The KABATAAN Partylist on Monday expressed concerns about reports of students being systematically excluded from receiving free tuition at Tarlac State University under a forced opt-out policy implemented by the administration.

The youth group reminded that under R.A. 10931, all tertiary education students are supposed to be guaranteed no tuition upon enrollment. However, TSU segregates student applicants into those granted free tuition slots, while others are forced to opt out due to limited slots.

Students on the waitlist are typically offered admission but without free tuition. No public policy paper has fully explained this policy.

This practice began in the 2024-25 academic year due to budget cuts and deficits.

“We fought for the passage of the Free College Education Law in 2017, ensuring that no student should face uncertainty over fees. But here, it’s as though free education has become a premium,” said Kabataan Partylist First Nominee and National Spokesperson Atty. Renee Louise Co.

As of the latest report, of the 5,595 TSU admission examinees from February 1 to March 22, 2025, only 3,278 will be accepted as free tuition recipients.

“This is the result of annual budget cuts to SUCs and education under the Marcos Jr. administration. Funds are funneled into infrastructure projects and intelligence funds, leaving students and their dreams behind,” Co added.

“Clearly, the opt-out provision in the law is being misused as a way to force students to pay. If a student is accepted into an SUC, it should be free,” Co asserted.