Journalist Gretchen Malalad couldn’t hide her disappointment towards the treatment she received from the Philippine immigration while trying to leave the country for a vacation.
In her tweet, Malalad aired her complaint against the immigration officials who already became controversial because of their questionable methods to offload Filipinos who wanted to leave the country.
“It’s so stressful traveling alone for vacation. Sa immigration ang daming tanong na prang assume nila hindi ka na babalik ng Pilipinas,” Malalad said.
“Ikukwento mo buong life story mo. I just experienced this in T1. Hay naku Pilipinas ang hirap mong mahalin.” she added.
She then compared the immigration process in Paris where she was quickly accepted by the officials to enter their country.
“Just arrived in Paris and wala p ako 30 secs sa immigration. Scan and tatak! Sa atin lng napka judgemental eh,” she said.
It’s so stressful traveling alone for vacation. Sa immigration ang daming tanong na prang assume nila hindi ka na babalik ng Pilipinas 🙄 Ikukwento mo buong life story mo. I just experienced this in T1. Hay naku Pilipinas ang hirap mong mahalin.
— gretchen malalad (@gretchenmalalad) May 10, 2023
Some netizens also expressed their frustration against the immigration officials in the Philippines.
“I wonder why there is a need for “exit interview” with immigration in the Philippines when there is absolutely none when you depart USA. Heard horror stories of off-loading. A Manila officer asked for my US Green Card when I was traveling to Bali, NOT US. I declined to show it.” netizen Athens said.
“Haha same when i went to Japan all by myself and met some of my friends there, napasalang pa ako sa 2nd interview even if i already travelled 3 times outside the country. lahat pinakita ko maski ang banj certificate, yung gc namin sa school kasi di daw ako enrolled,” nmetizen Jeydu remarked.