House approves K-to-12 proposal on second reading

MANILA -- The House of Representatives approved on second reading the proposed K-to-12 measure, which seeks to add two more years to the basic education cycle, on Wednesday night.

Through a viva voce or "voice vote," House Bill 6643 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012 was approved before Congress adjourned for a two-week legislative break.

The K-to-12 program, which adds a year each in elementary and high school levels, is being implemented in the current school year despite the absence of an enabling law.

Last week, the House committee on basic education and culture approved the proposed measure with 25 members in favor of it and two against it.

Gabriela party-list Representative Luzviminda Ilagan, one of the lawmakers who opposed the K-to-12 program, said the P292 billion allocation provided in the P2.006-trillion national budget for 2013 is not enough to implement the P334 billion education program. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)