Budget cut in state schools hit

MANILA, Philippines—At least 23 congressmen have joined forces to assail the alleged P3.3-billion reduction in the budget of state universities and colleges (SUCs) next year.

The decrease would affect 79 SUCs, including the University of the Philippines and the Mindanao State University, according to the “unity statement” that also drew support from administration representatives.

“We, lawmakers, administrators and concerned members of various sectors, express our strong appeal for a sufficient budget increase for the qualitative functioning of our nation’s SUCs,” they said in a manifesto.

“We call on members of Congress to not only restore the P3.3-billion budget removed from 79 of our SUCs, but also consider additional funding for all of our state schools by tapping and rechanneling various lump-sum allocations in the proposed 2014 budget.”

Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon, who circulated the document for signature in plenary, said the P3.3-billion reduction would cover both capital outlay and maintenance and other operating expenses of the 79 SUCs. Christian V. Esguerra