Labis na ikinabahala at ikinadismaya ng mga mambabatas na miyembro ng Young Guns ang natuklasang “fake birth certificate mill” o pagawaan ng pekeng Birth Certificate ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) sa isang bayan sa Davao del Sur kung saan pawang mga Chinese nationals ang parokyano.
Kasunod ito ng pagkaka-aresto sa isa sa mga kumuha ng pekeng Birth Certificate doon matapos mag-apply ng passport gamit ang pekeng dokumento.
Dahil dito, nais ng Young Guns na magsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa natuklasang halos 200 pekeng Birth Certificate na ipinagkaloob ng Local Civil Registry ng Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur.
“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,” sabi ni Isabela Representative Inno Dy.
Kapwa naniniwala sina Davao Oriental Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario at AKO Bicol Party-list Representative Jil Bongalon na kailangan i-review ang kasalukuyang batas para makapaghigpit ng panuntunan sa pagbibigay ng Birth Certificate at makapagpataw ng mas mahigpit na parusa sa mga masasangkot sa pamemeke.
“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,” sabi ni Almario.
“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. 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,” pahayag ni Bongalon.
Pangamba ni Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun, na maaaring nagiging daan ito sa mga sangkot sa krimen at sindikato na magtago dito sa Pilipinas at dito ipagpatuloy ang mga iligal na gawain.
“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicates ang mga Chinese nationals na na-isyuhan ng pekeng Birth Certificates. They probably also found the easiest route to secure spurious documents to conceal their true identities and citizenship to continue their nefarious activities here in the country. Kailangan itong imbestigahan ng Kongreso,” saad ni Khonghun.
Maliban dito, naniniwala rin ang Young Guns na ang gawaing ito ay banta, hindi lang sa national security, kundi maging sa ating ekonomiya.
“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. It is imperative that the House of Representatives launches an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter in aid of legislation to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring. Ipatawag natin ang buong tanggapan ng Local Civil Registry ng Sta. Cruz,” hirit ni Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong.
“These individuals could potentially exploit their newfound status to engage in activities detrimental to our country, including espionage, economic sabotage and other criminal enterprises,” paliwanag ni La Union Representative Paolo Ortega.
Nakakasira rin, anila, ito sa international reputation at relation ng bansa.
“Moreover, the issuance of fraudulent Birth Certificates can facilitate a range of criminal activities, from identity theft to human trafficking and smuggling. These crimes not only endanger the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnish our international reputation and relations,” paglalahad ni 1-Rider Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez. | ulat ni Kathleen Jean Forbes
