A congressman on Thursday reiterated his call for a thorough inquiry on the sudden surge of Chinese nationals into the country, saying the matter involves national security.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. also cited the release by the Chinese Embassy in Manila of transcript of a phone call purportedly between a Philippine military official and a Chinese diplomat.
Abante filed House Resolution 1703 seeking the legislative investigation amid reports that more than 1,000 Chinese students have enrolled in schools in the northern province of Cagayan.
“By releasing the transcript, the Chinese government has tipped its hand and admitted that it may have the capacity to conduct illegal wiretapping operations in our country,” Abante stressed.
“This unacceptable and detestable action only serves to remind us of the need to review and improve our internal security measures,” he added.
“We must recognize that there is an ongoing disinformation campaign intended to sow doubt and disunity among our ranks. It is in this context that we must carefully examine developments such as this unprecedented number of Chinese nationals who suddenly want to study in an area within close proximity of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites,” the lawmaker said.
Abante also said he welcomed Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s support to the measure.
The Speaker has given the green light for the inquiry. The alleged wiretapping, Abante said, raises questions about the risks of allowing large numbers of Chinese nationals to live and work in the Philippines.
Abante said a congressional inquiry is necessary, “so we can determine if having a substantial number of Chinese nationals within our borders poses a security risk.”
Aside from releasing the transcript, the Chinese Embassy Manila also allegedly threatened to release the audio recordings it obtained.
If the recordings of the conversation surfaced––whether authentic or not––Abante stressed that those involved should be expelled for violating the Anti-Wiretapping Law.
“The Philippines has always opened its arms to foreign guests. But if our guests violate our laws, then they should be kicked out immediately and barred from coming back,” Abante said.