Lawmakers in the so-called ‘Young Guns’ bloc of the House of Representatives called for an investigation into the reported manufacturing of fake birth certificates in Davao del Sur that allegedly serves the interests of Chinese nationals.
In a statement on Sunday, the group stressed that “there must be no fake Filipinos.” They expressed outrage over a report from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) about an office churning out fake birth certificates for Chinese nationals that sprouted in a Davao del Sur town.
Consequently, the lawmakers called for a congressional inquiry into the NBI’s discovery that almost 200 fake birth certificates were issued to Chinese nationals by the local civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. One of them was even arrested after applying for a passport in Davao City.
“We must understand that a birth certificate is more than just a document. It symbolizes a Filipino’s connection to their country. It is the first official document that every Filipino receives as their birthright, establishing their official tie to the nation,” said Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario.
“This is not something that can be easily given, fabricated, milled or bought. Sa madaling salita (In short), the Filipinos are not for sale. Dapat walang pekeng Pilipino (There must be no fake Filipino),” he underscored.
Almario said there is a “need to strengthen our legislative framework to ensure rigorous verification processes are in place for the issuance of birth certificates,” including “enhancing the capabilities of local civil registries, implementing more robust checks and balances, and imposing severe penalties on those found guilty of facilitating such fraud.”
“What is even more infuriating and sad about this is that the Chinese nationals who were issued fake birth certificates may have links to criminal and drug syndicates,” Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun noted.
“They probably also found the easiest route to secure spurious documents to conceal their true identities and citizenship to continue their nefarious activities here in the country. Congress needs to investigate this,” Khonghun added.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, for his part, said he would like to know if these Chinese nationals had a backer that emboldened them to “make a mockery of the sanctity of the country’s birth certificate,” calling it an “affront to our national security and sovereignty.”
He noted that this practice is “unacceptable, emphasizing that “the issuance of falsified birth certificates to foreign nationals compromises the integrity of our civil registration system, undermines the trust of the Filipino people, and poses a significant threat to national security.”
La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega echoed these sentiments, noting that Chinese infiltrators with falsified Philippine birth certificates “could potentially exploit their newfound status to engage in activities detrimental to our country, including espionage, economic sabotage and other criminal enterprises.”
“The ramifications of such actions are far-reaching and could compromise our national defense, economy and public safety,” Ortega said.
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, meanwhile, said “it raises serious questions about the safeguards in place within our local civil registries and highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability measures.”
“The procurement of valid birth certificates must be fortified to prevent any exploitation by foreign infiltrators. Birth certificates are foundational documents that grant access to a range of rights and privileges, including citizenship, education and employment,” Bongalon stressed.
Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy V also said the House of Representatives must “act decisively to address this issue” because “this is a grave matter that demands immediate and resolute action.”
“We owe it to the Filipino people to protect the sanctity of our civil registration system and safeguard our national security. Let this be a rallying call for vigilance, integrity and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and sovereignty,” said Dy.
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