PUP opposes proposed P9-B budget cut

MANILA — The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) staged a protest today in front of the House of Representatives to oppose a looming P9-billion budget cut to the university.

Under the proposed national budget, PUP requested P12.6 billion in funding, but only P3.6 billion is set to be approved—less than a third of the initial proposal.

“Year after year, PUP’s budget is slashed while billions are lost to corruption—such as flood control projects—funded by taxpayers,” said Prof. Jun Rivera, president of the Samahan ng mga Dalubguro sa Filipinolohiya.

The House of Representatives is set to deliberate the budget of the Commission on Higher Education and state universities and colleges today.

Data from the Department of Finance reveals that an estimated P118 billion has been lost to corruption in flood control projects alone over the past two years.

In a joint statement released by the Unyon ng mga Guro sa PUP (UGPUP), the group condemned the annual budget cuts, calling them unacceptable. They decried what they described as a system where public universities are left struggling with meager funding, while other government agencies—allegedly in collusion with lawmakers—splurge on projects riddled with corruption and kickbacks.

UGPUP added that it’s clear that there is money for corruption, but not for education. “It’s clear that taxpayers’ money is being used to fund the lavish lifestyles of those in power, while our universities rot,” the group said.

“It’s an outright insult that government officials deceive public schools every time they ask for funds. It’s not that the money isn’t there—it’s that they simply don’t care about education. And then they have the audacity to blame schools for the poor quality of education in the country,” the group added. (RVO)

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY PHER PASION

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