Senator Pia Cayetano has expressed strong support for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in urging higher education institutions (HEIs) to defer planned tuition fee increases, citing the financial strain faced by many Filipino families.

“I fully support CHED's call for universities to hold off on tuition increases. Many families are already struggling with rising costs across the board. We must ensure that education remains accessible, especially during these challenging times,” Cayetano said in a statement released Monday, May 4.

Cayetano, who serves as senior vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and has overseen the education budget for several years, emphasized that access to education is key to breaking poverty cycles and promoting equal opportunities across generations.

She highlighted ongoing government efforts to support students, including the Tertiary Education Subsidy and increased funding for state universities and colleges, while recognizing the critical role of private institutions in expanding access to higher education.

The senator also urged private schools to work with the government in finding alternative ways to address operational costs without passing the burden onto students.

“Education is the great equalizer. We cannot allow it to become a privilege that only the wealthy can afford,” she stressed.

Cayetano likewise commended CHED for maintaining open dialogue with academic institutions, balancing their operational needs with the financial capacity of students and their families.

Her statement comes amid growing concerns over rising living expenses, prompting calls for stronger measures to ensure that higher education remains affordable and inclusive.