Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that he will not forbid immigration officers from greeting travelers a Merry Christmas if they are merely returning the greeting to the passenger, but would be unforgiving if their greetings were meant to solicit gifts or favors.

During the yearend press briefing last 11 December, Tansingco stated that the prohibition on extending greetings is a standing policy, especially for those assigned to airports.

However, the BI chief added that there is also the need to maintain the Filipino culture of being hospitable and respectful, that returning a greeting is deemed fit, instead of ignoring it, which may be perceived as rude.

Tansingco stressed that strictly prohibited is the extension of greetings with the apparent intention of asking for something in return, but since our culture is such that we traditionally greet during the holidays, those who do so without any ill intention do not have to be sanctioned.