Bam Aquino calls for passage of law granting free tuition in SUCs annually

The chairman of the Senate education committee on Monday called for the approval of a proposed law granting free tuition to all students enrolled in state colleges and universities (SUCs) annually.

Panel chairman Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV made the appeal following the P8.3-billion additional budget allocated to SUCs for 2017.

“Balak natin maisabatas 'yan para every year na 'yan, hindi lang next year,” Aquino said in a Balitanghali interview. He was referring to his proposed Senate Bill No. 177 or the Free Higher Education for All Act.

Aquino said statistics show that four of 10 high school graduates enroll in tertiary education, but only one of them eventually graduates and earns a degree.

“Itong tuition expenses will help yung mga estudyante na naka-enroll na hindi na mag-drop out,” he said.

The Senate committee on education has already held one hearing on the legislative proposal granting free tuition.

Aquino said he hopes that an annual allocation will be set aside for SUCs as the economy grows stronger.

“Mas malaki ang budget ngayon, P3.3 trillion, at meron nang priority areas na pinaglalaanan ng pondo at isa dito yung free tuition kaya natutuwa ako na kasali ito sa priorities this year,” the senator said.

“If you look at our economy patuloy pa rin ang pagtaas nito. Habang tumataas ang ekonomiya, tumataas din ang kakayahan ng gobyerno mag- provide ng social services,” he added.

The Commission on Higher Education earlier said it was still working on how the P8.3-billion budget would be distributed among 113 SUCs.

Aquino said the budget covers all students, regardless of their socio-economic standing.

“Ito ay para sa lahat ng estudyante sa SUCs natin. Walang diskrimnasyon sa kurso or kung ano iyong socio-economic standing. Basta naka-enroll sa state university and colleges, hindi kayo kokolektahan next year,” the senator said. —ALG, GMA News