Embassy denies report on US visa-free policy for Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. belied a supposed online news report that the United States had lifted the visa requirement for Filipinos.

"The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines would like to inform the public that there is no truth to what appears to be an online news report that the United States has announced a 'no visa' policy for Filipinos," the Embassy said in a statement.

It was referring to an article posted on the website The Adobo Chronicles on April 22, which stated that the US State Department had announced a "life-changing new policy for Filipinos."

The article said visas will no longer be required for Filipinos travelling to the United States, a policy which was supposedly effective immediately.

The Philippine Embassy, however, said it has been in touch with the US Department of State, which has denied making such an announcement.

The Embassy reminded the public that the online article circulating in social media "is a satirical piece that should not be taken seriously."

According to the supposed news report, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the State Department lifted the visa requirement "as a way to reward the Filipinos for making the US really look good" in a recent global survey.

The alleged survey showed that an overwhelming majority of Filipinos have a favorable view of the US.