WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington, D.C.) – For the first time since taking his oath of office as the 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump broke his silence regarding the status of dual citizens, especially Filipinos.

“You’d be better off leaving the U.S. and taking up residence in the Philippines,” he said.

Trump’s statement sent shockwaves across Filipino communities across America, fueling speculation that not even foreign nationals who are U.S. citizens are secure under the new administration.

However, in an exclusive interview with The Adobo Chronicles, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer clarified that when the president mentioned “dual citizens,” he was referring to Filipino U.S. citizens who also happen to be “senior citizens.”

The White House acknowledged that senior citizens residing in the Philippines have a lot more benefits than those living in the U.S., especially considering the president’s new directives and executive orders as well as his plans for social security and Medicare.

Senior citizens in the Philippines get free healthcare, free medicines if indigent, free movies once or twice a week, and discounts up to 20% at restaurants, groceries, hotels, ground transportation and airlines.  They are also given priority at service counters, government services and taxi lines.  In some cities and towns, they have their own dedicated pedestrian lanes and areas at public parks.

In affluent cities like Makati, senior citizens get a free cake on their birthday, plus a yearly cash gift.

Spicer said that President Trump does not think he can provide these great benefits to senior citizens residing in the U.S.