SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has called on private schools to hold off on increasing tuition fees, pointing to recent indications that fuel prices may be stabilizing and could help ease operational costs.

The senator said authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid growing concerns over how rising expenses could affect the affordability of education for Filipino families.

“Hopefully, hindi naman,” Gatchalian said when asked about the possibility of tuition increases. “Kasi kung tinaasan ang tuition fee sa private school, kahit na private school yan, mga mag-aaral pa rin natin yan.”

He stressed that any hike in tuition would ultimately place a heavier burden on households, noting that students in private institutions remain part of the broader education sector the government seeks to support.

Gatchalian also highlighted forecasts suggesting that fuel prices may continue to decline in the coming weeks, potentially easing financial pressures on schools.

“Hopefully, bumaba na ang presyo ng langis ngayon. Next week, mayroong forecast na bababa ulit. So hopefully, tuloy-tuloy na siya,” he said.

While acknowledging that private schools face ongoing operational costs such as electricity and fuel, the senator appealed to school administrators to defer any fee adjustments for now.

“Alam ko yung private school natin, syempre sila meron din silang mga costs… Pero ang panawagan ko naman, kung pwedeng hinay-hinay muna,” he added.

Gatchalian underscored the importance of keeping education accessible, regardless of whether students are enrolled in public or private institutions.

“Para mas maraming bata makapag-aral. Whether private or public, makaaral sila,” he said.

The appeal comes as families continue to navigate the economic strain caused by fluctuating fuel prices, which have historically influenced tuition decisions in private schools.