JV Ejercito backs stronger education voucher program to expand access for Filipino students
March 16, 2026
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito on Monday expressed strong support for the proposed Basic Education Voucher Program Act, saying the measure would help widen access to quality education by strengthening the partnership between government and the private education sector.
In his co-sponsorship speech at the plenary, Ejercito emphasized that private schools have long been partners of government in delivering quality education, and the voucher program plays a key role in helping students continue their studies in participating private institutions.
“Habang pinapalakas at pinagtitibay natin ang ating public school infrastructure, dapat din nating kilalanin at palawakin ang mahalagang papel ng private education sector sa pagpapalawak ng education opportunities para sa ating mga kabataan,” Ejercito said.
Senate Bill No. 1981 aims to strengthen the government’s voucher assistance mechanism, allowing qualified students to enroll and continue their studies in private schools while easing congestion in public classrooms.
Despite the efforts of the government to improve the country’s basic education system, he stressed that significant challenges remain particularly the shortage of classrooms in public schools across the country.
“Kailangan din nating masiguro na may sapat na access ang ating mga kababayan sa edukasyon, hindi lamang sa mga pampublikong paaralan, kundi maging sa mga pribadong institusyon,” he said.
Ejercito also welcomed provisions in the bill that support teachers in the private sector, particularly through professional development and capacity-building programs.
The lawmaker from San Juan underscored that expanding access to education requires cooperation across sectors, describing education as a shared national responsibility.
“Kung tunay nating nais na maabot ang pangarap na inclusive at mataas na kalidad na edukasyon para sa lahat, kailangan nating gamitin ang lahat ng makabuluhang mekanismo upang mapalawak ang access dito,” he said.
“Ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan, kundi isang pambansang adhikain na dapat pag-ambagan at pagtulungan ng buong lipunan,” he added.
Ejercito requested to be made co-author of the Basic Education Voucher Program Act.
