Congress Young Guns want probe into Davao’s ‘fake birth certificate mill’ for Chinese nationals

‘Dapat walang pekeng Filipino’

LEADERS of the Young Guns in the House of Representatives on Sunday expressed outrage at reports that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found what they can only describe as a mill churning out fake birth certificates for Chinese nationals in a Davao del Sur town as one of the beneficiaries was arrested after applying for a passport in Davao City using the falsified document.

Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario,
Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Inno Dy V of Isabela are all calling for a congressional inquiry into the NBI’s discovery that close to 200 fake birth certificates were issued to Chinese nationals by the local civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“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. This is not something that can be easily given, fabricated, milled or bought. Sa madaling salita, the Filipinos are not for sale. Dapat walang pekeng Pilipino,” Almario said.

“We need to strengthen our legislative framework to ensure rigorous verification processes are in place for the issuance of birth certificates. This includes 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,” Almario added.

NBI SEMRO director Atty. Archie Albao said
Hengson Lemosnero, who was originally identified by NBI as Hanlin Qiu, was apprehended at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Ecoland, Davao City after applying for Philippine
passport using fake birth certificate.

He is one of the 200 Chinese nationals who acquired falsified birth certificates from the municipal civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicates ang mga Chinese nationals na na-isyuhan ng pekeng birth certificates,” said Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion.

“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. Kailangan itong imbestigahan ng Kongreso,” he added.

Adiong, who also called for an inquiry, 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.”

“This discovery is not only unacceptable but an outright affront to our national security and sovereignty. 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,” said Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation.

“It is imperative that the House of Representatives launches an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter in aid of legislation to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring. Ipatawag natin ang buong tanggapan ng local civil registry ng Sta. Cruz,” he added.

For Bongalon, a lawyer, the fraudulent activity is “particularly disheartening.”

“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,” Bongalon said.

“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,” he added.

“Allowing foreign nationals to illegitimately obtain these documents undermines the very fabric of our nation,” Bongalon said.

Ortega, an Assistant Majority Leader,
also said that Chinese infiltrators, armed with falsified Philippine birth certificates, pose a dire threat to the Philippines’ national security.

“These individuals 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 further explained.

“Moreover, the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates can facilitate a range of criminal activities, from identity theft to human trafficking and smuggling. These crimes not only endanger the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnish our international reputation and relations,” Gutierrez, also a lawyer, for his part said.

Dy, a Deputy Majority Leader, said that with these reports, the House of Representatives must “act decisively to address this issue.”

“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,” Dy said.