ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo has expressed serious reservations regarding the influx of Chinese “students” in the Philippines, citing concerns over their apparent age and potential implications for national security.
During a recent visit to Tuguegarao, Tulfo, who serves as the House deputy majority leader for communications, observed a number of Chinese students who appeared too old to be typical students. “I was surprised because most of these so-called students don’t even look like students. Most of them look old. This is worrisome because they could be invading our country already,” he stated.
The congressman’s comments came in response to an inquiry by the House Committee on Justice, chaired by Negros Occidental 4th district Representative Juliet Marie Ferrer, into the surge of alleged Chinese students enrolling in higher education institutions in Cagayan province. The inquiry aimed to address concerns about national security amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Cagayan 3rd district Representative Joseph Lara, who sponsored the congressional inquiry, revealed that Chinese students were reportedly paying P1.2 million each to enroll in local universities, specifically at St. Paul University in Tuguegarao. “It was not denied by the representative of St. Paul University, PJ Lappay, that the current fee paid by a Chinese student in St. Paul is P1,200,000.00,” Lara noted.
Tulfo was taken aback by this revelation, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation. “The recent revelation that a Chinese student was paying P1.2 million in school fees in the Philippines raises significant national security concerns. This incident underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny of financial transactions within our educational institutions, especially those involving foreign nationals,” he said.
The congressman urged the House of Representatives to closely examine the reports to ensure national security is not compromised.