SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called for a more data-driven and accountable approach to higher education budgeting, saying the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) 2026 proposal should reflect long-term reforms that enhance student access and institutional performance.

“The CHED should be guided by science and be data-driven. Let’s get the data and see what we can do together,” he said, urging the agency to use reliable information in designing programs that produce measurable outcomes for learners.

Lawmakers earlier raised concerns over CHED’s ₱32.49-billion proposed budget for next year, citing declining allocations for student financial assistance programs such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the Tulong Dunong Program.

These programs have faced repeated funding cuts despite the growing demand and enrollment in both public and private higher education institutions.

CHED Commissioner Shirley C. Agrupis said the agency’s 2026 plan focuses on supporting state universities and colleges (SUCs), scholarships, and research initiatives. However, she acknowledged challenges in sustaining the coverage of scholars under the Free Higher Education Law, particularly those studying in private schools.

Senators also flagged low fund utilization and project implementation delays among SUCs, as well as Commission on Audit findings on the slow liquidation of scholarship funds and inconsistent monitoring of school performance.

Cayetano, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, said these issues highlight the need for performance-based budgeting and stronger accountability mechanisms in CHED and its attached institutions.

He earlier expressed support for CHED’s ACHIEVE 7-point agenda, which promotes access, quality, and institutional resilience among higher education institutions.