KABATAAN Party-list expressed full support for the planned student walkout at De La Salle University–Manila opposing a proposed tuition increase of up to 6 percent for Academic Year 2026–2027.

The group said it received reports from students that DLSU is considering another round of tuition and other fee increases, marking the fourth consecutive year of hikes since the Covid-19 lockdowns.

“For the last four years, tuition fees at De La Salle University–Manila have been increasing annually after the pandemic. These yearly hikes were allowed by the Commission on Higher Education under the Marcos administration, and this year, 2025, there is again a proposed increase that could reach as high as 6 percent,” Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said.

Kabataan echoed student concerns over the lack of transparency in tuition adjustments, stressing that any increase should strictly comply with CHED Memorandum Order No. 3, series of 2012.

Under the guideline, at least 70 percent of tuition increments must be allocated to personnel salaries, while 20 percent should go to facilities development and maintenance.

According to Kabataan, tuition payments for a regular academic load at DLSU can reach more than ₱90,000 per semester, yet many students reportedly do not feel the benefits of the additional fees they pay each year.

“Whether small or big, any tuition increase undermines the principle that education is a right and not a commodity accessible only to those who can afford it. The nonstop rise in tuition is an attack on this right,” Co stressed.

The DLSU University Student Government earlier conducted a survey showing that 80.8 percent of respondents would be affected by the proposed tuition hike. In response, students are set to stage a walkout on Tuesday to oppose the increase.

Kabataan Party-list said it stands firmly with Lasallian students in calling for zero tuition increase next school year.

“It’s time for fellow Archers to aim high and not settle for the status quo. It’s zero or nothing,” the group said.