THIS may seem odd, but Christmas greetings are not allowed for Immigration officers at the country’s international airports.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said BI personnel manning departure and arrival areas at the airports could only smile as they render courteous services to the passengers.
“No Merry Christmas greetings, just smiles for homecoming Filipinos and foreign visitors,” Tansingco said.
The prohibition stemmed from the common notion that airport personnel saying “Merry Christmas” is tantamount to asking for a gift from the passengers, a tradition declared taboo due to its connotation to bribery which is an offense under the law.
Tansingco reminded the Immigration officers to avoid greeting arriving passengers which may be misconstrued by some people as asking for gift or cash.
He said that a Christmas greeting, even if sincere, may sound like asking for a tip or a gift. Instead, he said officials should give a warm smile, and efficient service.
The bureau has been criticized as a hotbed of corruption, and he has promised to clean it up.
