ADVERTISEMENT
Bam Aquino calls for immediate implementation of free tuition for SUCs
Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino has called for the immediate implementation of free tuition for state universities and colleges (SUCs), given the higher costs of products brought about by the tax reform program.
"Mahalagang maipatupad na ang free college law sa public universities and colleges, lalo pa't nararamdaman na ng taumbayan ang epekto ng TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) sa presyo ng mga bilihin," he said in an emailed statement on Sunday.
According to Aquino, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act was enacted into law in August 2017
, but has yet to be implemented. Aquino was the measure's co-author and principal sponsor.This comes even as consumer prices are expected to increase given the passage of TRAIN which effectively reduces the personal income tax (PIT), but expands the value-added tax (VAT) base.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Tumataas na nga ang presyo ng bilihin, pinagbabayad pa rin ng mga eskuwelahan ang ating mga mahihirap na pamilya samantalang libre na dapat ang tuition, pati miscellaneous fees," Aquino said.
Economic managers of the Duterte administration have earlier openly expressed opposition to the measure, saying the government cannot afford to shoulder its cost.
Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra, however, said that Congress would make the necessary appropriations to fund the measure. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News