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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Signs Law Extending EDCOM II's Mandate To Push Education Reforms
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12315 on March 4, 2026, extending the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) for two additional years. The law aims to strengthen and continue reforms in the Philippine education system.
The new law amends Republic Act No. 11899, which originally created EDCOM II in 2022 with a three-year mandate to review the performance of the country’s education sector and recommend key reforms. Under RA 12315, the commission will continue its work beyond its initial term—effectively through 2028—enabling deeper research, broader consultations, and sustained oversight of policy implementation.
Extending Oversight on Education Reforms
Under the extended mandate, EDCOM II is empowered to oversee the implementation of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan, a long-term roadmap to improve learning outcomes, workforce readiness, and educational resources.
The commission will coordinate with government agencies including the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Health (DOH).
Proponents of the law emphasize the importance of continued oversight and reform, as the Philippine education system continues to face persistent challenges such as learning gaps, infrastructure deficits, teacher training needs, and alignment with global benchmarks.
Broader Policy Focus
The amended law directs EDCOM II to help update the national education agenda to integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital tools, and green innovation, into planning and curriculum development. The goal is to better align the education system with future workforce demands.
Legislative Path and Funding
The Senate approved the measure on December 2, 2025, and the House of Representatives adopted it with amendments on December 22, 2025, before it was sent to Malacañang and signed by the President.
Initial funding for the commission’s operations will be charged against the current appropriations of both chambers of Congress, with subsequent funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
The new law amends Republic Act No. 11899, which originally created EDCOM II in 2022 with a three-year mandate to review the performance of the country’s education sector and recommend key reforms. Under RA 12315, the commission will continue its work beyond its initial term—effectively through 2028—enabling deeper research, broader consultations, and sustained oversight of policy implementation.
Extending Oversight on Education Reforms
Under the extended mandate, EDCOM II is empowered to oversee the implementation of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan, a long-term roadmap to improve learning outcomes, workforce readiness, and educational resources.
The commission will coordinate with government agencies including the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Health (DOH).
Proponents of the law emphasize the importance of continued oversight and reform, as the Philippine education system continues to face persistent challenges such as learning gaps, infrastructure deficits, teacher training needs, and alignment with global benchmarks.
Broader Policy Focus
The amended law directs EDCOM II to help update the national education agenda to integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital tools, and green innovation, into planning and curriculum development. The goal is to better align the education system with future workforce demands.
Legislative Path and Funding
The Senate approved the measure on December 2, 2025, and the House of Representatives adopted it with amendments on December 22, 2025, before it was sent to Malacañang and signed by the President.
Initial funding for the commission’s operations will be charged against the current appropriations of both chambers of Congress, with subsequent funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Mar 5, 2026
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