'Rude' American barred entry to PH

[Rooster]

A "rude" American was prevented entry to the Philippines after showing "very rough manners" and writing "expletives" on the online data collection platform eTravel, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Thursday, Nov. 9.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the American as Anthony Joseph Laurence, 34, who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 from Thailand last Tuesday, Nov. 7.

"The passenger initially showed disdain towards the primary inspector after he was reminded to fill out the eTravel online form," Tansingco said.

The eTravel System, which was supposed to be filled out 72 hours prior to arrival, was designed to replace the paper-based arrival and departure cards to streamline and enhance immigration processes at international ports, he said.

After filling up the eTravel, Tansingco said the American reportedly tossed his passport and his mobile phone angrily to the immigration officer upon returning.

"After verifying in our system, the officer discovered that the passenger keyed in a made-up address in the Philippines, did not include his full name, and inputted profane words in his entry," he also said.

“We expect all individuals to conduct themselves with respect and adhere to the established procedures. Any violation of these procedures will be dealt with firmly," he warned.

He pointed out that immigration officers at the airports have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance with every passenger, however, the American “overstepped his boundaries.”

"Such behavior is not only disrespectful but also undermines the efficiency of the system," as Tansingco assured that "our agency is committed to ensuring a seamless experience to the traveling public."

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/9/rude-american-barred-entry-to-ph

 

[baronapart]

Idiot. 

[Possum]

2 hours ago, baronapart said:

Idiot. 

Not rare though. I worked with a multinational company and was assigned all over the world. While in Korea I got a call from our government liaison person in Seoul. One of our US employees was making a fool of himself and immigration was holding him and threatening to deport him. The liaison said he may be able to change their mind but wanted further direction. I went to Seoul and met with immigration, apologized for our employee''s rude behavior and they were most gracious. I asked to meet with the idiot and gave him a plane ticket home as well as informed him that he was no longer employed. The Korean's held him, made sure he was on the flight out . Some of these yahoos who have never been out of their home state in their life just don't understand that the world does not revolve around the US.

[starrt]

There used to be a phrase, "ugly American", which is why many travellers made sure to show their flags to make sure that the local population understood that they were not American.

[Joey G]

39 minutes ago, starrt said:

There used to be a phrase, "ugly American"

Actually the term is the name of a novel circa 1958 related to SE Asia... was made into a movie in 1963.  

[Mike J]

The saying "Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish" comes to mind.  Unfortunately it is not uncommon for some Americans to exhibit a show of entitlement and/or elitism when in foreign countries.  From another news item,<snip>The American was returned to his port of origin and was placed on the blacklist permanently banning him from re-entering the country.<end snip>  We won't be seeing him again. 

[baronapart]

In my experience Americans are not alone in this behavior.

[Jollygoodfellow]

51 minutes ago, baronapart said:

In my experience Americans are not alone in this behavior.

Very true. I have seen so many weirdos here in my time from many places including myself 

[Lee]

1 hour ago, baronapart said:

In my experience Americans are not alone in this behavior.

No they are not. Have observed that Chinese tourists might be some of the worst.

Recall the Chinese "dumper" who repeatedly used the Intramuros as a outdoor bathroom and the Boracay vacationers who were caught burying used diapers on the beach. Bad behavior can be a bit universal.

[craftbeerlover]

As have many of you, I have traveled the world over the last 40 years and I would say Americans are some of the best travelers/tourists.  There will always be assholes but for the most part Americans are very respectful and polite when traveling.   Chinese and Russians are some of the worst by far, that is not just my opinion, but echoed to me by many foreigners on their own turf.

Edited November 10, 2023 by craftbeerlover