SENATOR Bam Aquino has called on the Department of Education  and the Commission on Higher Education to ensure the full and proper utilization of the record-high P1.34-trillion education fund under the 2026 national budget, stressing that the government should not disappoint Filipino students relying on its promises.

“Natutuwa tayo na walang binawas sa budget ng edukasyon. Ito nga ang pinakamataas na pondo sa kasaysayan para sa edukasyon. Pinaglaban natin ito, at ngayon ay nakasaayos na ang budget,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“Ngayon, nasa kamay na ng mga education agencies ang bola. Kailangan nilang gawin ang tama—siguraduhin na walang korapsyon na sumingit sa napakalaking pondong ibinigay natin para sa edukasyon,” he added, stressing that the agencies are “responsible to the Filipino people and to the students.”

Aquino emphasized that the Senate Committee on Basic Education will closely monitor the budget’s implementation to ensure commitments are met amid reports of potential challenges.

“Babantayan ng Committee ang tamang paggamit ng pera. Walang ghost project, walang ghost student. Sisiguraduhin natin na sa tamang presyo at sa tamang paraan napupunta ang pondo para sa edukasyon ng bayan,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of swift and transparent execution of key education programs, particularly the construction of new classrooms, the expansion of the Free College Law he authored, and the increase in student allowances.

“Sama-sama tayong magbantay upang masiguro na ang pondong ito ay direktang mapupunta sa edukasyon, at hindi sa korapsyon,” Aquino concluded.