Chinese did not pull out of Philippine university

Manila: Philippine President Benigno Aquino's spokesperson has denied reports that Chinese students have withdrawn from a state-run school in Palawan province because of the ongoing territorial dispute between Manila and Beijing over the Scarborough Shoal.

Abigail Valte said there is no truth to reports that Chinese students at Palawan State University (PSU) have withdrawn their enrolment plans for this year.

Reports reaching Manila said that some 300 Chinese students studying in PSU were advised by their government to study elsewhere.

But Valte, quoting PSU President Peter Sespene, said that the "students did not pull out."

According to reports, most of the students are studying petroleum engineering at PSU.

Palawan is located close to the group of islands that is rich in oil and natural gas deposits that is at the centre of the dispute between Manila and Beijing.

Maritime law enforcement vessels belonging to the two countries have been on a standoff in Scarborough Shoal over overlapping claims to the area, which is also a rich fishing ground.

Warning

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration has warned administrators and registrars of schools and learning institutions nationwide against admitting foreigners who do not have study permits or student visas, lest they face sanctions for violating Philippine immigration laws. Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David said schools will lose their authority to accept foreign students or be fined.