The Senate Committee on Finance has greenlit the proposed ₱758.6 billion budget for the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2024. However, this budget approval comes with controversy, as it includes ₱150 million allocated for confidential funds, which raised questions from minority senators during the hearing.

Senator Raffy Tulfo engaged in a heated exchange with Vice President Sara Duterte during the committee hearing. Tulfo raised concerns about alleged “voluntary contributions” collected from students through Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, intended for items like electric fans, chalk, and floor wax.

“I firmly believe na kaylangan malaga ng DepEd ng pinakamalaking budget, among all other agencies, because we need to give quality education to our poor na mga kababayan,” Tulfo emphasized during the hearing.

He also lamented the lack of quality facilities and tools in schools, asserting, “We’re teaching these kids to be corrupt when they grow up. How and why? Because they know, and they knew, na yong paghingi sa kanila ng contribution ay pangingikil,” referring to the widespread practice of schools and teachers soliciting contributions from parents.

Tulfo also highlighted the plight of students who cannot afford to contribute, saying, “Ang mga estudyante na walang pang-contribute kung minsan pinapahiya pa, nilalagay pa sa group chats [Students who cannot contribute are shamed in group chats],” based on complaints he received from parents.

In response, Vice President Sara Duterte provided a technical solution to Tulfo’s concerns, suggesting that he should draft legislation to address these issues.

She stated, “You ask a question, paano kayo makatulong na senator na kayo ngayon. Pwede po kayong gumawa ng batas na ipagbawal po ang voluntary contribution sa mga PTA’s. And then Swede po nating I-implement yan. May penalties po ang teachers na mag-insist na meron voluntary contribution,” clarifying that voluntary contributions should not be mandatory.

“Unang-una, wala akong kapangyarihan para ipatigil yan,” Tulfo replied. “However, merong kapangyarihan ang DepEd para ipatigil po ‘yung mga voluntary contributions sa PTA.” The vice president acknowledged the senator’s suggestion.

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel raised a different question, inquiring whether DepEd could forgo its request for confidential funds and instead allocate the amount to priority programs.

“Logic tells us, if you can live without the ₱150 million in confidential funds, then maybe we can give that amount to these three programs which are sorely lacking in funds,” Pimentel suggested.

Education officials clarified that an average classroom costs ₱2.5 million. Undersecretary Michael Poa explained that the original budget proposal submitted to the Department of Budget and Management was ₱953 billion, with significant cuts affecting items such as the construction of new school buildings, school furniture funding, and the school-based feeding program.

However, he emphasized that the allocation of confidential funds was crucial in safeguarding learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also weighed in on the debate, arguing that security agencies, not DepEd, should conduct intelligence operations in the education context.

When asked who will be the subject of intelligence gather and surveillance, the vice president said, “Those that are perceived to be threats in the successful, safe and secure implementation of the PPAs (programs, projects and activities).”

Duterte, who concurrently serves as the education secretary, maintained that the confidential funds align with their mandate to create a safe and conducive learning environment and secure spaces for teaching and non-teaching personnel.