Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Gity, Motes Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7168

#ECEIVED
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House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FREE EDUCATION TO SENIOR CITIZENS
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The role of senior citizens in the Filipino family and in nation-building
are valuable and are recognized by the State, with laws such as the
Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003 and 2010 among others.

Similarly, quality education for all is fervently valued by the State as
well. Sec. 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State
shall promote the “right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and
shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all,”
calling for the establishment of a “complete, adequate and integrated system
of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.”

This bill seeks to affirm our recognition of the invaluable
contributions of senior citizens and support those who have yet to gain

access to education or are interested to continue their academic journey.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is
earnestly sought.

‘RED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metco Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7168

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FREE EDUCATION TO SENIOR CITIZENS
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title- This act shall be known as “Free Education for
Senior Citizens Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - It is the State’s duty to provide its
citizens access to quality education regardless of their age. This bill seeks to
ensure that quality education is made available to Senior Citizens by
exempting them from the payment of tuition fees in any public school.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following
terms and phrases shall apply:

(a) Public School refers to any school, primary, secondary or tertiary
educational institution, which receives regular funding from the
government.

(b) Senior Citizen refers to any resident citizen of the Philippines at
least sixty (60) years old.

SECTION 4. Exemption from the Payment of Tuition Fees. - Senior
Citizens as defined in this Act shall be exempt from paying tuition fees in
any public school in the Philippines.

Senior Citizens availing of this exemption shall still be required to comply
with the minimum admission requirements of the school he/she wishes to
enroll in.


No additional academic requirements shall be imposed on Senior Citizens to
avail of the exemption from payment of tuition fees under this Act.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations - Within thirty (30)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education together
with the Commission on Higher Education, shall formulate the necessary
implementing rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions
of this Act.

SECTION 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to effectively
implement the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. -— If any portion or provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in
two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,