Shut down Chinese-only businesses, Lacson urges - Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

MANILA, Philippines — The government should shut down restaurants and other businesses exclusively catering to Chinese nationals staying in the country, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Sunday.

Lacson also called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), local governments and other state agencies to use their authority and keep investors from China out of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“We should prioritize Filipino entrepreneurs,” Lacson said in a radio interview.

Big business only

“If investors coming from China would do business even in SMEs, that will be alarming because many of our countrymen will be deprived of investment opportunities,” he said.

“[I]f they come here with billions of pesos [to invest], there’s no reason why we should not welcome them because that will help our economy to grow,” Lacson said.

“What’s worrisome is if the Chinese investors would … compete in running variety stores, restaurants and merchandising, which only require small investment money,” he said.

The senator’s remarks came after netizens blasted on social media a restaurant in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, called China Food City that barred Filipinos from its premises as it was serving only Chinese workers employed in nearby online gaming companies.

There have also been reports that several convenience stores owned by Chinese nationals in Makati and Pasay cities also do not welcome Filipinos.

Too many in Boracay

In April, residents and businessmen in Boracay complained about a sudden increase in the number of Chinese restaurants operating along the main road on the world-famous resort island.