Duterte lauds China, S. Korea for kind treatment of Filipinos

China and South Korea are among the countries that treat Filipinos with kindness and respect, President Duterte said last Wednesday after ordering an intensified campaign against illegal recruiters.

The President expressed gratitude to the two Asian nations for their relaxed immigration rules for Filipinos.

“China has been accepting Filipinos like Korea. And they are really — they are really Asians. They treat us kindly and they are so exceedingly forgiving,” he said during the launch of a new movement against illegal recruitment of Filipinos workers in Pasay City.

“They said if you want to extend do not wait for the expiry, go to us and we will give you,” he said.

He said China and South Korea are not too strict when it comes to Filipino visitors. “Nobody is asking Filipino there if you have a visa. Well, I suppose you cannot enter the country without a visa but what I mean is that they are not really that, that strict and that — hindi masyadong stressful,” he added.

The President, however, reminded Filipinos living and working overseas to follow the rules in the host countries, especially regulations against illegal drugs.

He said he was duty bound to protect Filipinos but admitted it would “take time” in case they are caught violating the laws abroad.

“Those things that are not really allowed in other countries, do not do it because you have to follow the rules,” he said.

“Sumunod kayo because pag nasabit kayo ng mga ganun, hindi talaga ako makatulong [You should follow the rules because if you get caught, I cannot help]. If at all, it would take time,” he added.