SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero reminded all higher education institutions (HEIs) about the moratorium on the collection of student loans in areas where a state of calamity has been declared.

With several parts of the country still reeling from the effects of recent earthquakes and typhoons, Escudero stressed that families must first focus on rebuilding their lives.

“Pinapaalala natin sa ating mga unibersidad, kolehiyo, at pati na rin sa mga tech-voc institutions na may batas tayong nagbabawal sa pagkolekta ng utang mula sa kanilang mga estudyante sa panahon ng sakuna. Ang pinakamahalaga ay ang muling pagbangon ng mga nasalanta,” Escudero said.

Under Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, the payment of all fees and charges owed to HEIs and technical-vocational institutions is suspended during the state of emergency or calamity and for 30 days after it is lifted.

As one of the authors and sponsors of the law, Escudero emphasized that a student’s education should never be disrupted by disasters, which can be even harder to recover from than property damage.

“Hindi dapat maging dahilan ang kawalan ng pambayad sa matrikula para matigil ang pag-aaral ng ating mga estudyante—lalo na kung sila mismo ay biktima ng bagyo, lindol, o anumang sakuna,” he added.

The law also ensures that students who avail of the moratorium will not face any adverse consequences when enrolling in the following semesters.

Escudero also noted that the law encourages HEIs and TVIs to provide payment relief or assistance programs for affected students, making it easier for them to settle their loans over time.

The law strictly prohibits any waiver of the moratorium benefits or the availment of government assistance or subsidies.

Escudero, who chaired the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education during the 19th Congress, also co-chaired the Second Congressional Commission on Education.

He was likewise one of the authors and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which allows disadvantaged students to take their exams even if they are unable to pay their tuition or fees.

“Students affected by calamities are classified as ‘disadvantaged’ upon certification by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Their inability to pay should not be a barrier to completing their education. They can find a way to repay their loans later,” Escudero said.