JINGGOY PUSHES 5% DISCOUNT ON FOOD, GADGETS, TUITION FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS

SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has introduced a landmark measure seeking expanded financial relief for underprivileged Filipino students across all levels, including those enrolled in technical-vocational courses, through a mandatory five percent (5%) discount on essential education-related expenses, such as tuition, food, medicines, school supplies, and learning gadgets.

“Maraming estudyante ang kapos sa panggastos araw-araw kaya bawat pisong natitipid nila ay napakahalaga. Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na luho ang laptop, tablet, o cellphone — kailangan na ang mga ito para makasabay sa pag-aaral. At lalong hindi luho ang pagkain, tuition, at school supplies. Kaya bawat diskwento ay malaking ginhawa para sa mga estudyante at kanilang pamilya,” Estrada said.

 To this end, Estrada has filed Senate Bill No. 1063, or the proposed “Underprivileged Students’ Discount Act,” which aims to provide tangible relief to struggling families, particularly those earning less than P250,000 annually, or roughly P20,000 a month.

Under the proposed measure, qualified beneficiaries may avail of discounts in food establishments, pharmacies and drugstores, as well as stores selling reference books, school supplies, and electronic devices needed for online and distance learning, such as laptops and tablets, anywhere in the country. 

The bill likewise covers tuition, miscellaneous, and other school fees, including entrance fees to museums, theaters, and cultural events.

Working students may also qualify, provided that their combined household income falls within the prescribed threshold.

 Estrada said the proposed five percent discount shall not affect the students’ eligibility for other forms of educational assistance from the government or schools, such as scholarships, vouchers, and other student aid programs.

To encourage compliance, the measure grants participating establishments tax incentives by allowing the discounts they provide to be treated as allowable deductions from gross income under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

“This bill is not just about discounts. It is about ensuring that education remains a right, not a privilege. Palagi nating sinasabi na hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kahirapan para makapagtapos sa pag-aaral. Panahon na para gawin natin itong mas makatotohanan at mas abot-kamay para sa bawat Pilipinong estudyante,” the veteran lawmaker said.

Under the bill, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will identify qualified beneficiaries and issue identification cards to eligible students.