Senator Estrada seeks 5% discount on school fees and essential goods for underprivileged students

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has proposed legislation that aims to provide broader financial relief for underprivileged Filipino students by mandating a five percent discount on various education-related expenses.

The discount would apply to several categories, including: tuition fees, food and medicines, school supplies, and learning devices.

Estrada said many students struggle with daily expenses, and even small savings can significantly ease the burden on families.

“Maraming estudyante ang kapos sa panggastos araw-araw kaya bawat pisong natitipid nila ay napakahalaga. Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na luho ang laptop, tablet, o cellphone — kailangan na ang mga ito para makasabay sa pag-aaral. At lalong hindi luho ang pagkain, tuition, at school supplies. Kaya bawat diskwento ay malaking ginhawa para sa mga estudyante at kanilang pamilya,” Estrada said.

The proposal is contained in Senate Bill No. 1063, or the “Underprivileged Students’ Discount Act,” which targets students from households earning below ₱250,000 annually, or around ₱20,000 a month.

The measure would allow eligible students to avail of discounts on food, medicines, school supplies, reference books, and essential learning gadgets such as laptops and tablets. It would also cover tuition, miscellaneous fees, and even entrance fees to museums, theaters, and cultural events nationwide.

Working students may also qualify, as long as their household income falls within the required threshold.

Estrada emphasized that the proposed discount would not affect eligibility for other government or institutional assistance such as scholarships, vouchers, or financial aid programs.

To encourage participation from businesses, the bill provides tax incentives by allowing the discounts granted to students to be treated as deductible expenses under the National Internal Revenue Code.

“This bill is not just about discounts. It is about ensuring that education remains a right, not a privilege. Palagi nating sinasabi na hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kahirapan para makapagtapos sa pag-aaral. Panahon na para gawin natin itong mas makatotohanan at mas abot-kamay para sa bawat Pilipinong estudyante,” the senator said.

Under the proposal, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will be responsible for identifying qualified beneficiaries and issuing ID cards to eligible students.

-Paraluman News