TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No.
25
-9 P5 :19
Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT LOAD DISCOUNT 
PRIVILEGE ON MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICES AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The education sector in the Phiiippines has navigated the advantages of the 
online mode of iearning among students in the country. From the traditional learning 
setup, they were prompted to adapt to the remote setup after the COVID-19 pandemic 
led to the suspension of physicai ciasses.
After the infamous pandemic that started in 2019, schoois graduaily returned 
to traditional learning while implementing a hybrid setup — a combination of physical 
and distance iearning. Since then, educational institutions have continued to utiiize 
this system for its benefits, retaining the prominence of online classes for instructors 
and iearners untii present.
Distance iearning addresses other issues as weil, including the high heat index 
during the summer season1 and other incidents such as power outages and during
1 Partlow, M. J. (2023, May 19). DepEd exec: Hybrid learning continues as Summer heat persists / Philippine 
News Agency. Philippine News Agency, https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201821


times of disaster and emergencies. Although considered a temporary solution, it also 
eases the struggle of the lack of classrooms in our local schools.2
It is also beneficial for college students with special education needs as it makes 
space for more flexible understanding and easier access to their lectures, further 
allowing them to have a safer and more efficient learning experience.3
In collaboration with telecommunications companies (TELCOs) and under the 
supervision of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), this bill provides 
a 20% discount on mobile load, text, call, and internet services for our Filipino 
students. As an incentive to TELCOs, they can claim tax deductions with the BIR. In 
case of non-compliance, TELCOs shall be fined.
This measure aims to ease the financial burden of students in accessing 
education through the screens. It offers a practical solution to addressing an issue 
directly encountered by students, who regularly use internet to attend classes, 
communicate with their colleagues, and accomplish their academic requirements.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly
sought.
'
JV EJERCITO
2 Chi, C. (2023, April 26). /let: "blended learning" only a short-term solution to lack of teachers, classrooms.
Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.eom/headlines/2023/04/26/2261830/act-blended-learning-only-short- 
term-solution-lack-teachers-classrooms
3 Fabula, J. B. (2023). Hybrid Learning Experiences of College Students with Special Education Needs, 11{3).


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 333
25
JL-9
pr; :19
Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT LOAD DISCOUNT 
PRIVILEGE ON MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICES AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Student Load Discount
2 
Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall give priority to education, science"
4 
and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism,
5 
accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. It
6 
also recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation building.
7 
Pursuant to these policies, the State ensures equitabie access to education by
8 
providing necessary support to students, particularly in their communication and
9 
oniine learning needs. To achieve this, the State shali:
10 
(a) Establish a mechanism that ensures the mandatory grant of a student load
11 
discount priviiege;
12 
(b) Enlist the cooperation of telecommunication companies (TELCOs) in
13 
extending assistance to students through this privilege; and
14 
(c) Encourage students, particularly the poor and underprivileged, to utilize
15 
digital tools for education.
16 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:


1 
(a) student - Any Filipino citizen currently enrolled in a duly authorized
2 
elementary, secondary, technical-vocational, or higher education institution,
3 
excluding post-graduate degree courses.
4 
(b) Telecommunication Companies (TELCOs) - Companies providing mobile, text,
5 
call, and internet services in the Philippines.
6 
(c) Student Load Discount - A 20% discount on prepaid and postpaid mobile
7 
load, text, call, and internet services availed by eligible students.
8 
Sec. 4. Scope. - This Act shall cover all telecommunication services, including
9 
but not limited to:
10 
(a) Prepaid mobile load for text, call, and data;
11 
(b) Postpaid mobile plans; and
12 
(c) Broadband and internet services used for educational purposes.
13 
Sec. 5. Student Load Discount Privilege. - A student shall be entitled to a 20%
14 
discount on mobile load, text, call, and internet services, subject to the following
15 
conditions:
16 
(a) The discount shall be applied upon presentation of a valid school ID or proof
17 
of enrollment.
18 
(b)The discount shall be available year-round, including weekends and holidays.
19 
(c) The discount shall apply only to personal educational use and may not be
20 
transferred.
21 
Sec. 6. Prohibition on Double Discounts. - Students cannot avail of multiple
22 
discounts at the same time. If a promotional discount from a TELCO is higher than
23 
20%, the student may choose which discount to apply.
24 
Sec. 7. Tax Deduction for TELCOs. - TELCOs may claim tax deductions equivalent
25 
to the cost of the discount granted, subject to the rules to be promulgated by the
26 
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
27 
Sec. 8. Implementation and Monitoring. - The National Telecommunications
28 
Commission (NTC) and the Department of Information and Communications
29 
Technology (DICT) shall oversee the implementation of this Act. TELCOs shall submit
30 
quarterly reports on compliance.
31 
Sec. 9. Penalties. - The following penalties shall be imposed for violation of this
32 
Act, to wit:


1 
(a)TELCOs that refuse to grant the discount shall be fined:
2 
P50,000 for the first offense
3 
P100,000 for the second offense
4 
P200,000 for the third and subsequent offenses
5 
(b) Any student found using fraudulent documents to avail of the discount shall
6 
be disqualified from the privilege without prejudice to the filing of appropriate
7 
criminal charges for such act.
8 
Sec. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within 90 days from the
9 
effectivity of this Act, the NTC, DICT, Department of Education (DepEd), and the
10 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall formulate the IRR.
11 
Sec. 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
12 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in effect.
13 
Sec. 12, Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, or executive orders inconsistent
14 
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
15 
Sec. 13, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in
16 
the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,