Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.___1195

Introduced by Representative
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA

AN ACT PROVIDING FUNDS FOR COLLEGE EDUCATION IN EXCHANGE FOR
MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE UPON GRADUATION, ESTABLISHING THE
MILITARY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and
the imperative to maintain a strong national defense force that can respond to both internal and
external threats. At the same time, many young Filipinos continue to face barriers to accessing
quality higher education due to poverty and lack of opportunities.

This proposed measure seeks to address both needs through the establishment of a Military
Service Scholarship Program (MSSP) that provides qualified Filipino youth with free college
education in exchange for mandatory military service after graduation. The program aims to
produce a new generation of disciplined, skilled, and patriotic leaders who can contribute
meaningfully to national defense, disaster response, and other civic duties.

Under the proposed Act, deserving students will receive full scholarships covering tuition and
other school fees, plus a living allowance. While studying, they will undergo leadership
development and military training to prepare them for their service commitment. After
graduation, scholars will serve a minimum of four (4) years in the Armed Forces of the

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Philippines (AFP), either as commissioned officers or enlisted personnel, depending on their
qualifications and the needs of the country.

Recognizing that not all may be fit for active combat duty, the bill provides for Alternative
National Service for scholars who are medically or otherwise justifiably exempted. These
scholars may contribute through civilian roles such as disaster response, public health, education,
or technical assistance to government agencies.

To ensure the successful reintegration of scholars after their service, a Transition Support
Program will be established in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE). This includes career counseling, job placement, skills certification, and opportunities
for reskilling or entrepreneurship.

The proposed measure balances the goals of promoting equitable access to higher education,
strengthening the country’s national defense capabilities, and instilling discipline, civic
consciousness, and patriotism among Filipino youth.

The passage of the bill is earnestly sought.

Lex fre.
HON. BI N DANIEL POE ZLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA

Representative
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List


Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRE:

INTATIVES ‘

Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS

4 First Regular Session

1195

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative

BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA

AN ACT PROVIDING FUNDS FOR COLLEGE EDUCATION IN EXCHANGE FOR
MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE UPON GRADUATION, ESTABLISHING THE
MILITARY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 the "Military Service Scholarship Act."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-
building and the need to strengthen national defense and security. It is the policy of the State to
promote ible access to higher education while instilling discipline, leadership, and civic
responsibility among Filipino students. This Act shall establish a scholarship program that
provides free college education to qualified students in exchange for mandatory military service
upon graduation, thus fostering a new generation of capable, patriotic leaders ready to serve the
nation,

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For the purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined
as:


SECTION 4. Esta
MSSP is hereby created, jointly admi

«_ Military Service Scholarship Program (MSSP) ~ A government-funded program offering

full scholarships for qualified students in exchange for mandatory military service.

Scholars ~ Students accepted into the MSSP who receive educational benefits and commit
to the required military service.
Mandatory Military Service — A period of active service in the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) for a minimum of four (4) years following graduation.

Alternative Service ~ Non-combatant or civilian roles in national service programs for
scholars with valid exemptions. from active military — duty.

Transition Support Program — Assistance for scholars completing their service, including
career placement, _— skills. _— certification, and support.

tered by the Department of National Defense (DND) and

the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), to provide:

Full scholarships covering tuition, miscellaneous fees, and a monthly living allowance for
qualified students enrolled in government-approved degree programs;

Access to leadership development, military training, and mentorship during college,
including summer military training programs under the AFP;

A commitment to render four (4) years of mandatory military service in the AFP upon
graduation, either in Active Duty, Reserves, or National Guard units, depending on
program design and national needs.

SECTION 5. Eligibility and Selection of Scholars. — Applicants to the MSSP must:

4

SECTION 6. Service Commitment.

Be a Filipino citizen, aged 17 to 23 at the time of application;
Pass academic, physical, and mental fitness requirements set by the DND and CHED;
Demonstrate good moral character, as certified by school records and community
endorsements;

Commit in writing to fulfill the military service obligation upon graduation

Upon graduation, scholars shall serve a minimum of four

(4) years in the AFP, either as commissioned officers or enlisted personnel based on their
qualifications and training.


Scholars may opt for extended military service beyond the four-year period, subject to the terms
and conditions of the AFP, with additional incentives such as advanced training, career
advancement opportunities, and retirement benefits.

SECTION 7. Alternative Service and Exemptions — Scholars may be exempted from active
military service for the following reasons:

a. Documented medical incapacity certified by a government-accredited physician after
scholarship was granted;

b. Compelling personal circumstances, subject to approval by the MSSP Committee.

Exempted scholars shall perform Alternative National Service in areas such as disaster response,
public health, education, environmental protection, or technical assistance to the government, for
a period equivalent to the mandatory military service.

SECTION 8. Transition Support and Career Placement. — The DND, in partnership with the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), shall establish a Transition Support Program to
assist scholars after their service, including:

1. Career counseling and job placement in the private or public sector;

2. Certification of military service as equivalent to work experience for employment
purposes;

3. Access to further training, reskilling, and entrepreneurship programs.

SECTION 9. Program Administration. ~ A Military Service Scholarship Program Committee
shall be established under the DND and CHED to:

Oversee scholarship selection and placement;
Coordinate training and mentorship with the AFP;

Ensure compliance with the service requirement;

Submit annual reports to Congress on the implementation of this Act.

aeNe

SECTION 10. Appropriations. - The initial funding for this program shall be sourced from the
current budget of the DND and CHED. Thereafter, funds necessary for the continued
implementation of the program shall be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). — Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DND and CHED, in consultation with the AFP, DOLE, and other
stakeholders, shall issue the necessary IRR for the effective implementation of this Act.


SECTION 12. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,