Amending R.A. No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act)
Filed on December 16, 2025, and referred to the Committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and Finance; it was substituted by SBN-1894 on February 24, 2026, and is now part of a committee report.
This bill addresses the need for equitable access to tertiary education funding, particularly for low-income households.
The bill responds to ongoing challenges in the education sector, particularly regarding funding and support for low-income students.
Amending R.A. No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act)
This bill amends the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act to improve the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program by expanding coverage for necessary academic fees and prioritizing beneficiaries from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Compared with current law:
The TES program prioritizes students based on household income and other criteria.
The TES program will guarantee support for all post-secondary education students from qualified 4Ps households.
Certain academic fees are not covered under the current TES program.
Internship and Related Learning Experience (RLE) fees will be included as covered expenses.
This bill aims to enhance the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program by including internship and Related Learning Experience (RLE) fees as covered expenses and prioritizing students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households.
Source · full text✦ Dashed tags are AI-suggested nuance; solid tags follow the committee taxonomy.
Stalled: the bill was introduced on December 16, 2025, and has not progressed since being substituted on February 24, 2026, indicating a lack of further action for several months.
No floor deliberations yet — this measure has not reached plenary. Its committee-stage actions appear under Legislative history above.
Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 DEC 16 P1:33 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No.1620 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 3 AND 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 In the proposed FY 2026 national budget, the education sector will receive the highest budget of P1.28 trillion, representing 4.1% of the country's GDP.1 This allocation follows the mandate of the 1987 Philippine Constitution under Section 5 of Article XIV to "assign the highest budgetary priority to education," emphasizing the importance of education to job satisfaction and career development. With the importance of education to national and collective growth, Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, aims to ensure equal opportunity to tertiary education by providing free tuition and school fees to students in local colleges and state universities. As of August 2025, there are over 2.3 million student-beneficiaries of the program, alongside 713,000 receiving the law's Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). The Philippines recorded a 68.12 percent student participation in higher education, ranking 1 Press and Public Affairs Bureau. (2025, October 20). 2026 GAB has highest education budget in PHL history. House of Representatives. https://www.congress.gov.ph/media/press-releases/view/?content=9507
second among ASEAN countries. In 2023-2024, the number of graduates rose to 805,000 from 277,000 in 2020-2021.2 While higher education has become more inclusive and accessible since the law's enactment in 2017, there are still significant challenges that shall be addressed by the government, including the lack of classrooms and facilities, unclear process for budget allocation and fund requests, collection inefficiency, and other delays (Dagohoy & Lagura, 2024).3 According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), many senior high school graduates from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households have not been benefiting from the TES program. Meanwhile, the subsidies for the beneficiaries have been reduced from ₽60,000 to only ₽13,000.4 The former amount was provided back in 2018 to students enrolled in private higher education institutions (HEIs) to cover ₽20,000 in tuition fees and P40,000 for other educational expenses.5 With such issues considered, this measure proposes to expand the government's free tertiary education program by covering other allowances necessary for their academic compliance, such as internship and Related Learning Experience (RLE) fees. This bill also pushes to prioritize students whose households are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in qualifying for the Tertiary Education Subsidy. 2 Untalan, S. (2025b, August 27). 2.3 million Filipino students benefit from Free College - Ched. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/957206/2-3-million-filipino-students- benefit-from-free-college-ched/story/ 3 Dagohoy, M. M. T., & Lagura, DPA, G. B. (2024). Understanding the implementation of republic act 10931: Implications to state universities and local colleges. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, VIIIX), 1199-1221. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2024.8090101 4 EDCOM 2 Communications. (2025, September 3). EDCOM 2: TES college subsidy not reaching 4PS graduates, RA 10931 amendment sought - EDCOM 2. EDCOM 2 The Second Congressional Commission on Education. https://edcom2.gov.ph/edcom-2-tes-college-subsidy-not-reaching-4ps-graduates-ra-10931-amendment- sought/ 5 Press Release. (2024, November 20). Press release - EDCOM 2 decries college subsidy cuts on poorest. Senate of the Philippines. https://web.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2024/1120_edcom1.asp
