P22.9B for summit, classrooms wait

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Private Schools questioned the Marcos administration’s P22.9-billion allocation for hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit, saying the funds could have instead addressed persistent gaps in public education and other basic services.

The group described the allocation as a misplacement of government priorities, arguing that spending on summit preparations and beautification projects came at a time when schools continued to face shortages in classrooms and other essential facilities.

“After declaring an insulting P96 poverty threshold, it is the height of shamelessness for this administration to flaunt a P22.9-billion price tag for a three-day event,” ACT Private Schools secretary-general Jonathan Geronimo said.

“Instead of channeling resources toward closing the education gap and supporting state universities, the government chooses to spend billions on short-lived cosmetic fixes,” Geronimo added.

Malacañang clarified that the P22.9-billion allocation covers the Philippines’ entire ASEAN chairship this year, including the May summit in Cebu and the ongoing high-level meetings in Metro Manila, not just the 15 to 17 November gathering.