Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2021

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Christopher S. Co, Rodel M. Batocabe and Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The State shall
protect and promote the right of ali citizens fo quality education at all levels, and shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” Section 2, paragraph 3 thereof
further provides that, “The State shall establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants,
student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving
students in both public and private schools, especially to the under-privileged.”

The acquisition of education is considered to be one of the best means of climbing up
the social ladder, and this also is one way of combating poverty in our country. In this regard, a
college education must be granted to a qualified beneficiary — a high school graduate belonging
to a family living below the poverty line as determined by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) depending on the region where the family resides, The
beneficiary would have the right to choose the public or state college or university of his choice
within the city, province or region, as the case may be, for purposes of enjoying the free college
education benefit.

Due to the limited resources of the government, the educational benefit to be granted by
the State shall be limited to only one child, preferably the eldest, who presumably will support
his parents and siblings once he obtains his or her degree.

The public and private employers will be given incentives to give priority in the
recruitment of qualified beneficiaries who have been given the educational grant. This proposed
legislation is a step towards providing the deserving scholars the necessary skills that will equip
them and make their skills marketable in the competitive work force, and thus alleviate their
families from grinding poverty.

In this context, approval of the Bill stly sought.
- oo
CHRISTOPHER S. CO ROEL M. BATOCABE FREGO’A. GARBIN JR


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

O01
HOUSE BILL NO. 2021

Introduced by: Hon. Christopher S. Co, Rodel M. Batocabe and Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AND PROVIDING FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION TO ONE (1) HIGH
SCHOOL GRADUATE BELONGING TO A FAMILY LIVING BELOW THE POVETY LINE, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1, Title — This Act shall be known as the “Free College Education to A High
School Graduate Belonging to a Family Living Below the Poverty Line Act of 2010",

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy — It is the policy of the State to provide quality education to
all qualified citizens at all levels of education and to establish a system of grants, subsidies and
incentives which shall be available to deserving students, especially the poor and
underprivileged, in order to give them an opportunity to be included in the academe.

SEC. 3. Definitions — For Purposes of this Act

(a) “Free College Education” shall mean any four-year college degree course or program
offered in or conducted by State colleges and universities;

(b) “State Colleges and Universities” refer to institutions of higher leaming, including
specialized schools, maintained and funded by the govemment;

(©) ‘Qualified Beneficiaries” shall mean all graduates of high schools belonging to
families living below the poverty line as determined by the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) depending on the region where the families reside;

(d) “Tuition Fee" shall refer to the fee representing direct costs of instruction and training
facilities;

(e) “Other School Fees” refer to those fees which cover the other necessary costs
supportive of instruction, including, but not limited to medical and dental, athletic, library and
laboratory fees.

However, fees related to membership in students’ organizations or college activities may
be collected, provided that non-payment of these fees shall not in any case prejudice the
enrolment or graduation of a qualified beneficiary.

SEC. 4. implementation of Free College Education - The system of Free College
Education as provided in this Act, shall commence in the Schoo! Year following approval of this


Act. Qualified beneficiaries intending to enrol in any course offerings in state colleges and
universities shall be free from payment of tuition and other school fees and shall be entitled to
such other incentives or subsidies as may be granted in accordance with such rules and
regulations to be promulgated to carry out the provisions of this Act: Provided, that nothing in
this Act shall cause or authorize the reduction or removal of any benefit which the national or
local government may grant to the students prior to the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 5. Formulation of a Four (4) Year College Curriculum ~ The Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) shall formulate a four-year college curriculum geared to provide students
with highly competitive education and training thereby making them vulnerable to the high
demands of society.

SEC. 6. Limitation - The right of any student to avail of free college education shall
terminate if he fails for two (2) consecutive semesters in the majority of the subjects in which he
is enrolled during the course of his study.

SEC. 7. Place of Study and Admission - The qualified beneficiary shall take his free
college education in state colleges or universities of his choice situated in the city or province
where he resides.

Should there be no state college or university in the city or province where he
resides or where the university or college facilities cannot accommodate all qualified
beneficiaries, the student may take his free college benefit in any college or university within the
region nearest to his place of residence. In the absence of public universities or colleges within
the region of his residence, the qualified student beneficiary may avail of the privilege in any
public or state college or university in any region nearest to the province where he resides

SEC. 8. Obligation of State Colleges - The State colleges or universities have the
obligation to admit qualified beneficiaries, subject only to limitation of funding and facilities. A
violation of this obligation shall constitute a ground for dismissal of the school authorities
concemed

SEC. 9. implementing Rules and Regulations - The CHED, in accordance wit the
association of state colleges and universities shall issue the necessary implementing rules and
regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days from effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 10. Funding - Adequate funds shall be earmarked by the President from available
funds in the National Treasury for the initial implementation of this Act. The President shall
likewise utilize for the purpose available funds or savings of the CHED or the Department of
Education. Funds needed for the ensuing fiscal years for the implementation of this Act shall be
included in the appropriations of State universities and colleges in the General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause — All laws or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of
this Act shall be deemed repealed or mo dified as the case may be.

SEC. 12. Effectivity— The Act shalt take effect immediately upon its publication in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,