SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano intensified his call for the government to clarify its education targets, urging a decisive choice on the full implementation and funding of the K to 12 program.

Speaking on the National Education and Workforce Development Plan 2026–2035, which includes the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Cayetano expressed support for the 10-year framework but flagged the unresolved status of K to 12 as the “big elephant in the room.”

“Mr. President, I rise to put this on record. Maganda ang 10-year plan, I support it. Maganda po ang findings ng EDCOM II—yung first, second, and third publications. But the big elephant in the room is if we decide to fully fund it,” the Minority Leader said.

“Baka naman po yung tinatarget natin sa K to 12 ay target ng USA, ng Europe, at ng Japan. Pero sa Pilipinas, kailangan natin linawin ang ating target,” he added.

Citing the EDCOM II report, Cayetano said the effectiveness of K to 12 in the Philippines needs reassessment, noting that curriculum revisions alone are insufficient without addressing critical support systems. He pointed to data showing that only 0.4 percent of Grade 12 students are proficient, while 74 percent fail to meet minimum skills.

A longtime critic of the program’s implementation, Cayetano argued that K to 12 has failed to deliver its promised improvements in education equity.

Since his return to the Senate in 2022, he has repeatedly called on the government to make a radical decision—either to suspend the program or fully fund it.

Cayetano also acknowledged the noble intentions behind K to 12 and the efforts of various stakeholders to address the country’s education challenges. However, he warned that the program’s potential is being undermined by government indecision.

“I don’t want to use ‘half-hearted’ kasi tumotodo naman tayo. But ang punto ko, kung hanggang 100 kilometers ang takbo ng kotse at kaya natin mag-100 kilometers, no one can say na half-hearted tayo. Pero kung hanggang 200 kilometers ang takbo ng kotse, at sabihin natin, ‘Boss, hanggang 120 lang kaya natin, yung 80, hindi,’ yung potential na 80 ay half-hearted,” he explained.

While backing Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8, Cayetano reiterated his call for decisive action.

“Mr. President, may I just put that at the doorstep—or at the feet—of our honorable senators and decision-makers. Yes, let’s do everything we can—better budget for 2027, full implementation in 2026, a 10-year plan. But sooner or later, hindi natin pwedeng hindi ito pag-usapan,” he said.