SENATOR Bam Aquino confirmed that around 5.7 million students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) are expected to benefit from the Free College Law under the Senate version of the 2026 national budget.

During the budget hearing of the Commission on Higher Education, Aquino said the Senate has earmarked P26 billion for SUCs, allowing 5.2 million students to continue enjoying Republic Act 10931, or the Free College Law.

The Senate also allocated P6.7 billion for LUCs, supporting around 500,000 students, and P4.4 billion to cover prior-year deficiencies of SUCs, bringing the total funding for the Free College Law to P67 billion.

“There are 5.7 million students in our SUCs and LUCs who receive free college education. And that’s a number we can all be proud of. Many families are being helped,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education and principal sponsor of the Free College Law.

Aside from free tuition, the Senate also set aside P27.3 billion for allowances under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and P2.7 billion for the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).

These programs, considered vital components of the Free College Law, provide assistance to financially disadvantaged students for other education costs, such as food, books, and living expenses. They also cover expenses of poor but deserving students who choose to study in private colleges and universities.

For 2026, around 1.5 million students, whether from public or private universities, will benefit from TES and TDP, including 490,000 from the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program. They will receive amounts ranging from P15,000 to P27,000, depending on their category.

“This is significant because many of our students need extra support to finish their studies,” Aquino said, noting that 70 percent of students in LUCs and SUCs go on to complete college—the highest in the region.

“However, we know that many drop out due to a lack of funds. Whether through TDP or TES, government allowances really help students graduate,” he added.

Aquino also suggested that the list of TES beneficiaries be posted in all schools to ensure transparency and that the funds reach their intended recipients.

“I think we’re moving toward an age of more transparency. This is what the public expects, and this isn’t a small amount—P30 billion. It’s good that it will be published,” he emphasized.