News
PBBM vows to restore P10-B cut from DepEd budget
By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday he would find a way to restore the PHP10 billion that was cut from the Department of Education (DepEd) for 2025 as slashing the allocation for education is “contrary” to the administration’s policy.
In a media interview, Marcos said the Office of the President is still reviewing the DepEd budget.
“We are still looking into it. I think it is contrary to all our policy direction when we talk about the (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) development of our educational sector and then the continuing development,” Marcos told reporters.
According to the President, the bulk of the cut was taken from the DepEd’s computerization program.
“We’re working on it to make sure that we will restore it. I do not want to line-item veto anything because that just gets in the way. So, we’re still talking about it and trying to find a way,” he said.
“And I think we’ll still be able to do it, to be able to do something.”
Last week, the bicameral conference committee approved the PHP6.352-trillion 2025 General Appropriations Bill.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed optimism that the President would address DepEd’s budget cut.