Balancing EJKs with landmark social programs

Marlen V. Ronquillo

A PRESIDENT in the mold of Mr. Aquino will never sign a draft law on free college tuition. While it is the second most inspiring investment a government can do – next to a PH version of universal health care – free college tuition runs counter to the budget-balancing obsession of Mr. Aquino. He vetoed a token Magna Carta for the Poor on the grounds that it was not in sync with his fiscal sensibilities. The Pagcor earnings, just a fraction of the earnings of the state gaming firm, can take care of the token funding of the Magna Carta. Still, he vetoed that token attempt of Congress to improve the lives of the underclass.