PUP laments veto of NPU bill, says funding needed for reforms
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), home to over 90,000 students across 26 campuses nationwide, is facing uncertainty following the second veto of the proposed National Polytechnic University (NPU) charter bill.
Malacañang confirmed on Thursday that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. rejected the measure, citing concerns over institutional performance, regulatory implications, and the validity of some of PUP's satellite campuses.
In a press statement, PUP said the move effectively halts what could have been a landmark transition for the 120-year-old institution into a fully chartered polytechnic university with guaranteed additional state support.
Under the proposed NPU bill, PUP would have received an extra P100 million annually for five years—funds intended to address its longstanding budget deficit and modernize infrastructure, including laboratories, classrooms, and digital systems.
'Talaga pong mabigat ang aking kalooban sa balitang ito pero katulad nga ng ating nasabi—magpapatuloy tayo,' said PUP president Dr. Manuel Muhi in a university-wide address.
(This news weighs heavily on me, but as we've said—we will carry on.)
'Magiging mahirap lalo't hindi sigurado ang pondo para sa ating campuses sa susunod na taon... Salamat at alam ko pong katuwang namin kayo sa pakikibakang ito.'
(The road ahead will be difficult, especially with the uncertainty of funding for our campuses next year... Thank you — I know that you stand with us in this struggle.)
Presidential concerns
In his veto message, Marcos cited three main reasons for rejecting the bill:
PUP's 'subpar' performance based on its 2016 SUC Level II classification from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
the legal basis of 14 of its campuses created through Board of Regents (BOR) resolutions; and
concerns that granting PUP institutional autonomy would undermine CHED's regulatory authority.
The same bill was vetoed in 2018 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, citing similar concerns. PUP officials, however, argue that the concerns stem from outdated or incorrect data.
'Noong 2016, binigyan ang PUP ng Level II, pero tayo ay nag-appeal... Matapos ang meeting kasama ang CHED... ginawaran ng Level III status ang PUP ng parehas na taon,' said Muhi.
(In 2016, PUP was initially given Level II status, but we appealed... After a meeting with CHED and a reassessment, PUP was granted Level III status in the same year.)
'Laking gulat natin na ang nakarating sa DBM ay maling datos... Hindi ito naging hadlang upang magpatuloy ang PUP.'
(We were deeply surprised that the DBM received incorrect data... Nonetheless, this did not stop PUP from moving forward.)
Satellite campuses, budget gaps, and implications
The veto also questioned the legal basis of several satellite campuses. PUP responded that the campuses are consistent with Section 11 of Presidential Decree 1341, which mandates the university to expand regional access to education. Local governments in Laguna, Quezon, and Bulacan also help fund their respective campuses.
Still, the current budget reportedly falls short of what's needed to maintain these campuses. The funding gap threatens to disrupt education access for thousands of senior high school graduates who rely on PUP for low-cost higher education options—an issue also raised in the recent EDCOM II report on education equity.
On institutional autonomy
Muhi defended the proposed institutional autonomy provision, stating it should be viewed as complementary—not contradictory—to CHED's regulatory role.
'Ang layunin ay maging magaan ang trabaho ng CHED... Dapat itong makita sa magandang paraan,' he said.
(The goal is to lighten CHED's workload... This should be seen in a positive light.)
'Pagkakataon at patunay na umuunlad ang bawat SUC dito sa Pilipinas.'
(It is an opportunity and proof that state universities and colleges in the Philippines are progressing.)
Renewed call for support
PUP is renewing its push for the NPU charter, with a university-wide petition campaign launched this week. Muhi also called on CHED to reassess PUP's SUC leveling, expressing confidence that the university will surpass its previous ratings.
He also stressed that the bill would not lead to commercialization or privatization, nor would it diminish PUP's public character.
'Hiling ko po... magtulong-tulong po tayong labanan ang disimpormasyon... at paliwanagan ang ating mga kasamahan at mga estudyante,' he said.
(I sincerely ask that we work together to fight disinformation... and patiently explain to our colleagues and students the benefits this measure can bring.)
Despite the setbacks, PUP said it will continue to expand access through programs like Education on Wheels, community outreach under LingapKomunidad, and distance learning services for persons deprived of liberty. — BM, GMA Integrated News
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