Aside from the inherent laudable socioeconomic objectives of free tuition to students in State Universities and Colleges, local tertiary schools and TESDA-accredited vocational institutions, President Rodrigo Duterte’s propensity to embrace populist causes led him to defy his economic managers’ collective recommendation for him to veto the measure.

The needed funds for school year 2018-2019 can be sourced by excising the usual excess fat in the proposed budget, or it can be covered by a supplemental budget to be proposed by the President for inclusion in the 2018 budget.

The supplemental budget can also include requisite increases in the appropriations for the Department of Agriculture and reproductive health.

The amount to be appropriated for free tertiary education in government institutions should include a realistic estimate of increases in enrollment of qualified students consequent to the enactment of R.A. No. 10931.

The budget needed should not be pegged at present enrolment levels which are likely to be surpassed.

Moreover, students who come from families who could afford to pay tuition fees must be encouraged to opt out in order to reduce the total amount needed.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN