SENATOR  JV Ejercito is pushing for a measure amending Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Ejercito’s Senate Bill 1620 aims to improve the efficiency, equity, and accountability of the Tertiary Education Subsidy Program.

In his explanatory note, the senator highlighted that in the proposed 2026 national budget, the education sector will receive the largest allocation.

The allocation follows the mandate of the 1987 Philippine Constitution to give the highest budgetary priority to education.

Emphasizing the importance of education for national and collective growth, Ejercito said Republic Act 10931 ensures equal access to tertiary education by providing free tuition and school fees to students in local colleges and state universities.

However, the senator noted that while higher education has become more inclusive and accessible since the law’s enactment in 2017, significant challenges remain that need government attention.

These challenges include the lack of classrooms and facilities, unclear procedures for budget allocation and fund requests, inefficiencies in collection, and other delays.

The proposed measure seeks to expand the government’s free tertiary education program by covering additional allowances necessary for academic compliance, such as internship and Related Learning Experience fees.

The bill also prioritizes students from households benefiting from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program for eligibility under the Tertiary Education Subsidy.