SENATOR Bam Aquino underscored the urgent need to strengthen the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or Republic Act No. 10931, stressing that the landmark law must continue to benefit students equitably across all higher education institutions.

During the organizational meeting of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Aquino emphasized the need to ensure that the free tuition and subsidy programs under the law are implemented efficiently and sustainably.

“We are here to support and strengthen RA 10931, along with addressing other concerns of our state universities, local universities, and even private higher education institutions,” Aquino said.

“While RA 10931 has been a major program in previous years, we also know that its implementation needs more support, particularly in integrating the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority initiatives,” he added.

Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education and was the principal sponsor of the Free College Law, expressed concern over the declining budget for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) in State Universities and Colleges in the past two years.

He stressed that the subsidy is a crucial lifeline for many students who rely on it for living expenses, learning materials, and other educational needs.

RA 10931, enacted in 2017, guarantees free tuition and other school fees in State Universities and Colleges, Local Universities and Colleges, and state-run Technical-Vocational Institutions. It also provides financial aid to qualified students through the TES and other scholarship programs.

Aquino called on government agencies, particularly the Commission on Higher Education and TESDA, to enhance coordination and ensure that students in both academic and technical-vocational tracks have equal access to quality education opportunities.

“We must make sure that every peso allocated under RA 10931 truly reaches the students who need it most,” Aquino said. “Access to education should not only be free—it should also be meaningful, supported, and future-ready.”

The senator reaffirmed his commitment to monitoring the law’s implementation and pushing for policies that uphold students’ right to affordable and high-quality tertiary education.