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Rosette Adel - Philstar.com
June 30, 2026 | 8:45am
MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay warned foreign tourists against disrespecting locals or violating Philippine laws, saying the country's hospitality should not be mistaken for tolerance of abuse.
Angara-Mathay made the statement Monday, June 29, amid continuing discussions over the behavior and compliance of some foreign nationals in tourism-heavy destinations, including recent immigration-related cases involving foreigners in Siargao.
On Monday, June 29, the Bureau of Immigration said it apprehended 10 foreign nationals in Siargao, including Israelis, over alleged immigration violations, reviving public debate over proper conduct, legal compliance and the impact of long-staying visitors on local communities.
Wwhile the Philippines remains open and welcoming, the tourism chief said, there are clear limits when hospitality is taken for granted.
"I don't like our locals being mistreated. We're very welcoming and hospitable people. So we welcome you with open arms, a genuine smile in our face. We embrace you. We allow you into our community. But the minute you insult us, abuse our hospitality, that's where we draw the line," she said.
She stressed that being a tourist or contributing economically does not exempt anyone from Philippine laws.
"So, you know, you're not just because you're a tourist and bringing in money, well, you're immune or you're supposed to be exempted from the force of the law. So if you break something, you break the law, you should feel the full force or the benefit," she said.
Angara-Mathay also said she personally rejects any form of abuse against Filipinos in their own country.
"So for me, my personal opinion, I don't want to be abused. I don't want to feel abused in our own country. So, you know, if you come here to insult us, better not stay with us," she said.
Not about nationality
Angara-Mathay said her remarks were not directed at any nationality, emphasizing that enforcement should apply to all foreign visitors regardless of origin.
"And I'm sure I'm going to get flak from the embassy of Israel. But, you know, we're not racist people. So whoever commits a crime or an offense will be dealt with appropriately. So we're not saying that ethnic groups are the bad guys. We're not like that. So we're actually very welcoming, sometimes to a fault," she said.
Last year, Angara-Mathay's predecessor, former Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, also addressed concerns over the growing presence of long-term foreign nationals in destinations such as Siargao, including complaints about dominance, loud parties and reckless driving.
Frasco then said the Department of Tourism had relayed the concerns of residents and local businesses to the Embassy of Israel in Manila.
READ: DOT addresses concerns over growing presence of Israelis in Siargao
