The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) reported that pupils in basic education are "not truly learning but merely progressing" through the school system, which linked the "unofficial" policy of mass promotion to low learning outcomes.

According to PBEd executive director Justine Raagas during the launching of the private sector-led advocacy group’s 2023 State of Education Report on Monday, the workforce becomes less competitive on the global stage without a strong foundation in education.

She added that limiting the potential for progress and prosperity hinders innovation, productivity, and economic growth.

Its conclusions were based on consultations with over 300 stakeholders across the country, including teachers and school leaders (45%), government officials (24%), parents (14%), students (12%), and industry experts (4%).

Raagas claims that there is an apparent misunderstanding among participants about the concept of "no child left behind," which "led to the literal practice of passing students" or promoting them to the next grade level regardless of their competencies.

Despite the lack of an official and written policy from the Department of Education (DepEd), Raagas noted that the practice has become "culturally and administratively ingrained" in the country's education system, resulting in the incorrect association of learner outcomes with performance-based bonuses for teachers or a school's standing in regional rankings.