MANILA, Philippines – As the voting public went to the country’s public schools for the 2025 midterm elections, everyone experienced firsthand the current state of our facilities.
Actor John Arcilla expressed dismay upon seeing the dilapidated desks in the waiting room of his polling precinct. He lamented the sad state of these tables even as he urged the voting public to choose wisely, so they can choose the right people who aren’t corrupt.
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| The actor lamented the sad state of the tables at the polling precinct. Photo credit: John Arcilla |
He asked where the budget for education went, seeing that these tables appear like this.
The actor also expressed anger that these tables serve as evidence of how the voting public made the wrong choice in past elections. He urged everyone to vote wisely, alluding that others might need to change their choice at the last minute.
“So nandito ako sa loob ng isang classroom na ginawang WAITING ROOM sa MAHABANG PILA para bumoto at ganito ang lamesa ng mga estudiyante sa loob ng classroom,” the actor wrote.
“Asan ang budget sa EDUKASYON? Tapos boboto tayo ng mga corrupt eh nakaharap mismo satin ang EBIDENSIYA NG MGA MALI NATING PAGPILI? Ano na mga kababayan? AYUSIN NAMAN NATIN ANG PAGBOTO KAHIT LAST MINUTE.”
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| Photo credit: John Arcilla |
Arcilla actually has a point. According to Article XIV, Section 5(5) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, education is designated the highest budgetary priority. That means that the budget for schools and other educational needs must always be higher than that allocated for defense, infrastructure, and even healthcare.
It is not just about more funding. It’s also about ensuring that the funds go toward improving the quality of education and making it accessible to all, regardless of social or economic status. This means that public schools must have the tools, even basic ones like proper tables and chairs, to promote education.
Thus, every year, when the Philippines’ lawmakers approve the national budget, the Department of Education (DepEd) typically receives one of the largest allocations. The schools used during the 2025 elections are under the DepEd.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
