China’s Philippine tourism blacklist fiasco: Inquirer columnist


Boracay island is among the Philippines' major tourist attractions. - The Starpic

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): Last week, Filipinos were shocked to hear Senate president Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri’s surprise announcement that China had blacklisted the Philippines as a tourist destination due to the alleged proliferation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) in the country.

In a brief appearance via video teleconference during a hearing of the Senate ways and means committee, Zubiri shared that Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian told him about the supposed blacklisting during the diplomat’s courtesy call to the Upper Chamber a day prior.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Philippines , China , blacklist , fiasco , tourism

Next In Aseanplus News

Perth man arrested after allegedly sympathizing with Bondi attackers
PAS sacks three assemblymen in Perlis
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Wednesday (Dec 24, 2025)
More than seven months’ jail for man who hurled glass bottle at bus window, injuring passenger in Singapore
Male fertility issues account for nearly half of infertility cases, says specialist
Thai army rejects Cambodia’s ‘false rhetoric’, denies war or environmental crimes
Indonesia meets its goal to seize four million hectares of illegal land, used for mining, palm oil and forestry activities
Southeastern Taiwan shaken by 6.1 magnitude quake, no immediate reports of damage
Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports set new record in 2025 with an income of over US$8.5bil
Trump removes nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial positions; the Philippines and Vietnam among affected

Others Also Read