The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Philippines has announced an investigation into reports suggesting that approximately 400 Chinese nationals are employed by DITO Telecommunication without proper working visas.

The assertion was initially brought to light by columnist Ramon Tulfo in a Facebook post, which stated that these individuals are at risk of being classified as 'overstaying' tourists.

DICT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato 'Aboy' Paraiso confirmed that the department became aware of the issue through this social media post.

Following this revelation, the DICT has committed to conducting a formal inquiry into the matter, with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC) set to lead the investigation.

Paraiso indicated that the department has also reached out to the Bureau of Immigration to ascertain the legal status of the individuals involved.

Additionally, the National Telecommunications Commission, an attached agency of the DICT, will participate in the investigation process.

DITO Telecommunication, the company at the center of this controversy, is primarily owned by DITO CME Holdings Corp., which is a subsidiary of the Udenna Group, led by businessman Dennis Uy. The remaining 40 percent of DITO is owned by the state-controlled China Telecommunications Corporation.

In a related development, Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez has expressed concerns regarding the proposed ASEAN unified visa system, which he believes could exacerbate the entry of foreign spies into the Philippines.

Rodriguez warned that the system would allow Chinese nationals, including those who may serve as spies, easier access to the Philippines by obtaining visas through other ASEAN member states such as Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

Rodriguez urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to direct Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to reconsider the government’s support for the ASEAN visa system.

He emphasized that this move could pose significant risks to national security and public safety, likening it to allowing 'Trojan horses' into the country.

Rodriguez claimed that many Chinese nationals enter the Philippines as tourists, students, or businessmen, while their true intentions may involve espionage or illegal activities.

He cited instances where individuals believed to be spies have been apprehended near sensitive military sites and government offices, including the Commission on Elections.

Amid these growing concerns, Rodriguez has called on various stakeholders in the Department of Tourism to prioritize national security in their deliberations regarding the ASEAN visa initiative.

Secretary Frasco previously endorsed the ASEAN unified visa plan at a forum held in Bangkok on May 15, voicing optimism about discussing the proposal during the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN Summit next year.