The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reported that in 2017, at least 74 foreigners were not allowed entry to the Philippines due to “disrespecting Immigration officers”.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement that “the entry and stay of foreigners in the country is not a right but a mere privilege. Thus, they [foreigners] ought to show respect and courtesy to immigration officers upon their arrival in our ports of entry.”

The BI also said that other foreigners went as far as being blacklisted after they left the country for being rude to “subport officers”.

A memorandum order issued in 2001 states that foreigners may be denied entry to the country if they “show disrespect or make offensive utterances to symbols of Philippine authority.”

Rude foreigners who are blacklisted by the Immigration can appeal their inclusion by “apologizing for his conduct” or by “citing meritorious reasons”, continued Commissioner Morente. “This is done to teach these arrogant and discourteous foreigners the lesson that ours is a sovereign country whose authority they should respect.”

Source: ABS CBN News