REPRESENTATIVES Ralph Wendel Tulfo, Jocelyn Tulfo, and Erwin Tulfo have jointly filed a bill seeking to provide more discounts on basic and educational services to underprivileged students at all levels, including those enrolled in Technical-Vocational Institutions.

In their House Bill 10373, or the proposed Underprivileged Students’ Discount Act of 2024, the lawmakers acknowledged that education is already free in public schools nationwide.

“There are also academic scholarship programs available from various government and non-government agencies,” they noted in their explanatory statement.

However, they pointed out that many scholarships come with conditions and limitations and often do not cover all the necessities throughout a student’s academic journey.

Currently, students in the Philippines are entitled to a mandatory 20% discount on domestic transportation fares across land, air, sea, and rail travel, easing their financial burden and helping them access education more affordably.

The lawmakers also highlighted that some companies, though not required, offer student discounts on technology products, learning resources, streaming subscriptions, and clothing, which can help students manage their daily school expenses.

“Kailangan maka-tipid ang mga estudyante, lalo na ‘yung wala pang full-time na income-earning capacity,” they added.