Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero reminded all higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical-vocational schools (TVIs) to stop collecting student loan payments in areas under a state of calamity.
Escudero issued the reminder as many parts of the country continue to recover from recent earthquakes and typhoons.
“May batas tayo na nagbabawal sa pagkolekta ng mga utang ng kanilang mga estudyante. Sa panahon na may sakuna, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang muling makabangon ang mga nasalanta,” he said.
Under Republic Act 12077 or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, the payment of student loans is suspended during the state of calamity and for 30 days after it is lifted.
Escudero said students should not be forced to stop studying just because they can’t pay tuition after a disaster. He also urged schools to offer payment relief or assistance programs for affected students.
The law prohibits any waiver of the moratorium or other forms of government aid.
As former chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Escudero also authored the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act (Republic Act No. 11984), which allows students who cannot pay tuition to take their exams.
“Students affected by calamities are classified as ‘disadvantaged’ upon the certification by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The inability to pay their tuition should not be an obstacle to the completion of their educational requirements. They can find a way to pay for their loans later,” he said.
