LAW WAIVING ENTRANCE EXAM FEES SIGNED

SEN. Bong Go said the new law waiving entrance exam fees in private higher educational institutions (HEIs) promotes educational equity.

The senator on Sunday lauded the signing into law of Republic Act (RA) 12006 or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act.

Go said RA 12006, sponsored by then chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and now Senate President Francis Escudero, "opened up great opportunities" for HEIs to poor but bright students.

Students in the top 10 percent of their graduating high school class and who come from poor families will benefit from the law.

"Education is the greatest equalizer. With this law, we ensure that financial limitations no longer hinder our youth's pursuit of academic excellence," Go said in a statement.

Under RA 12006, the Commission on Higher Education will ensure that all private HEIs comply with the law.

"This victory is not ours but of every Filipino family who dreams of a better future through education," said Go, co-author of RA 12006. "It's a testament to what we can achieve when we put the needs of our people first. Let us also be reminded that our work does not end here."

"We must continue to support our youth by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in their educational journeys," he added.

Go said he co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 1360, which aims to broaden the scope and coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy.

He co-authored RA 11984, or the "No Permit, No Exam" Prohibition Act, which prohibits educational institutions from denying students the right to take exams due to unpaid fees.

Go said RA 11997, or the "Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act," which he co-authored and co-sponsored, "is a significant legislative measure aimed at increasing the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers."

2024-06-30T16:14:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd