Category: Business Mirror

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development’s revised unemployment forecast-now projecting a troubling 5.8 percent jobless rate for 2026-should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers who have long relied on superficial growth metrics while ignoring structural economic vulnerabilities. With 2.62 million Filipinos already out of work in the first half of this year, the government’s admission that its earlier 4-5 percent target was overly optimistic exposes a fundamental failure to anticipate the cascading effects of global instability and domestic policy inertia. The numbers tell a sobering story. Job creation plummeted from 586,000 positions in 2024 to just 432,000 in 2025-a 26 percent decline that coincided with rising underemployment (now at 13.6 percent) and vulnerable employment (33.1 percent). This is not merely a temporary blip attributable to external shocks. While DepDev cites Middle East tensions and the potential return of overseas Filipino workers as contributing factors, these explanations obscure a more uncomfortable truth: the economy has become dangerously dependent on low-quality, precarious service sector jobs while systematically shedding positions in productive sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.

The sectoral breakdown reveals the hollowness of our so-called economic resilience. Yes, administrative and support services added 224,000 workers, largely thanks to the IT-BPM industry’s continued expansion. Public administration temporarily absorbed 137,000 workers for election-related positions. But these are not the foundations of sustainable, broad-based employment. Meanwhile, manufacturing shed 88,000 jobs, agriculture lost 49,000 workers, and wholesale and retail trade contracted by 54,000 positions. When an economy sheds jobs in the sectors that actually produce goods and add tangible value, while expanding only in auxiliary services and temporary government posts, it signals a dangerous hollowing out of productive capacity.

DepDev’s medium-term optimism-projecting a return to 4-5 percent unemployment by 2027-2028-rests on the assumption that ‘rapid technological change and the transition to a greener economy’ will magically create high-quality employment opportunities. This is wishful thinking dressed up as policy foresight. The same report acknowledges that new technologies will likely reduce demand for routine and lower-skilled jobs while increasing demand for workers with AI and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Yet where is the massive upskilling program to prepare the 2.62 million currently unemployed-and the millions more in vulnerable employment-for this transition? Where is the industrial policy to attract green manufacturing investments that could absorb agricultural workers displaced by both climate change and trade liberalization?

The government’s revised growth target of 3.5-4.5 percent for 2026-down from previous projections-suggests that policymakers recognize the economy is operating below potential. But recognizing a problem and addressing it are different matters entirely. The persistence of vulnerable employment, the rise in unpaid family workers (up 159,000), and the swelling ranks of the underemployed indicate that the labor market is not just facing a quantity problem but a quality crisis.

The inconvenient reality is that the country has pursued a growth model that prioritizes consumption-driven expansion and service-sector outsourcing over industrialization and agricultural modernization. This model has delivered impressive headline GDP figures in the past but has proven incapable of generating sufficient decent work for a growing population. The 2026 unemployment revision is the bill coming due.

If the government is serious about its 2027-2028 targets, it must move beyond reactive adjustments and embrace structural reforms: meaningful investment in technical education, aggressive industrial policy to reshore manufacturing, and social protection systems that actually reach the vulnerable. Otherwise, the promised recovery will remain just that-a promise, receding further with each passing year while millions of Filipinos struggle to find work worthy of their dignity and capabilities.

AFTER the flooding problems everywhere, I could just encourage affected people with this: Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain. I am aware that those affected cannot laugh about this recommendation.

While it is good to see that quite a number of companies have responded to the call for sustainability in terms of changing their business model to address natural resource consumption, raw material selection, product packaging design, we certainly want more companies and organization to join the sustainability movement and help the country win the war against plastics.

Today I would like to highlight companies and organizations that have recently taken the plastic issue seriously, and site recommendations to address the garbage issue:

The BSP takes out the trash the green way. The BSP is promoting proper waste segregation and educating employees on recycling practices.

The DOST called for prioritizing national efforts and initiatives on research and development of seaweed-derived bioplastics, that can be broken down into harmless materials through natural processes. Seaweed farming needs to be extended to sustain seaweed supplies.

The DepEd will teach solid waste management in schools.

Environmental groups have called on the government to focus on waste-to-energy and avoid the unchecked flood of single-used plastics-sachets, Styrofoam and plastic bags. The government must also fully implement the country’s solid waste management laws.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) offered its assistance (after the garbage flooding in Paranaque) to local governments enforcing their respective ordinances on waste disposal, including the provision of trash bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage.

The DENR has ordered 155 companies to explain the failure to recover and recycle plastics.

Without action from the local governments, this waste disposal problem will become even more unmanageable. Per the DENR, at least 48 percent of the 65,000 tons of waste generated daily nationwide ends up in waterways, bodies of water, and streets.

The future of sustainability-as can be seen by the above examples-is not driven by regulation alone. It may not be driven by activism, investor pressure, or corporate commitments alone. The real catalyst may be something much simpler. Sustainability gains momentum when companies discover that doing the right thing also happens to be good for business. In contrast, if companies do not focus on sustainability, they will fall behind! I look forward to seeing more organizations following those as listed above.

In conclusion, here are some prohibited acts to address the garbage issues:

Littering, throwing waste matters in public places such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros or parks.

Unsanitary collecting and trucking, open burning of solid waste, causing or permitting the collection of non-segregated or unsorted waste.

Squatting in open dumps and land-fills. Open dumping, burying of biodegradable or nonbiodegradable materials in flood-prone areas.

Importing toxic waste misrepresented as ‘recyclable’.

As I said in a previous column: make sustainability a purpose of business and society. And politics, please create and implement attractive policies that will strengthen these initiatives.

And let’s learn how to dance in the rain.

Crown Asia strengthened its operational framework for capital preservation by anchoring its nationwide footprint on the elements of an exquisite address. The strategic rollout outlines five operational hallmarks designed to insulate prime horizontal and vertical real estate investments from cyclical market volatility while optimizing asset utilization.

By systematically pairing strategic regional placement with institutional design principles, Crown Asia converts premium themed residential developments into self-sustaining, long-term capital assets. This proactive alignment addresses the demands of a growing demographic of high-net-worth individuals and discerning local investors looking to de-risk their financial portfolios.

Capitalizing on Core Investment Fundamentals

The operational stability of the Crown Asia portfolio depends on a calculated convergence of geographic placement, architectural differentiation, and asset flexibility. This investment thesis is implemented across five core structural pillars.

Crown Asia’s strategic framework begins with privileged placement, deploying capital in high-growth regional corridors near central business districts and major transportation hubs to eliminate transit friction and guarantee land appreciation. These themed communities feature architectural artistry, which adapts global design influences to local microclimates and cultural customs, establishing a recognizable benchmark that ensures property differentiation.

To protect the homebuyers’ personal sanctuaries, purposeful privacy employs strict circulation planning and controlled entryways to reinforce structural security. Restorative rhythm, on the other hand, structurally configures high-value residential spaces to optimize daily wellness and personal well-being. Ultimately, the intersection of these four principles drives property potential, allowing each upscale horizontal and vertical asset to seamlessly adapt to shifting market conditions and deliver progressive value over time.

Engineering Long-Term Asset Protection

Rather than relying on short-term market popularity, the developments of Crown Asia focus on the foundational values of modern luxury: safety, operational efficiency, and spatial adaptability. Each master-planned community acts as a functional framework where architectural character directly serves a practical commercial purpose-capturing steady demand from a highly stable, upscale consumer market.

Backed by more than three decades of community building, this institutional structure ensures that standard real estate holdings transition into high-yielding, progressive platforms. As the country’s main regional growth corridors continue to expand, developments that seamlessly blend strategic connectivity with premium lifestyle infrastructure will continue to command the highest market value and long-term capital appreciation.

Bringing the beauty of the world to your doorstep

Crown Asia is the foremost builder of themed residential developments, distinguished by global influences and set in the most strategic locations across the archipelago.

Built for the self-made, Crown Asia speaks to those who move with mastery, break through with boldness, and choose with clarity. Residences are not merely rewards, but reflections of their discipline, direction, and pursuit of distinction. A Crown Asia home is a trophy of triumph-an exquisite reward to and only for themselves.

Learn more about Crown Asia themed residential developments across the islands. Log on to www.crownasia.com.ph and follow @CrownAsiaOfficial.

As luxury homebuyers become increasingly discerning, premium developments are no longer defined by architecture alone. Today’s buyers seek authenticity, a purpose, a deeper connection, and a budding future community of the places they choose to call home. Recognizing this shift, Keen and Worth is challenging the norm in real estate marketing. It’s the one that goes beyond showcasing amenities, floor plans, and premium finishes. Instead, the developer is placing the spotlight on the people behind the property.

In July, Keen and Worth launched Behind the Tower stories, a four-part documentary series. Rather than serving as a traditional property showcase, the series shows an unprecedented look into the group of people whose collective expertise is shaping Ongpin Tower-one of Binondo’s most anticipated residential developments. The property is now at 85 percent sold and on track for its Q2 2027 turnover.

Through Behind the Towers series, we get to meet Architects Miguel Ocampo Tan and Mia Ocampo Tan Lee, from MOT Architectural Design, approached the project as more than the design of a high-rise-they envisioned a structure that reflects the character of Binondo while responding to the evolving needs of Filipino-Chinese families. Built on a rare tri-corner lot, Ongpin Tower’s architecture was thoughtfully designed with four distinct elevations, expansive views of Manila, and low-density residential layouts that support multi-generational living.

For the interiors, Monica Belen and the M Concepts team focused on creating spaces that extend beyond luxury finishes. Their approach centers on hospitality-inspired design, crafting residences that feel warm, functional, and timeless-spaces designed for family traditions, celebrations, and everyday moments that can be carried across generations.

The series also reveals that the tower’s connection to nature and culture is further strengthened through the landscape vision of architect Rowland Agullana and the CUBE System team. By integrating biophilic design, wellness spaces, communal areas, and culturally significant elements, the team created an environment that offers residents a sense of reflection, connection, and belonging within the heart of Binondo.

In the docu, Keen and Worth also shows how bringing this ambitious vision to life requires the expertise of seasoned builders and project leaders. Jaime Lim and the Ironcon Builders team apply decades of construction experience to ensure the tower’s structural excellence, including its 73-meter-deep foundation-meanwhile, Engr. Charl Villena and the SPARC project management team oversee coordination, quality standards, and execution to ensure every aspect of the development aligns with the project’s vision.

For Keen and Worth, Binondo was more than just a prestigious location. It’s a legacy worthy of a place on the Metro Manila skyline. As the world’s oldest Chinatown, the district embodies centuries of commerce, culture, entrepreneurship, and family legacy. The company’s decision to establish its flagship development in this historic community reflects a belief that luxury today is not only about exclusivity, but about meaning, permanence, and connection to place.

This philosophy ultimately shapes what Ongpin Tower represents. Rather than replacing heritage with modernity, the project seeks to demonstrate how both can coexist-an idea that serves as the foundation of Behind the Towers. Through architecture, design, landscape, engineering, and construction, the development honors Binondo’s rich history while introducing a contemporary vision of luxury living that remains deeply rooted in culture and community.

This is how Keen and Worth seeks to redefine Chinatown living. By weaving together the expertise of architects, designers, engineers, and builders, Behind the Towers showcases the company’s overall vision: that a legacy address is defined not only by how it is built, but by the purpose, craftsmanship, and people behind it.

‘Ongpin Tower is more than just a luxury residential property. From the very beginning, our vision was to create a landmark worthy of the world’s oldest Chinatown-one that respects its heritage while redefining what a legacy address can mean for future generations. Behind the Tower series is our way of sharing the people, purpose, and craftsmanship behind that vision, because we believe the story behind a place is just as important as the place itself. Every decision, from architecture and design to construction and landscaping, has been guided by our deep admiration for Binondo and our commitment to building something that truly belongs here,’ shared Keen and Worth Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Klaire K. Wong.

For Keen and Worth, this storytelling-first approach reflects a broader belief that luxury real estate marketing should go beyond selling square footage. By opening its doors to the people shaping Ongpin Tower, the company invites audiences to understand not only what is being built, but why it is being built-and the values that continue to guide every decision behind the development.

To learn more about the newest prestige address at Keen and Worth Ongpin Tower, visit keenandworth.com/ongpintower/scheduleavisit to book your private viewing.

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is expanding its No Co-Payment Policy to more private hospitals, with St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City (SLMC-GC) committing 53 beds for eligible patients.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beverly C. Ho and SLMC-GC President and CEO Dr. Dennis P. Serrano on Tuesday.

It was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who encouraged more hospitals to partner with PhilHealth on similar undertakings.

The agreement will enable PhilHealth members to access inpatient benefit packages at SLMC-GC without additional out-of-pocket payments under the state insurer’s No Co-Payment Policy or No Balance Billing (NBB) program.

The hospital will also provide assistance to PhilHealth members to navigate their benefits, complete requirements and process the necessary documentation.

‘May this partnership be just the beginning, and that the rest of St. Luke’s network, as well as other private hospitals, follow suit and find this partnership worth emulating,’ Ho said during the signing ceremony.

SLMC-GC Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Director Dr. Anthony R. Perez said the hospital is prepared to accommodate NBB patients, as the facility will distribute the beds across different floors and room configurations instead of placing beneficiaries in a single charity ward.

‘We intend to provide this particular subset of patients the same care given to our paying patients,’ Perez said in a separate media briefing.

Currently, the agreement covers SLMC-GC in Bonifacio Global City. Perez said the hospital’s branch along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City will also soon offer beds for NBB patients.

Administration’s commitment

‘This administration remains committed to making quality health care accessible and affordable to more Filipinos,’ President Marcos said during the ceremony.

‘But we in government cannot do this alone, and that is why we welcome the private sector’s participation in helping us deliver better health outcomes and provide much-needed relief to our patients and their families,’ he added.

Beyond partnerships with private hospitals, Marcos said the government is also strengthening its programs that help reduce the financial burden of medical care, such as through Zero Balance Billing in hospitals under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH also offers the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, while PhilHealth provides free consultation, laboratory tests and medicines through its ‘Yaman ng Kalusugan Program’ or Yakap.

Marcos urged other private hospitals to also partner with PhilHealth so they can make their medical services accessible to more Filipinos through the government’s No Co-Payment Policy.

Under the MOA, St. Luke’s will initially provide 53 beds for PhilHealth members, which will require specialized treatments through the No Co-Payment Policy of the government.

‘By joining this effort, St. Luke’s also sends an important message: that quality care in leading private hospitals can be made more accessible to qualified PhilHealth members, and that both government and the private sector have a role in making Universal Health Care work,’ Marcos said in his statement after the MOA signing event.

‘We encourage more hospitals across the country to support PhilHealth in advancing Universal Health Care by embracing the No Co-Payment Policy. Together, let us ensure that no Filipino is denied the care that they need only because of financial hardship,’ Marcos said.

‘These are the new initiatives we are undertaking to further expand the support we provide to our patients and to strengthen and improve our healthcare system, so that we can help more people and ultimately achieve the universal healthcare we aspire to,’ he added.

The following hospitals have already expressed their support for the program: Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, and The Medical City Ortigas.

‘We started with St. Luke’s, and we will expand this further so that all our facilities-our healthcare facilities-are truly included in our programs,’ he added.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) will now be measured against a set of service-level targets at the country’s main gateway, after signing an Airport Use Agreement (AUA) with New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) that makes the flag carrier’s operational performance a contractual obligation rather than a matter of practice.

The agreement-the first standardized deal of its kind between NNIC and an airline since the private consortium took over the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia)-embeds key performance indicators (KPIs) covering the airline’s use of terminal facilities and infrastructure, and spells out the respective responsibilities of carrier and airport operator.

It also carries mechanisms for addressing persistent failure to meet the agreed standards.

Those benchmarks are calibrated to the service levels NNIC itself must deliver under its concession agreement with the government, effectively pushing the operator’s own obligations down the chain to the airlines that account for the bulk of traffic at the gateway.

NNIC said it intends to use the PAL agreement as the template for similar arrangements with other carriers at NAIA, a move that would extend a uniform performance regime across the airport’s airline tenants.

‘This agreement gives us a clearer framework for setting expectations, measuring performance and working together to maintain consistent service standards,’ NNIC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said. ‘That is important to making airport operations more efficient and dependable.’

Lucio Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings Inc., the listed parent of the flag carrier, said the arrangement works in favor of both parties and, ultimately, the traveling public.

‘This is a positive development for both PAL and NNIC, and ultimately for our passengers. It supports the continuing modernization of NAIA and our collective goal of delivering a better airport experience.’

The framework targets a structural weakness in airport operations: a single flight depends on several organizations performing their roles on time and in sequence, with no single party holding the others to account.

Delays in check-in, boarding, baggage handling, ramp operations or aircraft turnaround do not stay contained. They cascade into succeeding flights and, at a facility operating near capacity, into the wider airport operation.

By establishing common performance requirements and clearer lines of accountability, NNIC said it will be better positioned to monitor service levels, pinpoint where operational problems originate and compel corrective action.

The operator is applying the same approach to its agreements with ground handling and other service providers, setting operating requirements for companies performing critical functions on behalf of airlines inside the airport.

These arrangements are aligned with existing government regulations and NNIC’s obligations under the Naia concession.

CLOSE to 11 million people are benefiting from public infrastructure projects funded under the Local Government Support Fund-Green Green Green Program (LGSF-GGG), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

The DILG, which implements the LGSF-GGG program, continues to support local governments in building greener, safer, and more people-centered communities.

The GGG Program provides funding support to beneficiary local government (LGU) for the development and improvement of public open spaces and active mobility infrastructure, including public parks, bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and sports facilities.

The program directly addresses gaps in urban development, particularly the lack of accessible green and public spaces at the local level, while ensuring that projects adhere to prescribed design concepts and environmental principles.

From 2024 to 2025, the LGSF-GGG received a total allocation of P1.755 billion.

A total of 135 LGU projects are currently enrolled in SubayBAYAN, covering the construction, rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of various public spaces and facilities nationwide.

The DILG said it regularly monitors the implementation of these projects and their impact on local communities.

In Muntinlupa City, the Bayanan Lakeshore Public Park was developed as a comfortable, safe, and accessible public space. The improvement has drawn positive feedback from residents.

In Navotas City, the Navotas Green Zone Park in barangay NBBN forms part of the city’s planned development of green spaces. Mayor John Rey Tiangco highlighted its benefits both to residents and the environment.

‘It is not just a place where you can relax, unwind, and take a walk. It also helps the environment,’ Tiangco said.

Meanwhile, residents of Pavia, Iloilo welcomed the improvement of the Municipal Public Plaza, noting how the project has made the area more attractive to residents and visitors.

The DILG said investments in green and accessible public spaces also help LGUs create more pedestrian-friendly communities, support active mobility, provide strategic spaces that can complement local economic activity, and improve the overall quality of life of residents.

Through the GGG Program, the Department remains committed to supporting LGUs in developing free, accessible, ecological, and people-centered public spaces, recognizing that sustainable local development must improve communities while protecting the environment, Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission is warning the public against fake Facebook pages that uses the name and logo of Just Smile Lending Corp., a company offering loans and other related financial services.

According to the regulator, Just Smile executives has informed the SEC it doesn’t own, operate, control, authorize, endorse or maintain the Facebook pages. The fake pages uses the corporate name ‘Just Smile Lending Corp. Inc.’ and a Magsaysay Blvd., Quezon City, address.

Based on the information and supporting documents submitted to the agency, the reported Facebook pages use variations of the company’s name, logo and other identifying information in a manner that may create the false impression that they are legitimate or authorized channels of Just Smile.

‘Documents submitted to the commission further indicate that persons operating the reported pages may be soliciting prospective borrowers and requesting purported membership fees, processing fees, and similar payments in connection with loan applications while representing themselves as connected with Just Smile,’ according to the SEC.

The SEC said that the unauthorized use of the name, identity, logo or regulatory information of a registered lending company is being used to mislead consumers, obtain personal or financial information, induce payments under false pretenses, or facilitate other fraudulent transactions.

The regulator also advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with social media pages or accounts claiming to represent financing or lending companies, and to independently verify the company’s identity and official channels before entering into any transaction.

It added that the public should not send money for membership fees, processing fees, insurance fees, verification fees or similar advance payments based solely on representations made through social media or messaging applications. They should also avoid providing personal, financial or sensitive information to unverified accounts or persons.

‘Persons who may have been contacted by, solicited by, or transacted with the reported Facebook pages are advised to preserve all available evidence, including screenshots, account or page links, chat messages, mobile numbers, transaction receipts, payment details and other electronic records,’ the SEC said.

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said on Tuesday no Filipino seaman has lost a job or missed a deployment because of the ransomware attack that crippled its seafarer documentation system.

Marina said it has issued more than 500 temporary certifications and granted document extensions to those with immediate departures.

The agency said the certifications, issued since August 15, serve as interim proof of a seafarer’s credentials while its Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) System remains down.

The documents are verifiable by Port State authorities, it said.

The certifications are ‘very temporary,’ the Marina said, and actual SIDs will be released through the seafarers’ respective manning agencies once the system has been restored.

The agency said all expedite applications have been granted certifications on the same day of the applicant’s appointment.

The Marina pegged the 500-plus certifications against an estimated 890,000 Filipino seamen certified as meeting international standards, or roughly 0.06 percent of the seafaring population-a comparison that measures the interim documents against the entire certified workforce rather than against the number of applicants with pending transactions during the outage.

