NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Third Regular Session ) 24 Dl-X 17 P5 -25

SENATE
111 f
S. No. 2905

Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda

AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10931, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS THE ''UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION ACT", TO
ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY, EQUITY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE
TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Quality education is an inalienable right of ali Filipinos—this is the deciaration

of Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act
(UAQTEA). This landmark law was enacted to ensure that higher education is
accessibie to all. It aims, among others, to provide adequate funding and mechanisms
to increase access to tertiary education, prioritizing academicaliy capable students
from economically disadvantaged famiiies.
One of the pillars of this act is the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), a subsidy
to support the cost of tertiary education or any part or portion thereof, established for
ali Filipino students who shall enroll in undergraduate post-secondary programs of
state universities and coileges (SUCs), locai universities and coileges (LUCs), private
higher education institutions (HEIs) and ali technical vocational institutions (TVIs). The
TES follows a prioritization system, prioritizing students from households listed in the
Listahanan 2.0, ranked by per capita income, foilowed by those students outside
Listahanan 2.0 based on validated income documentation. However, due to budgetary
limitations, the second criterion is rarely accommodated. Notably, in private
institutions under cities or municipalities without state or local universities and colleges
(PNSLs), the prioritization criteria are not applied, and students are deemed qualified
regardless of financial capacity.
Over the years, concerning trends have been observed. Findings by the Second
Congressional Commission on Education reveal that the share of TES grantees from
the poorest households (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps and Listahanan)
has dramatically decreased—from 74.24% in Academic Year (A.Y.) 2018-2019 to only
30.74% in A.Y. 2022-2023. Conversely, students from PNSLs have received the
majority of subsidies, increasing their share from 25.76% to 69.26% during the same
period. This shift warranted careful reassessment, as it challenges the intent of R.A.
No. 10931, which was crafted to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our
society are given priority and support.
This proposed measure seeks to reinforce the principles of equity and inclusivity
in the allocation of TES. It guarantees automatic eligibility for TES to students from
4Ps households, subject only to their successful completion of senior high school and
admission to a CHED-recognized higher education institution. The remaining TES slots
will then be allocated based on a ranking system of applicants' per capita household
income, ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Moreover, this measure
strengthens TES's implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance to uphold its
integrity and ensure it effectively bridges the gap between poverty and opportunity.
Education remains the most effective tool in breaking the cycle of poverty. By
ensuring targeted assistance and enhancing student financing schemes, we place
those most in need at the forefront of our relentless pursuit of universal and equitable
access to education. In doing so, we not only empower individuals to realize their full
potential but also drive forward the social and economic development of our nation.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

LOREN LEGARDA
 NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session 24 Dl-C 17 P5 :25

luc.;
SENATE
S. No. 2905

Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda

AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10931, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS THE "UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION ACT", TO
ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY, EQUITY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE
TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House ofRepresentatives of the Philippines

in Congress assembied:

