Senator Chiz Escudero has warned schools and learning institutions against collecting student loan payments amid ongoing calamities affecting parts of the country.
In a statement on Sunday, October 19, Escudero reminded universities, colleges, and technical-vocational institutions of an existing law that prohibits the collection of student debts during times of disaster.
“Pinapaalala natin sa ating mga unibersidad, kolehiyo, at pati na din ang mga tech-voc (technical-vocational) institutions na may batas tayo na nagbabawal sa pagkolekta ng mga utang ng kanilang mga estudyante. Sa panahon na may sakuna, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang muling makabangon ang mga nasalanta,” Escudero said.
Under Republic Act 12077, or the “Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act,” all student loan payments owed to higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) are temporarily suspended for 30 days once a calamity or national emergency is declared.
“Hindi dapat maging dahilan ang kawalan ng pambayad ng matrikula para matigil ang pag-aral ng ating mga estudyante lalo na pag sila rin mismo ay biktima ng bagyo, lindol o anumang sakuna,” the senator added.
Escudero’s reminder comes as Tropical Storm Ramil continues to batter several parts of the country, particularly the Bicol Region, while recent earthquakes have also struck various areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.