THE SENATE Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education has approved a measure that seeks to make college entrance examination free.

Committee chairman Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero moved to endorse for plenary deliberations House Bill 5001 or the proposed Free College Entrance Examinations Act.

Escudero’s decision came after the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations and the Commission on Higher Education backed the measure.

The bill mandates private higher education institutions to waive the college entrance examination fees of poor students and high school graduates belonging to the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

The bill aims to expand the access to quality higher education for underprivileged students.

Once enacted into law, it will help ensure that poor and deserving graduating high school students and high school graduates are given adequate assistance and equal opportunities to pursue their college education.