Student Load Discount Act

Senate Office of the excretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular Session 25 AUG 28 P2:48 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1308 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT LOAD DISCOUNT PRIVILEGE ON MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICES EXPLANATORY NOTE The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the digital transformation of education, revealing both opportunities and considerable challenges in the sector. Among these challenges are barriers related to access, such as insufficient availability of devices, inadequate internet connectivity, and financial limitations, which disproportionately affect underprivileged student populations. Socio-economic inequalities have also highlighted the substantial obstacles to implementing fair digital education. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds often lack the essential resources and support needed for effective engagement with online learning facilities. To address this challenge, this initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens of these students by empowering them and creating a more equitable educational environment, while promoting collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and telecommunications companies (TELCOS) Particularly, this bill proposes a twenty percent (20%) discount on mobile load, texting, calling, and internet services for eligible students. The discount provided can then be claimed as a deduction by TELCOs, therefore incentivizing them to actively participate and support a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation's youth.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR

Sellate Office of ibe Sereretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 28 P2:48 SENATE RECEIVED BY: lov S. No. 1308 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT LOAD DISCOUNT PRIVILEGE ON MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Student Load Discount

2 Act •

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall give priority to education, science

4 and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, 5 accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and developmen. It also recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation building. Pursuant to these policies, the State ensures equitable access to education by providing necessary support to students, particularly in their communication and online learning needs. To achieve this, the State shall: (a) Establish a mechanism that ensures the mandatory grant of a student load discount privilege; (b) Enlist the cooperation of telecommunication companies (TELCOs) in extending assistance to students through this privilege; and (c) Encourage students, particularly the poor and underprivileged, to utilize digital tools for education.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

(a) Student - Any Filipino citizen currently enrolled in a duly authorized elementary, secondary, technical-vocational, or higher education institution, excluding post-graduate degree courses.

(b) Telecommunication Companies (TELCOs) - Companies providing mobile, text, call, and internet services in the Philippines. (c) Student Load Discount - A 20% discount on prepaid and postpaid mobile load, text, call, and internet services availed by eligible students.

Sec. 4. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all telecommunication services,

including but not limited to: (a) Prepaid mobile load for text, call, and data; (b) Postpaid mobile plans; and (c) Broadband and internet services used for educational purposes.

Sec. 5. Student Load Discount Privilege. - A student shall be entitled to a twenty

percent (20%) discount on mobile load, text, call, and internet services, subject to the following conditions: (a) The discount shall be applied upon presentation of a valid school ID or proof of enrollment. (b) The discount shall be available year-round, including weekends and holidays. (c) The discount shall apply only to personal educational use and may not be transferred.

Sec. 6. Prohibition on Double Discounts. - Students cannot avail of multiple

discounts at the same time. If a promotional discount from a TELCO is higher than 20%, the student may choose which discount to apply.

Sec. 7. Tax Deduction for TELCOs. - TELCOs may claim tax deductions

equivalent to the cost of the discount granted, subject to the rules to be promulgated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Sec. 8. Implementation and Monitoring. - The National Telecommunications

Commission (NTC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall oversee the implementation of this Act. TELCOs shall submit quarterly reports on compliance.

Sec. 9. Penalties. - The following penalties shall be imposed for violation of this

Act, to wit: (a) TELCOs that refuse to grant the discount shall be fined Fifty thousand Pesos (Php50,000.00) for the first offense, One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00)

for the second offense, and Two hundred thousand pesos (Php200,000.00) for the 2 third and subsequent offenses. (b) Any student found using fraudulent documents to avail of the discount shall be disqualified from the privilege without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal 5 charges for such act.

Sec. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within ninety (90) days

7 from the effectivity of this Act, the NTC, DICT, Department of Education (DepEd), and 8 the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall formulate the IRR necessary to implement the provisions Act.

Sec. 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, or executive orders inconsistent

with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in

the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,