16/12/2024
A Breach of Trust: DepEd Budget Cuts and the Violation of Constitutional Mandates
By: Santi Teope Araña
The reduction of the Department of Education (DepEd) budget in favor of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 2025 could have serious consequences for the quality of education in the Philippines, which is already facing significant challenges. DepEd’s budget funds critical initiatives such as hiring teachers, improving facilities, providing learning materials, and implementing reforms like the MATATAG curriculum. A budget cut could exacerbate issues such as overcrowded classrooms, insufficient learning resources, and inadequate teacher training. This would further hinder efforts to address learning losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and could worsen the country's performance in global education assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Moreover, marginalized groups, such as those in remote or underserved areas, could suffer disproportionately, deepening inequities in education access.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mechanisms at his disposal to restore the DepEd budget. He could exercise his veto power to compel Congress to reconsider the allocation, or propose a supplemental budget to address funding gaps. However, this will require strong political will and a commitment to prioritizing education as a key driver of national development. Without intervention, the slashing of DepEd's budget sends a concerning message about the administration's priorities, especially at a time when the country is grappling with a learning crisis.
The reallocation of funds from education to infrastructure also raises constitutional concerns. The Philippine Constitution mandates that education receive the highest budgetary priority (Article XIV, Section 5[5]). By significantly reducing DepEd's budget while increasing that of DPWH, Congress may be seen as failing to uphold this constitutional principle. Concerned groups could challenge this in the Supreme Court, arguing that the move undermines the fundamental right to quality education and violates the spirit of the Constitution.
To address this issue, it is recommended that the government reevaluate its budget priorities and restore the DepEd budget to adequate levels. Education must be recognized as a long-term investment that directly impacts economic growth, social equity, and national progress. The administration should work closely with Congress to ensure sufficient funding for key education programs, particularly those targeting learning recovery and curriculum reform. Furthermore, citizens, education advocates, and civil society groups should continue to exert pressure on policymakers to prioritize education in alignment with constitutional mandates. Ensuring a well-funded education system is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative for securing the country’s future.
2025 Elections: Will Education Budget Cuts Cost Politicians Votes
The Congressional decision to reduce the Department of Education's (DepEd) budget in favor of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) could significantly influence their political prospects in the May 2025 local and national elections. Education is a highly sensitive issue for Filipino voters, particularly parents, educators, and students, as it directly impacts their daily lives and long-term aspirations. A move perceived as deprioritizing education in favor of infrastructure could spark public discontent, especially in light of the country's worsening education crisis.
This decision might damage the credibility of lawmakers who supported the budget cuts, as critics could frame it as prioritizing projects that often face allegations of corruption or inefficiency over the future of Filipino children. Opponents may use this issue to campaign against incumbents, portraying them as neglectful of the people's needs. In contrast, candidates who advocate for increased education funding could resonate with voters concerned about the country’s learning outcomes and global competitiveness.
On the other hand, legislators who supported the budget reallocation might argue that infrastructure projects under the DPWH are also essential for economic development, creating jobs, and improving connectivity. If they can demonstrate tangible benefits from these projects before the elections, they might still gain voter support. However, this will largely depend on effective implementation and the public's perception of these initiatives.
To mitigate potential backlash, Congress members should actively communicate the rationale for their decisions and ensure that education concerns are not ignored. Balancing infrastructure development with adequate investment in education is essential to gaining public trust. Failing to address the widespread criticism of the budget cuts could jeopardize their chances in the 2025 elections, as voters may see this decision as a betrayal of the constitutional mandate to prioritize education.
