Student Load Discount Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 JUL -9 P5:19 First Regular Session ;... SENATE p.. S. No. 333 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT LOAD DISCOUNT PRIVILEGE ON MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The education sector in the Philippines has navigated the advantages of the online mode of learning among students in the country. From the traditional learning setup, they were prompted to adapt to the remote setup after the COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of physical classes. After the infamous pandemic that started in 2019, schools gradually returned to traditional learning while implementing a hybrid setup — a combination of physical and distance learning. Since then, educational institutions have continued to utilize this system for its benefits, retaining the prominence of online classes for instructors and learners until present. Distance learning addresses other issues as well, including the high heat index during the summer season' and other incidents such as power outages and during 1 Partlow, M. J. (2023, May 19). DepEd exec: Hybrid learning continues as Summer heat persists / Philippine News Agency. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201821

times of disaster and emergencies. Although considered a temporary solution, it also eases the struggle of the lack of classrooms in our local schools.? It is also beneficial for college students with special education needs as it makes space for more flexible understanding and easier access to their lectures, further allowing them to have a safer and more efficient learning experience. 3 In collaboration with telecommunications companies (TELCOs) and under the supervision of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), this bill provides a 20% discount on mobile load, text, call, and internet services for our Filipino students. As an incentive to TELCOs, they can claim tax deductions with the BIR. In case of non-compliance, TELCOs shall be fined. This measure aims to ease the financial burden of students in accessing education through the screens. It offers a practical solution to addressing an issue directly encountered by students, who regularly use internet to attend classes, communicate with their colleagues, and accomplish their academic requirements. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. JV EJERCITO 2 Chi, C. (2023, April 26). Act: "blended learning" only a short-term solution to lack of teachers, classrooms. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/26/2261830/act-blended-learning-only-short- term-solution-lack-teachers-classrooms 3 Fabula, J. B. (2023). Hybrid Learning Experiences of College Students with Special Education Needs, 11(3).

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) JUL -9 P5:19 First Regular Session SENATE S. No. 333 Introduced by Senator IV Ejercito AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT LOAD DISCOUNT PRIVILEGE ON MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

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

Act."

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

and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. 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. Scope. - 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 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: P50,000 for the first offense P100,000 for the second offense P200,000 for the 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 charges for such act.

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

effectivity of this Act, the NTC, DICT, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall formulate the IRR.

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

unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in 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,