Senator Bam Aquino has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to fully and properly use the record-high P1.34-trillion education budget for 2026, warning against corruption and unfulfilled promises to Filipino students.
Aquino said the education budget—the highest in history—was preserved and now places the responsibility on education agencies to ensure funds are spent correctly, at the right cost, and without corruption. He stressed that DepEd and CHED are accountable to students and the public.
The senator said the Senate Committee on Basic Education will closely monitor implementation to prevent “ghost projects” and “ghost students,” and to ensure funds are used properly.
He also called for swift and transparent rollout of key programs, including classroom construction, the Free College Law and student allowances.
The budget includes P67 billion for free college education and subsidies, P68 billion for classrooms, P25.6 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program, and P500 million for financial support for allied health students.
Aquino urged the public to stay vigilant to ensure the education budget reaches its intended beneficiaries down to the last centavo.IMT
