Senator Francis Escudero has urged all higher education institutions (HEIs) to adhere to the moratorium on the collection of student loans in areas where a state of calamity has been declared.
With several parts of the country still reeling from the devastating effects of earthquakes and typhoons over the past month, Escudero said families had to deal with “getting their lives back in order, first and foremost.”
“We remind our universities, colleges and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) that we have a law prohibiting the collection of the students’ debts. In times of disasters, the most important thing is for the victims to rebuild their lives,” Escudero said in a statement in Filipino.
Under Republic Act 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, payment of all fees and charges by HEIs and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) is suspended for the duration of the state of emergency or calamity and 30 days after this is lifted.
As one of the authors and sponsors of the law, Escudero said the education of students should never be affected whenever disaster strikes because in many instances, recovering from this is even more challenging than rebuilding lost property.
“Lack of money to pay for tuition is not a reason for the students to drop out, particularly when they are victims of typhoons, earthquakes, or any calamities,” he stressed.
The law states that the availment of the moratorium shall not in any way adversely affect the eligibility of the students concerned for re-enrolment in the succeeding semesters. Escudero noted that the law encourages the HEIs and TVIs to offer payment relief or assistance programs for the affected students to make it easier for them to pay off their debts.
Any waiver on the benefit of the moratorium on student loan payments or the availment of assistance or subsidies from the government is prohibited. Escudero was head of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education in the 19th Congress and was a co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).
He was also one of the authors of Republic Act 11984 or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act that paved the way for disadvantaged students to take their periodic and final examinations even if they are unable to pay their tuition or other fees.
“Students affected by calamities are classified as ‘disadvantaged’ upon the certification by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. So 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,” Escudero said.
