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Ni ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN II
“DAPAT walang pekeng Filipino!”
Ito ang mariin at nagkakaisang pahayag ng mga batang kongresistang mas kilala bilang ‘Young Guns’ ng Kamara sa pagkakabunyag ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) na pagawaan ng pekeng birth certificate sa Davao del Sur.
“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicate ang mga Chinese national na naisyuhan ng pekeng birth certificates,” ayon kay Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, chairman ng House Committee on Bases Conversion.
Bunsod nito, nais ng grupo ni Khonghun, na kinabibilangan nina 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, at Inno Dy V ng Isabela na magsagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon sa pagkakasakote ng nasa 200 pekeng birth certificate na inisyu sa mga Chinese nationals ng local civil registry sa 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,” ayon kay Almario.
“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,” dagdag pa niya.
Iginiit naman ni Adiong na dapat matukoy ang mga kasabwat ng mga Chinese kaya malakas ang loob ng mga ito na magpanggap na mga Pilipino.
“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,” paliwanag ni Adiong, chairman ng Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation.
Para kay Bongalon, maituturing namang na isang kawalan ng respeto sa pagkakakilanlan ng tao at panuntunan ipinatutupad ng gobyerno ang nabistong panloloko.
“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,” sabi pa niya.
“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,” dugtong ni Bongalon.
Sa panig ni House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Ortega, ang mga Chinese nationals na gumagamit ng mga pekeng dokumento, partikular na ang birth certificate, ay maituturing na banta sa seguridad ng Pilipinas.
“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,” pangamba ni Ortega.
Nababahala rin si Gutierrez na magamit sa kriminalidad ang pagkakaroon ng pekeng birth certificate, mula sa theft, human trafficking at smuggling, na hindi lamang banta sa buhay at kapakanan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino, bagkus ay maglalagay din ito sa hindi magandang reputasyon ng bansa sa international community.
Sang-ayon naman si Dy sa punto ng mga kanyang kapwa mambabatas kaya iginiit na hindi ito dapat pagsawalang bahala, na bukod sa pagsasagawa ng kaukulang hakbang ng pamahalaan ay marapat ding kumilos ang Kamara.
“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,” ani Dy.
