Senator Pia Cayetano has raised concerns over the proposal allowing colleges and universities under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to shift to 100 percent online classes amid the ongoing fuel crisis, warning that the move must be carefully studied.

Cayetano stressed that while she recognizes the difficulties faced by Filipino families due to rising fuel costs, a full transition to online learning should only be temporary and not become a permanent setup.

She pointed out that similar policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant learning losses and exposed gaps in the education system.

Drawing from her experience as a former education budget sponsor and Commissioner of EDCOM II, Cayetano emphasized the widening “education gap” and the need to ensure that students are genuinely learning under any alternative learning modality.

She also highlighted persistent challenges in online education, including a lack of access to gadgets, unstable internet connectivity, and unsuitable home environments for studying, which could further disadvantage many learners.

Cayetano reiterated that face-to-face classes remain the most effective mode of learning, not only for academic development but also for discipline, social interaction, and overall student growth.

The senator urged CHED to establish clear indicators and timelines to properly assess student learning outcomes under online classes, stressing that any shift away from in-person learning must be closely monitored and strictly temporary.