The Marina said it met with 50 licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to address deployment concerns directly and to ensure that affected seafarers receive assistance.

Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan appealed to all manning agencies to give seamen correct information and to report immediately to the agency any problem encountered in the use of the issued certifications.

Seamen with pending appointments for the issuance or renewal of their SRB or SID may be granted an extension of their Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books (SIRBs) that are nearing expiration or have already expired, provided they have an immediate departure to board a vessel.

Qualified seafarers must personally visit their selected processing center and present a request letter from the employing company; a confirmed airline electronic ticket; an approved Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) contract, a notarized company contract, or a Certificate of Employment; and a confirmed online appointment for the SRB or SID application.

The SID and SRB System has been offline since August 14, when the Marina suspended nationwide processing of the two documents until further notice. Both are mandatory credentials for Filipino seamen seeking employment aboard ocean-going vessels.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cybersecurity Bureau-National Computer Emergency Response Team (CSB-NCERT), earlier confirmed that a ransomware incident was behind the shutdown.

The incident was reported to the NCERT on August 13.

Currently, Marina is rebuilding the affected database and server environment, while forensic investigation and validation of the affected infrastructure continues.

The NCERT said it is still determining the full extent of the compromise.

THE Philippine Embassy in Beijing has advised Filipinos to comply with China’s new immigration regulation, State Council Decree No. 841, which will take effect on September 15, 2026.

In its August 24 advisory, the Embassy stressed that the decree does not abolish existing visa categories or restrict legitimate travel.

Instead, it reinforces requirements that visa purposes must match actual activities, that all documents are authentic, and that invitation letter issuers and visa agencies are legally accountable.

A valid visa will not necessarily guarantee admission, as border authorities retain the power to assess whether a traveler meets China’s entry requirements.

Violations could lead to rejection of applications, denial of entry or exit, fines, or bans lasting several years.

China’s State Council Decree No. 841, formally titled the Regulations of the State Council on Exit and Entry Administration, was approved on June 29 and promulgated on July 22, 2026.

It applies to mainland China’s immigration system only. Hong Kong and Macau maintain their own immigration laws, visa categories, and border-control procedures.

This means the decree governs the mainland side of the journey: entry or exit through a mainland airport or land checkpoint is subject to the new rules, while admission into Hong Kong or Macau is decided under those territories’ separate immigration systems.

The regulation introduces clearer grounds for denying foreign nationals’ entry.

Visa or immigration authorities may bar a person for one to five years if false materials are submitted or false statements are made during a visa application abroad or at a Chinese border checkpoint.

The same maximum applies to foreigners punished for obstructing border administration or penalized for fraudulently obtaining documents or crossing illegally.

One of the most consequential provisions is its link to Beijing’s sanctions and economic-security measures.

Under Decree No. 841, foreigners placed on China’s Countermeasure List, Unreliable Entity List or Malicious Entity List-or otherwise subjected to legally authorized countermeasures-may be denied visas or refused entry when the underlying decision calls for such restrictions.

The official explanation says the rule is intended to strengthen China’s legal response to foreign sanctions, interference and what Beijing describes as ‘long-arm jurisdiction.’

The measure does not automatically bar every employee of a listed company.

Instead, it creates a formal link between sanctions designations and immigration controls, potentially exposing designated individuals and relevant personnel to visa denial, entry bans or other immigration consequences.

Officials and legal experts also emphasize that the decree is an enforcement measure, not a wholesale rewrite of China’s visa categories.

It does not abolish visa-free arrangements, create a universal visa requirement, or automatically bar employees of companies targeted by Chinese measures.

Instead, it gives authorities more explicit grounds to scrutinize and reject applications or deny entry where a traveler’s documents, stated purpose or immigration history raise concerns.

There are about 12,000 Filipinos living in mainland cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xiamen, while 140,000 Filipinos reside in Hong Kong and 30,000 in Macau, mostly employed in domestic work, hospitality and construction.

Tourism flows are also significant, with more than 1.19 million Filipino tourists visiting Hong Kong and 1.16 million traveling to Macau in 2024.

The Embassy assured that legitimate travel remains permitted but urged Filipinos to keep their visa category, invitation letters and actual activities consistent, and to consult the Embassy or China’s National Immigration Administration hotline (12367) for guidance.