Senator Zubiri Disheartened by National Polytechnic University Bill Veto
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri expressed deep disappointment over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s veto of the National Polytechnic University bill. The legislation aimed to elevate the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to national university status, similar to the University of the Philippines (UP).
“I am disheartened to learn that our measure, the revised charter of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, has been vetoed by Malacañang,” Zubiri said in a statement issued last Saturday. This bill was intended to grant the institution fiscal and academic autonomy, allowing it to enhance the quality of tertiary education it offers.
Background and Legislative Journey of the National Polytechnic University Bill
The senator authored the bill through Senate Bill No. 2448, which later became Senate Bill No. 2669. Both the Senate and the House versions were passed in February, with the enrolled copy submitted to Malacañang on June 9. Had it not been vetoed, the bill would have automatically become law on July 9.
However, the President vetoed the measure, citing the need for the university to undergo a thorough assessment before being granted national university status. This was announced by the Palace press officer during a briefing on Friday.
Zubiri’s Response and Call for Dialogue
“This bill has already been vetoed once before during the 17th Congress. We addressed and removed the objectionable provisions cited in that veto,” Zubiri explained. Despite these efforts, the veto was upheld, which the senator found regrettable.
He further added, “I only wish that the objections to the new measure could have been worked out between us and the Commission on Higher Education before this unfortunate veto.”
Impact on Polytechnic University of the Philippines
In a statement released the same day, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines warned that the veto threatens the “imminent closure” of several campuses. The institution relies on the P100 million annual funding over five years that the National Polytechnic University bill would have provided.
The veto leaves the university’s future uncertain, raising concerns about the continuity of education for thousands of students across its campuses.
For more news and updates on National Polytechnic University, visit Filipinokami.com.
