On the ninth anniversary of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Senator Bam Aquino has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the nation’s free college program through sustained and augmented government funding.
Aquino, who served as the principal sponsor of the landmark legislation during the 17th Congress, highlighted how the measure has expanded educational access and alleviated financial strain for thousands of families across the country.
“Siyam na taon na ang nakalipas mula nang maisabatas ang Libreng Kolehiyo—isang batas na nagpabago ng buhay ng libo-libong kabataan at kanilang pamilya. Mag-iisang dekada na, pero hanggang ngayon, isa pa rin ito sa mga pinakamahalagang bahagi ng aking paglalakbay bilang lingkod-bayan,” Aquino said in a social media post.
Budgetary Guarantees and Legislative Expansion
Serving as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, the lawmaker emphasized his focus on securing robust funding to ensure more Filipinos can access tuition-free higher education.
“Ngayong 2026, ipinaglaban natin ang ₱67 bilyon para sa pagpapatuloy ng Libreng Kolehiyo bilang bahagi ng makasaysayang ₱1.34 trilyong budget para sa edukasyon—ang pinakamalaking pondong inilaan para sa edukasyon sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa. Patuloy nating babantayan at ipaglalaban ang pondong ito upang matiyak na hindi ito mababawasan, kundi lalo pang madaragdagan para mas marami pang kabataang Pilipino ang makinabang sa Libreng Kolehiyo,” he said.
Aquino acknowledged that the initial passage of the law was made possible through a joint effort among lawmakers, educators, youth movements, civil society organizations, and the general public.
To build on this foundation, he has introduced Senate Bill No. 130 to widen the scope of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). The proposal aims to guarantee financial assistance for qualified Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries enrolled in CHED-recognized universities or TESDA-accredited technical-vocational institutions.
Under SB 130, eligible students would maintain their subsidy throughout their studies, provided they meet academic requirements. The bill also expands coverage to include internship fees, Related Learning Experience (RLE) costs, and professional licensure or certification expenses—providing comprehensive support to help underprivileged students complete their education and transition into the workforce.