Senator Bam Aquino made a stand for Filipino students during the Senate Committee on Finance budget deliberations, challenging proposed budget reductions for higher education and demanding full and holistic support for tertiary learners across the country.
Addressing officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Aquino underscored that making college tuition-free, a landmark law he principal-authored during his first Senate term is only the starting point of the state’s responsibility.
“As we review the budget, we should all ask a very simple question, kapag nakapasok ang isang estudyante sa kolehiyo, may sapat na ba siyang suporta para makapagtapos?,” he asked.
The senator warns the state planners that waiving tuition is only half the battle if students can no longer afford to stay in school.
The Senate hearing exposed significant proposed reductions in tertiary education funding. CHED’s budget faces a proposed drop of 26.7% or a P12.916 billion slash, while the allocation for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program was cut by P9.757 billion. SUCs across the country are also staring at a P2.979 billion decrease, threatening vital educational programs and institutional support.
Allocation for Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) dropped to P27.790 billion in the 2027 proposed budget from P37.547 billion in 2026.
Around 940,000 incoming tertiary students including 230,000 4Ps beneficiaries will be affected by the overall budget gap in free higher education funding.
CHED Chair Shirley Agrupis warned that a minimum of P17 billion in additional funding is urgently needed to cover all 940,000 students under UAQTE for 2027.
Aquino stressed that while free tuition has opened doors for millions, hidden daily expenses continue to force underprivileged youth out of classrooms.
“Alam po natin na napakalaking tulong ng libreng tuition. Kaya po natin ‘to pinaglaban nung una nating termino. Pero alam rin ho natin na hindi doon nagtatapos ang gastos ng isang pamilya. May pamasahe, pagkain, kagamitan, at iba pang mga pangangailangan sa pag-aaral,” he explained.
Zeroing in on healthcare education, Aquino highlighted the severe financial strain on nursing and allied health students who must shoulder mandatory clinical fees.
“Para sa ating nursing at allied health students, meron pang dagdag na related learning experience na alam ho nating napakabigat. Kasama po sa mga amendments ang pagpasok ng RLE. Hindi na po siya isang budget insertion or budget amendment. Siya na po’y kasama na sa batas dahil po sa RA 12325. 12325 also clarified sino yung mga batang dapat unang makakuha ng tulong,” he said.
Despite tight national fiscal constraints, he pledged to work tirelessly alongside Senate leaders to protect student subsidies, restore necessary campus funding, and ensure no Filipino student is left behind.
“Hindi ho dapat maging dahilan ang kakulangan sa pambayad para hindi ho makumpleto ang kurso. Nung nakaraang budget deliberation, pinaglaban ho natin ang pondo para sa libreng kolehiyo at tertiary education subsidy. Ngayon pong pinag-uusapan ng 2027 budget, sisiguraduhin po natin na sapat pa rin ang pondo para sa libreng kolehiyo,” he said.
