THE Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) has criticized government agencies' "anti-foreigner attitude" towards foreign national retirees.
PRA-Davao Satellite Officer-In-Charge Jaime Llamas said the agency received cancellations of retirement programs from foreign nationals after local agencies "expressed reservations against them."
"Two foreign nationals backed out because it took so long for them to get papers. One particularly noted the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) for taking so long to release a clearance paper," said Llamas during Friday's Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency forum.
"Pinapahirapan natin sila eh sa maliliit na requirements because before they can stay here, they have to get papers from their own country pa lang," Llamas said.
Llamas said this untoward accommodation goes against PRA's function since the agency is mandated to attract foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens to invest, reside and retire in the Philippines with the end-view of accelerating the socio-economic development of the country.
"We have to take note that we're inviting them in to contribute to the foreign currency reserve of the economy. In turn we provide them the best quality of life in the most attractive package," Llamas said.
Llamas said retirees are required to provide PRA among others a police clearance from the applicant's country of origin and a Medical Examination Clearance, which can be secured abroad duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consular Office secured in the Philippines at the PRA One-Stop Service Center or at any clinic or hospital.
Llamas also defended that PRA-Davao has not encountered a complaint brought against a retiree the agency has brought to the city.
Mindanao currently has 500 foreign retirees, most of them are staying in the city, Llamas said. (Jade C. Zaldivar/With reports from AP)