the 14-day visa-free policies for Indians visiting the Philippines for tourism starting this month, as well those for Taiwanese coming into the country effective July 1.

“We are not dependent on one source market alone and we continue to diversify international source markets,” Frasco said.

She also commended the latest episode of Netflix series “Somebody Feed Phil” that featured the historic walled city of Intramuros, as well as eateries in Metro Manila and Tagaytay City.

The show’s host Phil Rosenthal got to try famous Filipino dishes like sisig and taho, as well as ride the iconic passenger jeepney. — Ghio Ong