Youth groups questioned the reduced budget for capital outlay and maintenance funds for state universities and colleges saying that proper and accessible services and conducive learning facilities remain wanting for students and instructors.
Peasant groups said that the proposed budget for agriculture is insufficient and that this shows how improving the local food production is not important to the Marcos Jr. administration.
“The government’s fiscal strategy is seriously flawed. Revenues are low from over-relying on indirect consumption taxes on poor and middle-class Filipinos who have low levels of incomes and spending, from cutting direct taxes especially on high-income families and large corporations, and from avoiding wealth taxes even just on hugely concentrated billionaire wealth. Poor revenue generation is ultimately what causes constant borrowing and excessive debt.”
Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel said that the impending budget cut in state universities and colleges reflects the Marcos Jr. administration’s disregard for quality tertiary education.