THE SENATE, on third and final reading, approved the twin education measures that will benefit hundreds of Filipino students who are facing financial challenges.

All 22 members in attendance at the plenary session on Monday voted in support of Senate Bill Nos. 1359 also known as the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act” and 1864 or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act.

The main purpose of SB 1359 is to prohibit the “no permit, no exam” practice and to disallow any policy that bars students from taking educational assessments due to unpaid financial or property obligations, such as tuition and other school fees in both public and private schools.

Meanwhile, SB 1864 provides a respite for college students from paying their financial obligations during a state of calamity.

The moratorium shall be effective for the duration of the state of calamity or emergency and 30 days after the lifting of such a state of calamity or emergency.

Senator Francis Escudero, chairman of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, thanked his colleagues for approving the bills.

“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kasamahang senador sa kanilang boto upang ang dalawang panukalang batas na ito ay makapasa sa plenaryo. Malaking tulong ito para sa ating mga mag-aaral lalo na para sa pamilya ng ating mga estudyante na mga nagdarahop subalit nagsisikap na makatapos ng kanilang pag-aaral,” Escudero said.

“With the approval, the bills are now a step closer to their enactment into laws for the President’s signature,” he added.