The right to education is enshrined in the
United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. "Everyone has the right to education", article 26 of the declaration clearly states. Both United States of America and the Philippines voted in favor of this declaration in 1948. In the United States, the right to education is found in state constitutions, and the Supreme Court of the state of Washington seems to be taking this right seriously.
The Washington Supreme Court is issuing a daily fine of $100,000 until the State complies with a previous order issued on January 2014. The order from the court requires the State to fully fund its education reforms, essential materials, supplies, and operating costs. The court has also required the State to provide adequate capital expenditures to meet its all-day kindergarten and class size reduction programs. Furthermore, the court also noted that "
State funding of educator and administrative staff salaries remains constitutionally inadequate". The
Supreme Court decision is unanimous.
How I wish the Supreme Court in the Philippines would take the right to education as seriously as the Supreme Court of Washington State does. There are currently several petitions on DepEd's K to 12.
These petitions as seen in the above caption also raise serious concerns on the right to education. "Education for all" is not just a slogan. It is time to put teeth into the law.
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