CHED can’t probe Cagayan diploma mil?’ without complaint

The Commission on Higher Education is open to investigating the alleged selling of diplomas to Chinese students by some universities in Cagayan, but only if there is a formal complaint, according to CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III.

- ELIZABETH MARCELO, Emmanuel Tupas

In a statement, De Vera explained that while CHED acknowledges the calls of some lawmakers for an investigation on the so-called "diploma mill" scheme in Cagayan, the commission cannot proceed with an investigation without specific details and initial evidence.

"The commission strongly urges [Chester] Cabalza to formalize his complaint with the necessary evidence against St. Paul University Philippines in Tuguegarao with CHED. We will not hesitate to start an investigation and ensure that due process is observed for all involved parties," De Vera said.

"In parallel, the commission reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that academic institutions under its purview operate within the bounds of Philippine laws and regulations and in concern with the nation's interests," he added.

Cabalza, a professor of the University of the Philippines and founding president of International Development and Security Cooperation, earlier alleged that some Chinese students in Cagayan paid about P2 million in exchange for diploma and other education credentials even if they skip classes.

St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) in Tuguegarao City, where about 1,500 Chinese nationals were reportedly enrolled, has denied the diploma mill allegation.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday also clarified that only 400 Chinese students remain in Cagayan province, contrary to previous reports that about 4,600 Chinese students are staying in the province, possibly to serve as spies of the Chinese military.