Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to provide free education at all state colleges
Duterte, who is known for his populist leanings, believes the long-term benefits of the measure outweigh the short-term budgetary challenges
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law making education at all state universities free, a palace official said on Friday, despite warnings from his economic advisers that the Philippines cannot afford it.
Duterte, who is known for his populist leanings, believes the long-term benefits of the measure outweigh the short-term budgetary challenges, said deputy presidential executive secretary Menardo Guevarra.
“Free tertiary education in state universities and colleges is a very strong pillar or cornerstone of the president’s social development policy,” he told reporters.
The bill, signed late Thursday, will spare all students at government-run colleges and universities from paying tuition and other fees, he added.
Free tertiary education in state universities and colleges is a very strong pillar or cornerstone of the president’s social development policy
Economic officials had warned Duterte not to approve the measure, which they argue will cost 100 billion pesos (some US$2 billion) a year and will mainly benefit wealthier students.