(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has warned custom and immigration personnel that he will relieve all officials who would be found to be involved in extortion and theft of Balikbayan boxes sent by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to their loved ones.
“Ayaw ko ng oppression sa Pilipino. That has to stop. Sa airport ngayon wala nang bukasan ng bag … Kung meron mang kontrabando, nakikita na ‘yon sa baba. Why do you have to mess up, magbukas ng bag? Ayoko ‘yung airport police maglapit-lapit sa pasahero,” Duterte said.
The President during his speech in Cagayan de Oro City reiterated that he doesn’t want the opening of balikbayan boxes sent by the OFWs.
“Why do you have to mess up ‘yang magbukas-bukas ng bag? Bawal ‘yan, bawal ‘yan,” President Duterte said.
He also opposed the ‘special treatment’ given to politicians and other influential people who skip baggage screening while ordinary workers undergo thorough inspection at the airport.
Duterte said there should be “equal treatment” for all passengers.
He added that he does not want government officials, including him, to be given special treatment.
“Ayoko ‘yung makita ‘yung mga kagaya namin may special treatment. Tabla tabla tayo lahat. Kung palusutin mo ‘yung congressman, ‘yung Presidente, palusutin mo ‘yung iba. Lalo na ‘yung OFWs, do not… ‘yung mga mahirap, do not [give them a hard time]. Kung ayaw mo ng sakit ng ulo,” he said.
He then advised to OFWs, that if any official or personnel would ask them for money, bribe or took something from them, they should slap them.
“Mag-uwi kayo ng (sa) Pilipinas, ‘wag kayong matakot. Do not worry, at kung ganito.. Ito hindi ako nagbibiro: pagpunta mo ng Pilipinas may pulis, customs o Immigration at naghihingi sa inyo ng pera, sampalin mo!”
