Manila: Senator Bam Aquino on Friday pledged to extend the reach of the free tertiary education law to more college students under the proposed 2026 national budget. Aquino, who is the principal author of Republic Act (RA) 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, reassured that the 3.5 million current beneficiaries would continue to receive government support.

According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino emphasized the need for increased scholarships and support for the 3.5 million students already benefiting from government assistance. He made these remarks during a budget hearing of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), where he expressed his commitment to increasing the number of beneficiaries.

Currently, about 2.2 million students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) are covered by the law. Additionally, 1.3 million students in private universities receive support through the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).

Aquino urged CHED to release a clear schedule of scholarships and the intended number of beneficiaries. This move aims to assist the Senate in effectively monitoring and allocating funds for the program's sustained implementation. He also recommended that CHED simplify the guidelines for TES and TDP to accommodate more students from low-income and near-poor families.

Aquino highlighted the ongoing need for support among those living in poverty or just above the poverty line, indicating that many students are still in need of assistance.