1 Section 1. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 10931 or the "Universal Access to

2 Quality Tertiary Education Act" is hereby amended to read as foiiows:
3 "SECTION 7. TES for Filipino Students. - To support the cost of tertiary
4 education or any part or portion thereof, a TES is hereby established for ali
5 Filipino students who shall enroll in undergraduate post-secondary programs
6 of SUCs, LUCs, private HEIs and ali TVIs. The TES shaii be administered by the
7 UniFAST Board and the amount necessary to fund the TES shall be included in
8 the budgets of the CHED and the TESDA: Provided, That [prioritization shaii
9 bo given to students in the following order: (a) students who arc part of
10 households inciudcd in the Listahanon 2.0, ranked according to the estimated
11 per capita household income, and (b) students not part of the Listahanan 2.0,
12 ranked according to estimated per capita household income based on
13 submitted documentation of proof of income to bo determined by the UniFAST
14 Beard] SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS FROM HOUSEHOLDS
 1 UNDER THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4PS)
2 SHALL BE GUARANTEED TES, CONDITIONAL ON SUCCESSFUL
3 COMPLETION OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND ACCEPTANCE IN A
4 CHED-RECOGNIZED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION: Provided,
5 further, That [sueh] SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE FUNDS, THE REMAINING
6 TES SLOTS SHALL BE AWARDED BASED ON [prioritization shall not apply
7 to Filipino studonts in cities and municipalitlGG with no existing SUC op Ld€
8 campus] THE RANKING OF APPLICANTS BASED ON THEIR PER CAPITA
9 INCOME HOUSEHOLD USING THE MOST UPDATED LISTAHANAN
10 AND/OR SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS AS PROOF OF INCOME.
11 The TES may, among others, and to support the cost of tertiary
12 education or any part or portion thereof, cover the following:
13 (a) FULL [T]tuition and other school fees (TOSF) in private HEIs, and
14 private or LGU-operated TVIs, which shall be equivalent to the
15 tuition and other school fees of the nearest SUC or state-run TVI
16 in their respective areas: PROVIDED, THAT SUCH TOSF SHALL
17 NOT EXCEED THE AVERAGE AMOUNT SPENT BY
18 GOVERNMENT PER STUDENT UNDER THE FREE HIGHER
19 EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN SUCS AND LUCS; PROVIDED,
20 FURTHER, THAT IN CASES WHERE THE TOSF EXCEED THIS
21 AVERAGE AMOUNT, THE UNIFAST BOARD SHALL
22 ADMINISTER GUIDELINES IN SETTING THE AMOUNT OF
23 THE TES;
24 (b) An allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and
25 miscellaneous personal expenses, including a reasonable allowance
26 for the documented rental or purchase of a personal computer or
27 laptop, and other education-related expenses;
28 (c) An allowance for room and board cost incurred by the student;
29 (d) For a student with a disability, an allowance for expenses related
30 to the student's disability, including special services, personal
31 assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are
 1 reasonably incurred; and
2 (e) For a student in a program requiring professional license or
3 certification, the one (l)-time cost of obtaining the first
4 professional credentials or qualifications, which may include the
5 following: application fees, notarial fees, review classes fees,
6 insurance premium fees and documentation fees: Provided, That
7 the amount of subsidy shall be based on the guidelines set forth
8 by the UniFAST Board and on the annual budgetary appropriation
9 for this purpose."
10 Sec. 2. A new Section 7-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:
11 "SECTION 7-A. FIXING AMOUNTS UNDER THE TES. - IN
12 DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNTS OF ALLOWANCES AND
13 SUBSIDIES UNDER TES AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 7-A HEREOF FOR
14 PUBLIC STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, AND PRIVATE HIGHER
15 EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, RESPECTIVELY, THE UNIFAST SHALL BE
16 GUIDED BY THE FOLLOWING:
17 (1) TES IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IS
18 FOR ALLOWANCES OF STUDENTS, AND DOES NOT COVER
19 TUITION AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES AS THESE ARE
20 ALREADY COVERED BY THE FREE HIGHER EDUCATION
21 PROGRAM; AND
22 (2) TES IN PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION IS FOR FULL
23 TUITION SUBSIDY AND ALLOWANCES OF QUALIFIED
24 POOR BUT DESERVING STUDENTS. PROVIDED, THAT A
25 HIGHER UPPER LIMIT OF THE TES AMOUNT SHALL BE
26 APPLIED FOR STUDENTS THAT WILL ENROLL IN PRIORITY
27 COURSES JOINTLY IDENTIFIED BY CHED AND NATIONAL
28 ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NEDA).
29 PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE AMOUNTS HEREIN SHALL BE
30 REVIEWED AND ADJUSTED EVERY TWO (2) YEARS TO TAKE INTO
31 ACCOUNT THE CHANGES IN THE COST OF TERTIARY EDUCATION AND
 1 INFLATION."
2 Sec. 3. A new Section 7-B is hereby inserted to read as follows:
3 SECTION 7-B. IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, AND
4 QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE TES. - THE UNIFAST SHALL:
5 (1) IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND
6 VALIDATION TO ENSURE THAT TES ALLOWANCES ARE
7 UTILIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PURPOSES
8 PROVIDED UNDER SECTION 7, AND IMPOSE SANCTIONS,
9 INCLUDING DISQUALIFICATION NON-COMPLIANCE;
10 (2) IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DBM AND COMMISSION ON
11 AUDIT (COA), DEVELOP AN EFFICIENT DISBURSEMENT
12 SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE DISBURSEMENT OF
13 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT COST, TO ENSURE TES
14 GRANTEES RECEIVE THEIR SUBSIDIES DURING THE
15 SEMESTER FOR WHICH THEY ARE APPLYING THE TES AS
16 WELL AS TO FUND THE PROVISION OF LEARNER SUPPORT
17 SERVICES, AND MAY UTILIZE THE PHILIPPINE
18 IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (PHILSYS) TO FACILITATE THE
19 VALIDATION OF ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES;
20 (3) COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,
21 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT,
22 AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, TO ESTABLISH A
23 SYSTEM THAT INFORMS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
24 UNDER THE 4PS OF THEIR AUTOMATIC ELIGIBILITY TO
25 RECEIVE TES; AND,
26 (4) MONITOR AND EVALUATE THE TES PROGRAM EVERY FIVE
27 (5) YEARS, INCLUDING THE UTILIZATION OF AN ONLINE
28 INFORMATION SYSTEM TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF
29 TES GRANTEES WHILE THEY ARE IN THE HEI, AND TRACER
30 SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEIS TO
31 ASSESS AND ENHANCE THE PROGRAM DESIGN AND
 1 IMPLEMENTATION, AND UTILIZE THE PHILSYS NUMBERS
2 OF TES GRANTEES FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION
3 PURPOSES.
4 FURTHER, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEIS SHALL UTILIZE THE
5 PHILSYS NUMBERS OF TES GRANTEES FOR MONITORING AND
6 EVALUATION PURPOSES AND LIKEWISE PROVIDE LEARNER
7 SUPPORT SERVICES TO TES BENEFICIARIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT
8 LIMITED TO CAREER COUNSELING, BRIDGING PROGRAMS, AND
9 TUTORIALS.
10 THE CHED, IN COORDINATION WITH UNIFAST, SHALL
11 ESTABLISH A REGULAR QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESS FOR HEIs
12 ENROLLING TES GRANTEES. THIS SHALL INCLUDE PERIODIC
13 ASSESSMENTS OF BOTH INSTITUTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND
14 PROGRAM QUALITY, WITH A FOCUS ON ACADEMIC STANDARDS,
15 GRADUATE OUTCOMES, AND COMPLIANCE WITH CHED POLICIES.
16 HEIS FAILING TO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALITY STANDARDS SHALL
17 BE REEVALUATED AND MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM ENROLLING
18 NEW TES GRANTEES UNTIL COMPLIANCE IS ACHIEVED.
19 Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the
20 effectivity of this Act, the UniFAST Board, in consuitation with the CHED, DepEd,
21 DSWD, TESDA, and other stakeholders in higher and technical education, shall
22 promulgate the revised implementing rules and regulations of R.A. 10931 necessary
23 to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of this Act: Provided, That the
24 failure of the Board to promulgate the said rules and regulations shall not prevent or
25 delay the effectivity and implementation of this Act.
26 Sec. 5. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
27 unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
28 remain in force and effect.
29 Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
30 order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this
31 Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
1 Sec. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
2 its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,