Zubiri urges Marcos to veto P12 billion DepEd budget cut

December 16, 2024 , 09:21 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(December 16, 2024) – Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday called on Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. to veto the P12 billion budget cut for the Department of Education (DepEd) in the 2025 national budget.

Zubiri stressed that the education sector should receive the highest allocation under the 1987 Constitution and suggested that the cut could be unconstitutional.

“Sana ma-remedy pa ng president ‘yon. May veto powers siyam,” said Zubiri in an ambush interview. “Sana mai-restore ulit ‘yun kasi ‘yung natanggal ay P10 billion on computerization (program), e diyan pa naman tayo mahina.”

In the approved 2025 General Appropriations Act by the bicameral committee last week, the allocation for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is P1.1 trillion, while the DepEd has P737 billion.

Due to the budget cut, state universities and colleges (SUCs) are facing a funding decrease of P30 billion, which Zubiri called alarming.

“Talagang dinadagdagan natin (kadalasan) ang budget ng SUCs all throughout the budget kasi maliit ang tinatanggap nila. The Senate (usually) adds P20 million for capital outlay and classrooms,” added Zubiri.

Last August, 38 SUCs warned that a budget cut would hinder procuring facilities and equipment.

The Philippines has been crippled by a learning crisis for years now, with familiar woes including the lack of classrooms, inadequate materials, and low pay for teachers, among others, persisting despite rosy remarks from the government.

Zubiri stressed that Marcos could direct the bicameral committee to revise the submitted measure, citing similar instances in the past, including the Coco Levy Fund and the Anti-Smuggling Law.

He also expressed dismay over the late disclosure of amendments made by the bicameral committee.

“Nakataga na sa bato. Nagulat na lang kami. That’s the general sentiment of all members of the bicam,” said Zubiri.

(With reports from Maeanne Los Baños-Oroceo, News5)

(PM)

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