House Prioritizes Accountability Over Education Funding in 2025 DepEd Budget Cuts
House Stands Firm on DepEd Budget Cuts,Citing procurement Delays
Washington D.C. – The House of Representatives remains resolute in its decision to slash the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget for 2025, citing notable delays in the agency’s computerization program.Representative Rodge Gutierrez of the 1-Rider Party-list defended the $12 billion cut, arguing that it’s not about underfunding education but ensuring responsible spending and accountability.
“Secretary Angara may argue that education funding is sacrosanct, but Congress cannot keep throwing good money after bad,” Gutierrez stated. “This is about ensuring proper fund use and accountability.”
Gutierrez, referencing his previous role as Senate finance Committee chair, emphasized the legal requirement for unused funds to be accounted for before new allocations are made. He urged Secretary Angara, now at the helm of deped, to prioritize addressing internal issues within the department.”Congress cannot turn a blind eye to these issues,” Gutierrez added.
Citing a commission on Audit report, Gutierrez highlighted that DepEd only disbursed $2.075 billion of its $11.36 billion 2023 budget allocated for information and interaction technology equipment.
Further emphasizing the procurement delays, Gutierrez revealed that a September budget hearing showed 12,022 laptops intended for teachers and 7,558 for non-teaching personnel remained undelivered by the end of 2023.
“And that’s just for 2023, we’re not even talking about the computerization budget for 2024 and the year is almost over,” Gutierrez pointed out.
Last week, the bicameral conference committee approved the $6.352 trillion 2025 General Appropriations Bill, which included the $12 billion cut from DepEd and a $30 billion reduction for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Despite the cuts, Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed optimism on Sunday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would address the DepEd budget reduction.
NewsDirect3 Interview: Education Budget Cuts Spark Debate
ND3: Representative Gutierrez, thanks for joining us today.the House has made a significant decision to cut DepEd’s budget for 2025. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this decision?
Rep. Gutierrez: Thank you for having me. This isn’t about underfunding education; it’s about responsible spending and accountability. We’ve witnessed considerable delays in DepEd’s computerization program,and the 2023 audit reports reveal a huge discrepancy between allocated funds and actual disbursements.
ND3: can you give us some concrete examples of these delays?
Rep.gutierrez: Absolutely. For instance, DepEd only disbursed $2.075 billion of its $11.36 billion 2023 budget intended for Information and Communications Technology equipment.
Furthermore, a September hearing revealed that 12,022 laptops meant for teachers and 7,558 for non-teaching personnel were still undelivered by the end of 2023. This is simply unacceptable.
ND3: Secretary Angara has expressed his concerns about these cuts, arguing that education funding is sacrosanct. What’s your response to that?
Rep. Gutierrez: While I respect Secretary Angara’s position, Congress has a duty to ensure taxpayer money is used prudently. We cannot blindly allocate funds without addressing the existing issues within the department.
The law requires unused funds to be accounted for before new allocations are made. We urge Secretary Angara to prioritize resolving these internal issues and demonstrating responsible financial management.
ND3: Some critics argue that these cuts could negatively impact educational progress. How do you respond to these concerns?
rep.Gutierrez: Our goal isn’t to hinder education; it’s to ensure its sustainability through responsible funding. By addressing procurement delays and improving accountability, we can build a stronger foundation for the future of education in our country.
ND3: With the 2025 budget now approved by the bicameral conference committee, what are your next steps?
Rep. Gutierrez: We remain committed to working with the Department of Education to ensure openness and accountability in the utilization of funds.We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for policies that promote efficient and effective use of resources allocated to education.