Malacañang said Tuesday it is still awaiting an official advisory on the supposed blacklisting of the Philippines from China's tourist sites after Senate President Migz Zubiri bared the move that supposedly came from the Chinese envoy in Manila.
"Wala pa po kaming nari-receive na advisory (We have not received any advisory) with respect to that blacklisting issue. So kapag nabigyan na po kami ng kaukulang (Once we're given an official) advisory, we will make the proper comment," Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) Officer-in-Charge Cheloy Garafil told reporters.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has yet to confirm and provide other details about the supposed blacklisting of the country.
On Tuesday morning, Zubiri said China is blacklisting some countries from tourism, particularly those that allow offshore gaming operations to protect their citizens from getting involved in crimes.
According to the lawmaker, the information came from Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian following his courtesy call on the Senate.
"The Ambassador said that countries that allow POGO operations will be blacklisted for tourism to protect their citizens from possible crime," he said, adding that Chinese citizens are being warned not to go to countries with POGO operations.