DOT disputes US envoy's *** tourism claim
MANILA, Philippines - A Department of Tourism (DOT) official said United States Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas should further shed light on his statement that 40% of foreign men come to the country for ***.
In an interview with ANC, Tourism Assistant Secretary Bong Bengzon said, “we’re not quite sure where the good ambassador obtained the information. Based on our statistics, their purpose is quite different from what has been articulated.”
He said foreign men come to the country principally to take a holiday and shop.
Asked, however, if the foreigners are just not telling the truth, Bengzon said, “kung sabagay…but just the same, the [top] activity they do is "shopping".”
He said 66% of foreign tourists go to department stores.
In a speech this morning, Thomas called for the prosecution of Americans caught in crimes with children or are engaged in cyber***.
"I’ve told Justice Secretary [Leila] de Lima, any American caught in crimes with children or cyber*** should be prosecuted," Thomas said.
Bengzon said, “we would like to think this is an isolated case. We have to verify.”
Nonetheless, the DOT will look closely into this, he added.
He said the department will counter the problem, if indeed true, with promotions that the country “is a wholesome destination for tourists.”
He said these include historical and cultural sites and shopping destinations, “which we would like to highlight.”