MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 09, 2008) – The Philippines is alarmed by the rising numbers of foreigners illegally working in the country.The Bureau of Immigration said it received many complaints, especially against foreign architects, interior designers and planners who work in the country without permits.
"We have been receiving numerous complaints, including those originating from media sources, with respect to the growing number of foreign architects, interior designers and planners apparently unlawfully practicing their craft here, to the detriment of Filipino professionals," Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said.
In some cases, he said, these foreigners were even conspicuously credited in press releases and other publicity materials distributed by local property developers to the media. "We are definitely taking these complaints very seriously," Libanan said.
Libanan said these foreigners not only unfairly prejudice their Filipino counterparts, but also deprive the government of tax revenue. He said the government has been cheated of potential value-added, withholding, and income tax revenues on the professional fees raked in by the foreigners.
"We must stress that we welcome foreign professionals who visit the country, or wish to become permanent residents here. However, if they decide to practice their profession here, they must first obtain the necessary licenses and permits," Libanan said.
He said foreign interior designers, planners and architects, including so-called landscape architects, should first obtain the proper work permits from the Department of Labor and Employment.
"They should also make sure that they are duly licensed here by the Professional Regulatory Commission before they may lawfully engage in the practice of their profession here," he said.
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