MANILA, Nov. 25 -- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday said state universities and colleges (SUCs) stand to gain a proposed PHP8.6 billion for infrastructure upgrades that would significantly expand their capacity to admit more qualified students.

The lawmaker earlier noted that because of SUCs' capacity issues, at least 168,493 students were denied admission despite being qualified.

In a statement, Gatchalian urged SUCs to focus on increasing their academic capacities, which entails the construction of more classrooms and other facilities.

"Sa ilalim ng naturang pondo, mas bibilis ang pagtatayo ng mga silid-aralan at iba pang mga pasilidad upang mas marami pang kabataang Pilipino ang mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapasok sa kolehiyo (T...