The 2026 national budget shall address the P12.3 billion funding deficiency for free higher education incurred from 2022 to 2025, Senator Win Gatchalian assured. 

“Sisiguraduhin natin dito sa Senado na yung P12 billion deficiency sa free higher education ay mababayarang lahat,” said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

The Senate finance panel chief also assured that the 2026 national budget will address the projected ₱3.33 billion funding gap for free higher education for next year, based on estimates from the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC).

To avoid funding deficiencies in the future, Gatchalian emphasized the need for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the SUCs to agree on a formula for computing projected enrollment in relation to the cost per student.

Gatchalian recalled that in previous cycles, he emphasized how funding deficiencies in free higher education prevent state universities and colleges (SUCs) from making investments in new facilities, programs, and other projects, which affect their capacity to deliver quality tertiary education to students.