SENATOR Risa Hontiveros highlighted the need to resolve persistent implementation issues and ensure full benefits for students as she voiced support for measures to enhance the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

In her co-sponsorship speech, Hontiveros emphasized the transformative impact of the law, which provides tuition-free education in State and Local Universities and Colleges, as well as financial assistance to students in both public and private institutions.

“The UAQTE Act has transformed millions of lives,” she said, noting that it has broadened access to higher education for Filipino youth, particularly those from low-income families.

However, the senator acknowledged challenges in implementing the landmark reform. Since 2022, she revealed, hundreds of scholars under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education and the Commission on Higher Education have reported delays in receiving financial aid.

Some students were reportedly forced to drop out due to late subsidy releases, while others raised concerns about “ghost scholars” and corruption.

Hontiveros said her office has coordinated with CHED to investigate complaints and propose policy solutions but stressed that systemic reforms are needed.

The proposed amendments aim to strengthen accountability, prevent fund misappropriation, and ensure timely release of subsidies. The measure also seeks to institutionalize a grievance mechanism to protect students from retaliation and promote transparency in program implementation.

She further noted that several SUCs expressed concern over what they described as insufficient government funding to fully implement free higher education. Funding shortfalls, she said, have strained university operations and, in some cases, limited student admissions.

Hontiveros expressed appreciation to Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, for advancing the proposed reforms. She stressed that access to education is a fundamental right and called on colleagues to support the measure to ensure that “no one is left behind because of delayed subsidies.”