Foreigners vlogging in the Philippines should refrain from accepting endorsements and selling products while holding a temporary visitor's visa to avoid deportation, the Bureau of Immigration said on Monday.
While vlogging is not prohibited, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente warned foreigners visiting the Philippines that engaging in endorsements or using their platforms to sell products could be considered as a violation of their permit to stay in the country.
“Online videos of these influencers bring entertainment to many, which could be a source of much-needed relief from the stress brought about by the pandemic,” Morente said in a statement.
“However, vlogging should not be used as a means to sell products. Accepting local endorsements, selling products, and engaging in other activities for profit while holding a temporary visitors’ visa is considered a deportable offense,” he said.
Foreigners overstepping their boundaries can face deportation and blacklisting from the Philippines according to Morente.
It was in May this year that the Philippines reopened its borders again to foreigners after a renewed lockdown due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.