Furthermore, this legislation seeks to ensures an efficient disbursement system and transparent utilization of the subsidies, including the monitoring and evaluation of the TES program in meeting compliance and minimum quality standards. Education is integral to building a progressive and people-centered nation. Addressing the modern challenges of the learning sector means prospering a country that cultivates critical thinkers, competent leaders, and active innovators. In pursuit of providing quality education for all, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. -OGE JV EJERCITO
Senate Offite of the Retretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 DEC 16 P1:33 SENATE mamon. OV S. No. 1620 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 3 AND 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 of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 10931 or the "Universal Access to
2 Quality Tertiary Education Act" is hereby amended to read as follows: "SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act: XXX (h) Other school fees refer to fees charged by HEIs and technical- vocational institutions which cover other necessary costs supportive of instruction, specifically the following: library fees, computer fees, laboratory fees, school ID fees, athletic fees, admission fees, development fees, guidance fees, handbook fees, entrance fees, registration fees, medical and dental fees, cultural fees, INTERNSHIP AND RELATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE (RLE) FEES REQUIRED BY THE CURRICULUM, INCLUDING THOSE FOR NURSING AND OTHER ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS, and other similar or related fees;
Sec. 2. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 10931 or the "Universal Access to Quality
Tertiary Education Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION 7. TES for Filipino Students. - To support the cost of tertiary
education or any part or portion thereof, a Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is
hereby established for all Filipino students who shall enroll in undergraduate post-secondary programs of SUCs, LUCs, private HEIs and all TVIs. The TES shall be administered by the UniFAST Board and the amount necessary to fund the TES shall be included in the budgets of the CHED and the TESDA: Provided, That [prioritization shall be given to students in the following order: (a) students whe are part of households included in the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to the estimated per capita household income, and (b) students not part of the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to estimated per capita household income based on submitted documentation of proof of income to be determined by the UniFAST Beard] ALL POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS FROM QUALIFIED HOUSEHOLD-BENEFICIARIES OF THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4PS), AS PROVIDED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11310, SHALL BE GUARANTEED TES GRANTEES, UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND ACCEPTANCE INTO A CHED-RECOGNIZED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION OR A TESDA-RECOGNIZED TVI: Provided, further, That [such prioritization shall not apply to Filipino students in cities and municipality with no existing SUC op LUC campus] SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABLE FUNDS, THE REMAINING TES SLOTS SHALL BE AWARDED BASED ON FINANCIAL NEED, AS DETERMINED BY THE HOUSEHOLD PER CAPITA INCOME OF APPLICANTS, TO BE ASSESSED BY THE RESPECTIVE HIGHER EDUCATION INSHTUTIONS OR TVIS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES TO BE ISSUED BY THE UNIFAST BOARD: PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT TES GRANTEES SHALL BE GUARANTEED CONTINUED SUPPORT UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THEIR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE OR TVET PROGRAM, SUBJECT TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC OR TRAINING PERFORMANCE, AND COMPLIANCE WITH INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES. The TES may, among others, and to support the cost of tertiary education or any part or portion thereof, cover the following:
(a) FULL [TItuition and other school fees (TOSF) in private HEIs, and private or LGU-operated TVIs, which shall be equivalent to the tuition and other school fees of the nearest SUC or state-run TVI in their respective areas: PROVIDED, THAT SUCH TOSF SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AVERAGE AMOUNT SPENT BY GOVERNMENT PER STUDENT UNDER THE FREE HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN SUCS AND LUCS; PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT IN CASES WHERE THE TOSF EXCEED THIS AVERAGE AMOUNT, THE UNIFAST BOARD SHALL ADMINISTER GUIDELINES IN SETTING THE AMOUNT OF THE TES; (b) An allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses, including a reasonable allowance for the documented rental or purchase of a personal computer or laptop, and other education-related expenses, (c) An allowance for room and board cost incurred by the student; (d) For a student with a disability, an allowance for expenses related to the student's disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred; [and] (e) INTERNSHIP AND RELATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE (RLE) FEES THAT ARE REQUIRED BY THE CURRICULUM, INCLUDING THOSE FOR NURSING AND OTHER ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS; AND (F) For a student in a program requiring professional license or certification, the one (1)-time cost of obtaining the first professional credentials or qualifications, which may include the following: application fees, notarial fees, review classes fees, insurance premium fees and documentation fees: Provided, That the amount of subsidy shall be based on the guidelines set forth by the UniFAST Board and on the annual budgetary appropriation for this purpose."
