Manila, Sept. 6 -- The Philippines is ready to meet the demand should there be an increase in tourist visa applications in China, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Angelica Escalona explained that the visa requirements currently in place are not intended to prevent the entry of tourists into the country.

"(They) are intended precisely to assist the country in ensuring that legitimate travelers are given visas to enter the Philippines," she said.

"All our Posts are able to meet the current demand for visas. Should the demand increase, the Department is ready to meet any increase in demand."

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco earlier attributed the Philippines' missed...