Cagayan Vice Governor Melvin "Boylet" Vargas Jr. (Facebook)

The people pursuing the issue on the alleged influx of Chinese students in Cagayan must be mindful of the mandate of national agencies, Cagayan Vice Governor Melvin "Boy" Vargas Jr. said Tuesday afternoon, April 23. 

This, as Vargas noted in an interview on the sidelines of a joint public hearing by the House Committees on Public Accounts and on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms that giving any "personal commentary" on the issue won't help anyone. 

"I respectfully refrain from providing personal commentary on this matter," he said when asked about the matter 

"As for the data concerning Chinese students, it is advisable to consult reputable national agencies such as CHEd (Commission on Higher Education) and BI (Bureau of Immigration)," said Vargas. 

Vargas added in a cautious tone: "Matters pertaining to national and local security fall under the purview of agencies like the DND (Department of National Defense) and PNP (Philippine National Police)." 
 

At any rate, he said local schools have been performing well despite the controversy. "Nagpo-produce naman ng topnotchers ang mga eskwelahan sa Cagayan (Cagayan schools are producing topnotchers)."

Earlier, Cagayan 3rd district Rep. Joseph Lara filed House Resolution (HR) No.1666 in a bid to a bid to launch a House probe--inquiry in aid of legislation--on the surge of Chinese students enrolling in various higher education institutions in Cagayan. The Lara measure particularly identified the city of Tuguegarao when it comes to this influx of the foreign students. 

Lara has belied accusations that he is being "racist", and that it's just a coincidence that Chinese nationals were the subject of his measure. The resolution was filed amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

"As the Vice Governor of the province, I affirm my trust in the esteemed committee and their diligent efforts towards investigating this issue," Vargas said. 

Vargas was in the House of Representatives Tuesday in the capacity of a resource person for the hearing on the alleged massive distribution of cash and other forms of assistance to registered voters and barangays in Cagayan just before the May 2022 elections.