Probe sought following charges against Davao del Sur registrar employees aiding Chinese nationals

March 23, 2025 , 05:57 PM

Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect the correction that the involved employees were from Davao del Sur instead of Davao City as previously stated, citing a media release from Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.

(March 24, 2025) – A lawmaker on Sunday called for a nationwide investigation into the fraudulent issuance of Philippine birth certificates to Chinese citizens, following the filing of criminal charges against four employees of the municipal civil registrar of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong posited that the issue likely extends to other provinces.

“This kind of syndicate work could not have thrived without a broader network. We should look for similar operations in other parts of the country, especially during the (Rodrigo) Duterte administration when Chinese influence grew unchecked,” said Adiong, an assistant majority leader, in a media release.

On Thursday, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed 66 counts of falsification, graft and corruption, and cybercrime charges against the four employees. The NBI said they were involved in issuing fake birth records that allowed Chinese nationals to assume Filipino identities.

These forged documents were reportedly used to secure Philippine passports, giving them legal entry and employment in the country.

The NBI earlier found evidence that local government units were involved in similar schemes.

Adiong initially stated that the involved employees were from the Davao City Civil Registrar’s Office. But in a statement on Monday, his camp clarified making a mistake.

“House (of Representatives) assistant majority leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur clarified Monday night that his earlier statement that those charged on the alleged issuance of fake birth certificates to Chinese nationals involved four employees from the municipal civil registrar of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur—not Davao City,” said the statement.

Adiong, meanwhile, urged the Department of Justice, Philippine Statistics Authority, and Department of Foreign Affairs to conduct a thorough review of birth records issued over the past decade, particularly in areas with high numbers of Chinese migrants.

“This isn’t just a case of corruption. This is treasonous behavior,” added Adiong.

China’s influence in the Philippines expanded during Duterte’s presidency, as he shifted his foreign policy toward Beijing.

Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which are usually run by Chinese nationals, also became widespread during Duterte’s term. Despite their links to various criminal activities, Duterte repeatedly defended POGOs.

(With reports from Marianne Enriquez, News5)

(PM)

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