Commenting on the xenophobic behaviour expressed by Singaporeans against Filipinos holding a Philippines Independence Day celebration in Singapore, SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan said that the online backlash is a "visceral over-reaction and it does not reflect the sentiments of the average Singaporean." He added that the "anger probably stems from unhappiness with the Government's immigration policy”. Associate Prof Tan said the Government is concerned that rising anti-foreigner sentiment could affect the city-state's international reputation for being one of the world's most open economies.