SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian pledged careful review of education spending as the Senate Finance Committee begins its 2026 budget deliberations.

The review follows the filing of Proposed Senate Resolution No. 299, which seeks an inquiry into the plans and programs of government agencies implementing the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

The 2026 national budget allocated a historic P1.3 trillion to the education sector, equivalent to 4.4% of GDP, marking the first time the Philippines meets the UNESCO benchmark of dedicating 4%–6% of GDP to education.

“Kasunod ng paglalaan natin ng makasaysayang pondo para sa sektor ng edukasyon, susuriin din natin ang plano ng iba’t ibang mga ahensya upang tiyaking mapapakinabangan ito ng ating mga mag-aaral at mga guro,” said Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the historic budget will address the education crisis and lead to improved learning outcomes.