SENATOR Manuel ‘Lito’ Lapid filed a measure mandating a moratorium on student loan payment during disasters and other emergencies, such as the Covid19 pandemic.

Lapid filed Senate Bill 975 that seeks the deferment of the collection of all fees, charges and costs relating to the student loan programs for Higher Education and Technical-Vocational Education and Training for a reasonable period during disasters, calamities and other emergency situations.

“Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nawalan ng trabaho at pagkukuhanan ng kita dahil sa mga kalamidad gaya ng lindol, bagyo, at netong huli lang, dahil sa pandemya. Kaya sinusulong ko ang panukalang batas na ito upang mabawasan ang pasanin ng mga magulang na nagpapaaral ng kanilang mga anak sa mga pagkakataong tinamaan sila ng sakuna o pandemya,” he said.

The senator added that this measure aims to contribute to the social welfare mission of extending as much economic assistance and protection to the poor.

“Layunin natin na pansamantalang mapagaan ang pasanin ng mga pamilyang nasalanta ng sakuna sa anumang pananagutan sa student loans, upang mas matuunan nila ang mas pangunahin at mahahalagang pang-araw-araw na gastusin,” Lapid said.

“Dapat lang na bigyan ng karampatang tulong at proteksiyon ng ating gobyerno ang ating mga kababayan nating nangangailangan, lalo na ang mga nahihirapang magkaroon ng sapat na kita dahil sa mga mobility restrictions,” he added.

The moratorium covers the period from the declaration of a national and local State of Calamity or Emergency up to 30 days from the termination thereof.

In case this period exceeds 60 days, the payment of the student loan and related fees is further deferred until the next semester or term.

The enrollment or graduation eligibility of the student is protected even if the moratorium would be availed of.

“Atin pong sinisikap na maipasa sa agad na panahon ang panukalang ito. Kung maipasa ito, magkakaroon rin ng retroactive application ang moratorium upang mabigyang tulong ang mga estudyanteng naapektuhan ng Covid19 pandemic,” Lapid said.