CAGAYAN de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez today expressed his opposition to the suggestion made by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno to revisit the free college education program implemented during the Marcos administration.
Rodriguez firmly believes that the program should continue as it significantly benefits underprivileged and deserving high school graduates who would otherwise be unable to pursue a college education without government financial assistance.
He even disagrees with Secretary Diokno’s claim that the program is not sustainable.
Rodriguez asserts that Congress has the ability and responsibility to continue funding the program, as education is a crucial investment in the lives of the less fortunate.
It is worth emphasizing that free college education is not available to all prospective students and is limited to those who are financially disadvantaged yet academically qualified, according to Rodriguez.
Rodriguez highlighted that the proposed 2024 national budget allocates only a small portion, approximately P51.1 billion, to free tertiary education, which amounts to less than one percent of the overall budget.
Over the weekend, Sec. Diokno, who previously served as budget secretary and governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, expressed his opposition to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 (Republic Act No. 10931), citing concerns over its sustainability and whether it truly benefits the poor.
In response, Rodriguez urged the Commission on Higher Education, state universities, and local colleges to conduct thorough screenings of student applicants for the free college education program.
“This measure aims to ensure that only deserving individuals receive government assistance,” said Rodriguez.
Furthermore, Representative Rodriguez voiced concerns raised by citizens regarding the perceived disparity at the University of the Philippines (UP), where high-end cars and sports utility vehicles reportedly fill its parking lots during academic sessions.
He expressed hope that these students are not the recipients of financial aid under Republic Act No. 10931.
In conclusion, Representative Rodriguez stands firm in his opposition to ending the free college education program and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the education of the economically disadvantaged.
He urges continuous support from Congress and relevant educational institutions to maintain access to quality tertiary education for deserving students across the country.
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