Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-que hit Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara, who filed a House resolution to investigate the alleged influx of Chinese students in the province.
Ting-que accused the congressman on Monday, April 22, of politicizing the issue.
"Nagkaroon ng problem dahil naghain ng isang resolution ang isang congressman na hindi kami kaalyado, na kaaway ang turing sa amin," Ting-que said during DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
The mayor said that Lara timed the filing of the resolution amidst concerns regarding the increasing tension between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
"He dragged yung pulitika ng Cagayan papuntang national, dinamay sa West Philippine Sea, mali-mali pa ang information, para mapansin," Ting-que said.
Ting-que also denied the allegations that the local government units of Tuguegarao City, and Cagayan province sponsors the education of Chinese students in higher education institutions in the city.
"I categorically deny na ang LGU Tuguegarao ay nag-sponsor ng Chinese students or ng ibang foreign students," Ting-que stressed.
"Bawal iyan at ma-COA ako. Bawal sa DBM, bawal sa COA. Ang aming pondo ay para sa mga Tuguegaraoeño. In fact, we cannot give funding to other places. Kailangan may barangay certificate na taga-Tuguegarao ka," she added.
The mayor also took offense on the accusations that her local government unit oppose the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and supports China.
Ting-que mentioned that the local government unit welcomed representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, and Australia that arrived in Tuguegarao, and not just those from China.
"Tuguegarao City is an open city welcoming anyone to its arms," Ting-que assured.
The local chief executive stressed that the issue created sinophobia, and racist comments against Filipinos with Chinese ancestry, like her.
Ting-que said that foreign students, including Chinese nationals, have been studying in Tuguegarao City even before the announcement that an EDCA site will rise in Cagayan province.
"We are known as the center of educational excellence in Region II," Ting-que said.
"Makakasalubong ninyo Nigerians, Indians, South Koreans, mga Hapon, mga Intsik. Iba't iba kasi nga sabi natin we are the center for education excellence in Region II," she added.
Meanwhile, Ting-que assured her readiness to attend ang congressional hearing but 'in aid of legislation' and not 'in aid of persecution'.
