Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has proposed an inquiry into the alleged payment of up to P2 million by foreign students in exchange for college degrees at a private university in Cagayan.
The lawmaker also called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to investigate these reports.
University of the Philippines professor Chester Cabalza cited stories from locals, including professors, when he reported the alleged hefty payments for degrees.
CHED, on the other hand, urged Cabalza to formalize his complaint along with necessary evidence before it initiates an investigation. The commission assured due process for all parties.
Gatchalian is expecting Cabalza to participate in the Senate inquiry and shed more light on the information he received, including reports that students are not attending classes.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero has called upon the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to intensify its scrutiny and provide evidence regarding allegations that some of the foreigners may be acting as spies.
Escudero emphasized that until proven otherwise, the accusations against Chinese nationals remain baseless, unfair, and should not cause undue alarm—even in the light of the ongoing territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.
The legislator said that in the event of a Senate investigation, the BI should be the first agency summoned in order to shed light on the matter and ascertain whether any lapses have occurred in fulfilling their responsibilities.