As tensions between Manila and Beijing flare again, Hong Kong’s Ming Pao reported today that the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Chinese Education Center recently decided to withdraw Chinese teachers from Chinese-language schools across the Philippines. About 150 teachers are reportedly involved, and they have already returned to China in batches.
Citing the Philippine newspaper Commercial News, the report said that the head of the U.S. think tank initiative SeaLight and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had successively criticized local Chinese-language education. Many teachers’ families, worried about their children’s safety, urged them to come home. Citing security concerns, the federation said it could not refuse the families’ pleas and agreed to arrange their departure.
According to the report, the federation formally notified the Chinese embassy in the Philippines and the relevant Chinese authorities before sending a letter informing all Chinese schools of the decision. Teachers were reportedly sent home in batches throughout October 1.
The Philippines currently has roughly 130 to 150 Chinese-language schools, and teachers dispatched from China are an important source of local teaching staff. Some schools have formally notified parents of the decision, and one parent’s posting of such a letter on social media drew public attention.
Teodoro recently said educational and academic exchanges involving China could be used to gather intelligence. He also questioned how independently teachers can operate under China’s system.
Responding, embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng issued a statement rebutting the remarks, saying Teodoro disregarded the facts and reversed right and wrong. He accused the minister of trying to disrupt China-Philippines relations, undermine friendship between the two peoples, and sow division between the two countries.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), October 4, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202610040179.aspx