Tourism chief: Foreign tourists must respect laws, locals

MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay has issued a strong warning to foreign tourists, urging them to respect local customs and adhere to Philippine laws, emphasizing that the country's hospitality should not be mistaken for tolerance of abuse. Angara-Mathay made the statement on Monday, June 29, amid ongoing discussions about the behavior and compliance of some foreign nationals in tourist-heavy destinations, particularly in light of recent immigration-related cases involving foreigners in Siargao. On Monday, June 29, the Bureau of Immigration announced it had apprehended 10 foreign nationals in Siargao, including Israelis, for alleged immigration violations. This incident has revived public debate over proper conduct, legal compliance, and the impact of long-staying visitors on local communities. While the Philippines remains open and welcoming, the tourism chief stated, there are clear limits when hospitality is taken for granted. "I don't like our locals being mistreated. We're very welcoming and hospitable people. So we welcome you with open arms, a genuine smile in our face. We embrace you. We allow you into our community. But the minute you insult us, abuse our hospitality, that's where we draw the line," she said. She stressed that being a tourist or contributing economically does not exempt anyone from Philippine laws. "So, you know, you're not just because you're a tourist and bringing in money, well, you're immune or you're supposed to be exempted from the force of the law. So if you break something, you break the law, you should feel the full force or the benefit," she added. Angara-Mathay also expressed her personal rejection of any form of abuse against Filipinos in their own country. "So for me, my personal opinion, I don't want to be abused. I don't want to feel abused in our own country. So, you know, if you come here to insult us, better not stay with us," she stated. The Secretary clarified that her remarks were not directed at any specific nationality, emphasizing that law enforcement should apply to all foreign visitors regardless of their origin. "And I'm sure I'm going to get flak from the embassy of Israel. But, you know, we're not racist people. So whoever commits a crime or an offense will be dealt with appropriately. So we're not saying that ethnic groups are the bad guys. We're not like that. So we're actually very welcoming, sometimes to a fault," she said. Last year, Angara-Mathay's predecessor, former Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, also addressed concerns over the growing presence of long-term foreign nationals in destinations like Siargao, including complaints about dominance, loud parties, and reckless driving. Frasco had then stated that the Department of Tourism had relayed the concerns of residents and local businesses to the Embassy of Israel in Manila.