Senator Lacson Calls for Education Sector Priority
Senator Panfilo Lacson urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday to guarantee that the education sector receives the largest share of the 2026 national budget. He raised this concern after noting that in 2025, the education sector was allocated less funding compared to another agency.
During the Senate development budget coordination committee’s briefing on the proposed 2026 national budget, Lacson emphasized the importance of prioritizing education funding. He stressed the need for the Department of Budget and Management to adhere to constitutional mandates and ensure a proper allocation.
Dispute Over 2025 Education Sector Allocation
The senator challenged the DBM’s claim that the education sector had the highest budget allocation in 2025. He pointed out that the four primary education agencies were allotted only P865 billion, which is significantly less than the P1 trillion allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), according to officials familiar with the budget.
Sources explained that the DBM had attempted to justify this by including additional institutions such as the Philippine Military Academy and the Local Government Academy within the education sector. This broader definition supposedly raised the total education sector funding to P1.055 trillion.
Lacson Criticizes Budget Justifications
“I hate to say this, but you’re like an accessory after the fact because you even justified the miracle that happened in Congress where the education sector was cut,” Lacson remarked during the hearing.
He further cited the president’s budget message, which clearly identifies the education sector as comprising the Department of Education (DepEd), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
DBM’s Definition of Education Sector Questioned
When asked about the DBM’s definition of the education sector, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the Constitution does not specify agencies but rather refers to the sector as a whole. However, Lacson countered that the 1987 Constitution was enacted when only DepEd existed as an education agency.
He clarified, “It’s clear that when we refer to the education sector, there are only four agencies… and it’s Congress’ fault. So why did you take it on?” This prompted Pangandaman to agree and begin to respond, but she was interrupted.
Constitutional Mandate for Education Funding
Article 14 Section 5 (5) of the 1987 Constitution mandates that the state must assign the highest budgetary priority to education. It also requires adequate remuneration and job satisfaction measures to attract and retain talented educators.
Lacson urged the DBM to consistently follow this constitutional directive. He called for coordination with both the executive and legislative branches to ensure the education sector’s funding is protected and prioritized.
Warnings Against Budget Realignments
The senator also warned that if Congress again reduces the education sector’s budget in favor of other agencies, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should consider vetoing such changes. “Because you can’t realign. You’re not Congress,” Lacson told the budget secretary.
He advised the DBM to remain vigilant throughout the budget process, especially during bicameral conferences, where he noted most problematic realignments occur. “Every step of the way, keep your watch, especially during the bicameral, because we all know that that’s where the biggest culprits really are. I won’t mention names, but that’s really where all the alarming realignments come out,” he said.
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