SENATE Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has also expressed alarm over reports that diplomas or degrees are now allegedly “for sale” to foreign students in the country, particularly to Chinese nationals.

“Bagong kabanata na naman ba ito ng pastillas scam?” Hontiveros said on Friday (19 April 2024).

“Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) and other immigration processes have been abused in the past, as it enabled the unchecked entry of Chinese nationals working for POGOs,” she added.

The senator further stressed that Senate hearings on the pastillas scam led to the suspension of the VUA system at that time.

She said this might also apply to this alarming new development.

“Kamakailan lang sa Thailand may nahuli ding mga Chinese na nagpapanggap na Pilipino. Kahit pala ASEAN region naghahasik ng lagim ang mga ito. Baka konektado din ito sa biglang pagdami ng Chinese students sa Cagayan,” she explained.

Hontiveros also confirmed that she will file a resolution seeking an investigation on the issue.

“Maghahain ako ng resolusyon tungkol dito. Maliban sa posibleng paglabag sa ating mga proseso sa immigration, the Senate should look into the reported presence of Chinese nationals around EDCA sites. This is a national security concern that must be addressed,” she said.