MANILA — Kabataan Party-list on Monday opposed proposals granting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emergency powers to fast-track classroom construction, warning that such authority could open new avenues for corruption.

During a House Committee on Basic Education hearing, the group expressed concern over bills that would allow the President to bypass standard procurement rules, directly negotiate with chosen contractors, and realign national funds to accelerate school-building efforts.

Kabataan Party-list argued that these mechanisms are prone to abuse and could mirror issues seen in other public infrastructure programs.

Rep. Renee Co questioned the push for extraordinary powers, citing past concerns over irregularities in government projects.

“Paso na ang flood control projects—kaya classrooms na ba ang bagong raket?” Co said.

She noted that even the historically large budget for the education sector could be put at risk.

“Sayang ang biggest budget in history sa education sector kung mapupunta lang ’to sa kamay ng korap o malalaking negosyo. Kulang na nga, gagatasan pa. Bigger budget, ’wag bigger raket,” she said.

Co also expressed distrust toward President Marcos Jr., reiterating long-standing allegations raised in congressional discussions and public debates. She emphasized that these remain unanswered and uninvestigated, reinforcing the risks of granting emergency powers.

“Hirap kaming pagkatiwalaan si Marcos Jr. dahil taon-taon niyang inaaprubahan ang budget na puno ng pork,” she said. “Hanggang ngayon di pa nasasagot o iniimbestigahan ang alegasyon na tumanggap din siya ng kickback sa mga insertions. Kung hindi man siya korap mismo, pinabayaan niyang manakaw ang pondo ng bayan. Kaya hindi matalinong ipaubaya sa kanya ang classroom acceleration.”

Co added that recent controversies involving flood control projects show how internal collusion can undermine even well-intentioned safeguards.

“The flood control scandal has proven so far that corruption is an internal arrangement. Safeguards are not enough kung ang pinwesto natin ay mastermind din pala ng korapsyon,” she said.

Instead of granting the President additional authority, Kabataan Party-list urged the government to focus on strengthening agencies already tasked with building education infrastructure.

“Kasabay ng dagdag pondo, dapat mapanagot na lahat ng korap na opisyal,” Co said.

She also called for a comprehensive master plan not only to resolve the classroom shortage but also to modernize school infrastructure and make it climate-resilient.

“Dapat panghusayin pa ang trabaho ng mga ahensya para mataguyod ang planong ito, kaysa ipasa ang bola sa Pangulo,” she added.