MANILA, Philippines– The Philippine Senate on Tuesday agreed to oppose any attempt to reduce the proposed P1.38-trillion national budget for education in 2025, Senator Bam Aquino said.
Aquino, chair of the Senate committee on basic education, said senators from multiple parties reached a consensus during a caucus to maintain the allocation approved in the Senate’s version of the budget.
He added that the Senate contingent in the bicameral conference committee, which will reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the General Appropriations Bill, will resist any proposal that cuts funding for the Department of Education, state universities, and other education-related agencies.
Aquino noted that education receives the largest share of the national budget, and reductions could affect ongoing and planned programs. He said the Senate will continue internal consultations to ensure a unified stance as the bicameral panel meets and prepares the final reconciled budget for ratification.
