Gatchalian urges Angara to review DepEd budget, probe E-GASTPE leaks

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday recommended a review of the Department of Education's (DepEd) proposed budget for 2025 and urged incoming DepEd chief Sonny Angara to scrutinize and adjust it.

Former senator Sonny Angara, appointed as DepEd secretary following Vice President Sara Duterte's resignation on June 19, will take charge on July 19 and is expected to review the budget due to his background in finance.

Gatchalian noted that Angara's expertise in finance will facilitate this review process and expressed hope that he would prioritize programs aimed at assisting underprivileged students.

The senator also called for an investigation into reported leakages in the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-GASTPE) program, which allegedly favored non-poor students over those in need.