Senator Erwin Tulfo filed Senate Bill No. 2275, or the Student Load Discount Act, to provide a 20 percent discount on mobile prepaid load, postpaid plans and mobile internet packages for enrolled Filipino students to help ease the financial burden on families.
“We have to slash this added expense from students, which too often prevents our students from keeping up with their online classes. This is our way to somehow level the playing field,” Tulfo said.
The bill covers Filipinos enrolled in authorized elementary, secondary, technical-vocational, and higher education institutions, excluding post-graduate studies. The discount would apply year-round, including weekends and holidays, to ensure continuous academic access.
To avail of the benefit, students must present a valid school ID or proof of enrollment alongside a birth certificate to verify citizenship.
Tulfo noted that the discount aims to guarantee educational access, particularly when face-to-face classes are suspended due to severe weather or other unexpected circumstances. Telecommunications providers that fail to comply with the proposed measure will face strict penalties.