2 Chinese nationals ordered deported over illegal retail trade

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration has ordered the immediate deportation of two Chinese nationals arrested last month for illegally engaging in the retail trade business.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said he recently ordered Li Guangxiang, 55, and Kang Dingwu, 42, to immediately leave the country after investigation found that they operated stores here that sold retail goods to the public.

David said that by engaging in gainful activities, the foreigners violated the conditions of their stay as tourists, an offense which is a ground for deportation under the country’s immigration act.

“Let this serve as a warning to other foreigners that they cannot sell retail goods as such business is reserved only to Filipinos,” the BI chief said.

Li was arrested last Jan. 23 at the Sta. Lucia Mall in Cainta, Rizal, where he operated porcelain store Triple Eight China while Kang was arrested last Jan. 28 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where he was barred from leaving the country. Kang owned a bicycle shop in Mandaluyong and Pasay.

Atty. Arvin Santos , BI law and investigation chief, said both Chinese nationals were apprehended by immigration agents in late January when they were caught in the act of selling retail goods inside their stores.

Santos said the aliens’ activities were subjected to surveillance after their Filipino competitors complained to the BI that the Chinese nationals were robbing them of business opportunities.