ACT TEACHERS Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio has called for an additional ₱5.32 billion for state universities and colleges (SUCs), warning that the proposed 2027 national budget could deepen funding gaps for free higher education and worsen the working conditions of thousands of contractual faculty members.

During plenary deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget, Tinio cited data from the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges and the Commission on Higher Education showing a projected funding shortfall of ₱2.048 billion in 2026 and ₱2.766 billion in 2027.

The two-year deficit amounts to ₱5.321 billion, which Tinio said Congress should cover through additional appropriations to ensure that students continue to have access to free higher education and adequate resources in SUCs.

Tinio also criticized proposed cuts in maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) for 58 of the country’s 113 SUCs. Among the institutions facing reductions are the University of the Philippines, Eastern Samar State University, West Visayas State University, Rizal Technological University, Bicol University, and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University.

He also raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure funding, noting that 12 SUCs had received no capital outlay, while 25 institutions were allocated no funds for infrastructure under the proposed spending plan.

The lawmaker likewise called attention to the employment conditions of more than 55,000 job order and contract-of-service personnel in SUCs, including over 26,000 teaching staff.

He renewed his call for the creation of additional plantilla positions to provide these workers with more stable employment.

Tinio also proposed raising the salary grade of Instructor I positions from Salary Grade 12 to Salary Grade 16, arguing that college instructors required to hold a master’s degree should receive compensation comparable to that of other government employees with similar educational qualifications.

He said he would continue pushing for the proposed budget realignments and salary reforms as Congress proceeds with deliberations on the 2027 national budget.