Sec. 3. A new Section 7-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:
"SECTION 7-A. IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE TES. - THE UNIFAST BOARD SHALL: (A) IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND VALIDATION TO ENSURE THAT TES ALLOWANCES ARE UTILIZED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE PURPOSES PROVIDED UNDER SECTION 7, AND IMPOSE SANCTIONS, INCLUDING DISQUALIFICATION NON-COMPLIANCE; (B) IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DBM AND COMMISSION ON AUDIT (COA), DEVELOP AN EFFICIENT DISBURSEMENT SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE DISBURSEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT COST, TO ENSURE TES BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE THEIR SUBSIDIES DURING THE SEMESTER FOR WHICH THEY ARE APPLYING THE TES AS WELL AS TO FUND THE PROVISION OF LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES, AND MAY UTILIZE THE PHILIPPINE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (PHILSYS) TO FACILITATE THE VALIDATION OF ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES; (C) COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT, AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, TO ESTABLISH A SYSTEM THAT INFORMS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS UNDER THE 4PS OF THEIR AUTOMATIC ELIGIBILITY TO RECEIVE TES; AND, (D) MONITOR AND EVALUATE THE TES PROGRAM EVERY FIVE (5) YEARS, INCLUDING THE UTILIZATION OF AN ONLINE INFORMATION SYSTEM TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF TES GRANTEES WHILE THEY ARE IN THE HEI, AND TRACER SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEIS TO ASSESS AND ENHANCE THE PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION, AND UTILIZE THE PHILSYS NUMBERS OF TES GRANTEES FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION PURPOSES. FURTHER, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEIS SHALL UTILIZE THE PHILSYS NUMBERS OF TES GRANTEES FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION PURPOSES AND LIKEWISE PROVIDE LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES TO TES BENEFICIARIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CAREER COUNSELING, BRIDGING PROGRAMS, AND TUTORIALS. THE CHED, IN COORDINATION WITH THE UNIFAST BOARD, SHALL ESTABLISH A REGULAR QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESS FOR HEIS ENROLLING TES GRANTEES. THIS SHALL INCLUDE PERIODIC ASSESSMENTS OF BOTH INSTITUTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND PROGRAM QUALITY, WITH A FOCUS ON ACADEMIC STANDARDS,
GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY, AND OTHER RELEVANT OUTCOMES, AND COMPLIANCE WITH CHED POLICIES. HEIS FAILING TO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALITY STANDARDS SHALL BE REEVALUATED AND MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM ENROLLING NEW TES GRANTEES UNTIL COMPLIANCE IS ACHIEVED.
Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within sixty (60) days
7 from the effectivity of this Act, the UniFAST Board, in consultation with the CHED, 8 DepEd, DSWD, TESDA, and other stakeholders in higher and technical education, shall promulgate the revised implementing rules and regulations of R.A. 10931 necessary to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of this Act: Provided, That the 11 failure of the Board to promulgate the said rules and regulations shall not prevent or 12 delay the effectivity and implementation of this Act.
Sec. 5. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.
Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,
Reproduced from the Senate document. The official PDF is the authoritative version.