PMA, PNPA part of education sector – senator

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) are part of the education sector, which will receive the largest allocation in the 2025 national budget as mandated by the Constitution, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said over the weekend.

Gatchalian maintained that the constitutional provision encompasses all areas of education, including basic education, state universities and colleges (SUCs), the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

“There is often confusion – some think it only refers to basic education, but the allocation includes everything related to education,” Gatchalian noted, also highlighting the inclusion of specialized institutions like the Philippine State College of Aeronautics in the budget, contributing to the sector’s over P1-trillion allocation for 2025.

The senator made the clarification after teachers’ groups questioned the inclusion of the PMA and PNPA in the education sector.

“If you ask me, (the PMA and the PNPA) are considered tertiary institutions; they’re no different from SUCs like UP (University of the Philippines),” he said.

“In fairness to the DBM (Department of Budget and Management), their categorization is justified,” he noted.

While acknowledging the significant allocation, Gatchalian admitted that the budget is not without flaws.

Among Gatchalian’s concerns is the limited funding for some SUCs, which may affect free tuition programs.

He also admitted that the budget for the construction of school buildings is inadequate.