MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has proposed the removal of the mandatory Senior High School (SHS) level under the K to 12 program, saying it has failed to deliver its intended benefits more than a decade since its implementation.

Through Senate Bill No. 3001, Estrada is seeking to amend Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which introduced the K to 12 program. The senator believes the additional two years in high school have only become a burden to students and their families.

“Ever since this education reform was put in place, it has been met with criticisms and objections from various groups. It has been 12 years now since the enactment of the law, yet it still has not fully achieved its goal,” Estrada said.

“We can’t keep letting students and their parents shoulder the extra time and cost of senior high school. Bakit natin hahayaan na patuloy na maging dagdag pasanin sa oras at gastusin ang dalawang taon sa high school level?” he added.

SHS was intended to align the Philippine education system with global standards and prepare students for college, employment, or entrepreneurship by equipping them with 21st-century skills. However, Estrada noted the program has not met its vision, citing challenges such as a congested curriculum, overburdened teachers and students, and a low employment rate for SHS graduates—only 10% of whom reportedly join the workforce, mostly in informal jobs.

Estrada also referenced survey results from Pulse Asia Research Inc. in March 2025, which showed only 33% of Filipinos were satisfied with the SHS program, while 40% expressed dissatisfaction. Satisfaction ratings have continued to decline over the years, from 41% in 2023 to 35% in 2024, and further to 33% in 2025.

His bill proposes a revised structure consisting of one year of kindergarten, six years of elementary education, and four years of secondary education, removing the SHS component while preserving the core principles of RA 10533.

“This bill is a practical step to fix our basic education system – make it more efficient, use resources better, and give students a more meaningful learning experience,” Estrada said.