SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian gave assurances that Local Universities and Colleges will receive immediate reimbursements of funds for the implementation of the free higher education program next year.

The General Appropriations Act of 2023 or Republic Act 11936 carries a special provision that Gatchalian proposed, which seeks the immediate reimbursement of the amount required for the implementation of the free higher education program.

The Commission on Higher Education will validate the number of enrollees and the amount to be reimbursed.

“Titiyakin natin na sa susunod na taon, ang ating mga Local Universities at Colleges ay agarang makatatanggap ng pondo para sa pagpapatupad ng libreng kolehiyo. Dahil layunin ng batas na ito na mabigyan ng oportunidad at dekalidad na edukasyon ang ating mga kabataan, mahalagang matiyak natin na ang batas sa libreng kolehiyo ay naipatutupad nang maayos,” Gatchalian said.

The free college education law exempts students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges and CHED-recognized LUCs from paying tuition and other fees.

Gatchalian pushed for the immediate reimbursement of funds needed by LUCs as he slammed Section 55 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10931 which provides that LUCs that did not charge tuition and other school fees before the law’s enactment cannot claim reimbursement until a policy on “composite fees” is adopted.

The senator said this section runs counter to the law’s intent.