Teodoro says his criticism was of Jinan University, not all Chinese schools

PALAWAN — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday said his criticism of Chinese education programs is focused on Jinan University in Guangzhou and not on Chinese schools in general.

Teodoro made the clarification in response to criticism from ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. Antonio Tinio over his supposed sustained attacks on Chinese educational institutions.

He said a comment he made in July was meant for Jinan University, which has a Center for Philippine Studies that trains Chinese-language teachers.

“At saka sila din ang naglabas ng unang-una na sinasabi nila academic study na Batanes, ngayon pinaninindigan ng Chinese Embassy may jurisdiction na sila,” Teodoro told reporters during a visit at Camp General Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa City.

(And they released that supposed academic study that Batanes is part of China. Now the Chinese Embassy is insisting it is in their jurisdiction.)

Jinan University, which is part of the Communist Party of China’s United Front Work Department, had argued that Batanes is part of China through Taiwan.

“Those are just facts. Wala tayong pinaparatangan (We are not accusing anyone),” he added.

Teodoro maintained that foreign institutions should undergo proper assessment before the appropriate government agencies make recommendations on exchange programs.

Tinio earlier alleged that Teodoro’s remarks had prompted around 150 volunteer teachers from China to leave the Philippines over concerns for their safety, as they were supposedly being tagged as spies.