MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc on Nov. 3 urged the House of Representatives to investigate the government’s failure to meet classroom construction targets under the administrations of former president Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a resolution filed Monday, the bloc cited the need to assess the low number of classrooms built despite the continuing shortage in public schools across the country.
The resolution raised concern that funds intended for educational infrastructure may have been redirected to projects considered more vulnerable to corruption. It also noted that both the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have fallen short of their construction targets in recent years.
President Marcos earlier directed the DPWH, DepEd, and local government units to accelerate classroom construction through a coordinated approach. He emphasized the need for a “catch-up” plan to address ongoing classroom shortages nationwide.
The proposed investigation will examine how funds allocated for school infrastructure have been utilized and whether administrative or procedural lapses have delayed construction. It also aims to identify systemic issues that have contributed to the slow pace of project completion.
DepEd and DPWH have faced criticism for completing only a fraction of their annual classroom targets, leaving many schools overcrowded.
The Makabayan bloc said accountability and transparency are necessary to ensure that educational infrastructure projects align with national priorities.
The House of Representatives has not yet released an official response to the resolution.