MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino challenged the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure the full and proper use of the record-high P1.34-trillion education fund under the 2026 national budget, saying the government should not let down Filipino students counting on its promises.

“Natutuwa tayo na walang binawas doon sa budget ng edukasyon. Ito nga iyong pinakamataas na budget ng edukasyon sa kasaysayan natin. Walang binawas diyan, pinaglaban natin ito at ngayon tapos na iyong budget,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“Ngayon naman, iyong bola nasa kamay na ng mga education agencies. Kailangan nilang gawin iyong tama, gawin iyong tamang presyo, siguraduhin na walang korapsyon na sumingit dito sa napakalaking perang binigay natin sa edukasyon,” he added, stressing that education agencies are “responsible to the Filipino people and to the Filipino students.”

Aquino said the Senate Committee on Basic Education will closely monitor the implementation of the education budget to ensure commitments are fulfilled amid reported challenges in execution.

“Babantayan ng Committee on Basic Education iyong tamang paggamit ng pera. Walang ghost project, walang ghost student. Sisiguraduhin natin na sa tamang presyo, sa tamang paraan ang paggamit ng pera para sa edukasyon ng bayan,” he said.

He emphasized the need for swift and transparent implementation of key education programs under the record-high budget, particularly the construction of new classrooms, expansion of the Free College Law, and the increase in student allowances.

The P1.34-trillion education budget allots P67 billion for the Free College Law (RA 10931), including added funding for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for underprivileged students. It also allocates P68 billion for classroom construction and P25.6 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program.

The 2026 budget further includes P500 million under the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the Higher Education Development Program, specifically earmarked for Financial Support for RLE Requirements in Allied Health Sciences Programs—an initiative proposed by Aquino.

He also called on the public to remain vigilant and actively engaged to ensure that education funds are used for their intended programs and beneficiaries.

“Sama-sama tayong magbantay upang masiguro na ang pondong ito ay direktang mapupunta sa edukasyon, at hindi sa korapsyon,” Aquino said.