KABATAAN Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel urged senators to consider their proposed amendments that aim to ensure the quality of education and protect the welfare of youth.

The youth group is proposing to abolish Confidential Funds and amend excessive Intelligence Funds in agencies that do not legitimately require them, halt counter insurgency operations, put a stop to infrastructure projects that favor imperialism and capitalist businesses, and rectify the use of taxpayers’ money for travel expenses that does not contribute to the creation of a progressive economy.

Likewise, in adherence to Article 2, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution, Manuel also said the proposed budget cuts against State Universities and Colleges should be reversed to better ensure genuine academic freedom and quality education for students to learn holistically.

He added the increased subsidies for students in medical-related fields from SUCs and increased funding for the Philippine Science High School were also part of the proposed amendments.

Manuel also urged the Senate to uphold the provision under 2024 General Appropriations Bill mandating all agencies to provide five percent of its total budget allocation for youth development projects and activities within the framework of the Philippine Youth Development Plan.

The group also urged other sectors such as Science and Technology, Health, Good Governance, Agriculture and Industry, and Active Transportation to receive higher budget allocations in the 2024 GAB.