The Bureau of Immigration will cancel the visa of a 23-year-old Chinese fashion design student who hurled a cup of “taho” or soy custard at a policeman and initiate deportation proceedings against her for being an undesirable alien.
Immigration Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said Jiale Zhang’s rude and abusive act against a uniformed officer is sufficient evidence to cancel her student visa.
The bureau’s database shows that Zhang holds a Special Retiree’s Residence Visa (SRRV).
“Zhang’s father is an investor here and this entitles his family to be granted SRRVs,” Manahan said.
“But because of her action, where she splashed taho on a policeman after she was barred from entering an MRT-3 station due to the railway’s no-liquid policy, this may result in her deportation and inclusion in the blacklist,” Manahan said.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that while the bureau did not receive any complaint against Zhang, the incident caused a moto propio investigation of the incident.
She said Zhang would be brought to the bureau as soon as she has filed a bond for the release from jail.
Among those calling for Zhang’s deportation was Senator Richard Gordon.
“The Chinese nationals here and all other foreign nationals staying in our country should respect our rules and laws,” Gordon said. “They should not flout our rules and they should also respect the officials who are implementing our laws.”
China, he added, should advise its nationals about complying with the rules and laws of the country and respecting persons in authority here.
PO1 William Cristobal, who was on the receiving end of Zhang’s taho, filed a complaint against the Chinese national Sunday, charging her with direct assault, disobedience to an agent or a person in authority, and unjust vexation, at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office.
The 23-year-old Chinese national was arrested Saturday morning after she threw a plastic cup of taho at Cristobal, who reminded her of the policy against bringing food and drink onto the platform of the MRT-3 and asked her to finish her drink before entering.
Photos of the incident were widely distributed on social media.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said foreigners must respect local laws.
“Foreign nationals who sojourn in this country should always behave, otherwise they are subject to laws and deportation. We will not allow them to disrespect authorities and violate ordinances,” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.
Though he issued a public reminder for the foreign nationals residing in the country, the Palace official, sided with Foreign Affairs chief Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s position that it would be better not to add more fuel to the fire.
He also criticized Vice President Leni Robredo for calling on the administration to stop giving “special treatment” to Chinese nationals, noting that Zhang has already been charged and is facing deportation. With Joel E. Zurbano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Nat Mariano
