After the US government announced they would deny entry to Filipino politicians believed to be involved with the detention of embattled Senator Leila de Lima, proposals have been raised to require American citizens to acquire visas before entering the country. In response, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon expressed concern over the plan.
He said regulating the entry of Americans will affect the country’s economy and noted, “It is wrong to go up against a nation, which is a big contributor to the country’s economy and development.”
Carbon added, “American citizens are the highest spenders in the country.”
He said taking such a position would put the Philippines at a disadvantage as American tourists will very likely visit other countries.
Aside requiring Americans to secure visas, the Philippine government banned US Senators Dick Durbin and Patrick Leahy from entering the country. The two democratic lawmakers are responsible for the law barring entry to certain Filipino officials, which also calls for de Lima’s release./DGB, WDJ