SENATOR Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada backed a bill that seeks to require private universities and colleges to waive entrance examination fees for poor but bright students.

“Ang hindi pagbayad sa entrance exam fee ay malaking bagay na para sa mga mag-aaral natin, lalo na para sa kanila na nasa pribadong paaralan ang mga napupusuang kurso o para sa mga mag-aaral na ang pinakamalapit na paaralan sa kanilang tahanan ay pribadong institusyon,” Estrada said.

Under Senate Bill 2441, eligible students must come from families whose parents live below the poverty line, as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. They also must belong to the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

Estrada cited the increasing number of high school graduates in the country, as indicated by the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“Ang pagdami ng bilang ng mga high school graduates ay marapat lamang na suportahan ng ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagsisiguro ng patuloy na pag-aaral nila sa kolehiyo. Isang paraan upang makamit ito ay ang pagsasabatas ng ‘Free College Entrance Examinations Act,’” Estrada said.

The senator said that the measure broadens students’ options for colleges and universities to pursue their studies and at the same time opens the doors of private higher education institutions to high-achieving students who will undoubtedly contribute to their reputation and performance.