CO-SPONSORSHIP SPEECH
An Act Establishing the Private Basic Education Voucher Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor, Repealing for the Purpose Republic Act No. 6728, Otherwise Known as the “Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education”, as Amended
“Basic Education Voucher Program Act”
Senate Bill No. 1981 under Committee Report No. 47
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
March 16, 2026
Mr. President, presented before us today is another meaningful piece of legislation that will be instrumental in harnessing the highest potential of our teachers and learners by providing them the support they need. With the permission of the good Chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, Senator Bam Aquino, this Representation wishes to be included as one of the co-sponsors of Senate Bill No. 1981 under Committee Report No. 47 or the “Basic Education Voucher Program Act”.
This bill recognizes the role of the private sector in delivering quality and accessible education to our children and youth. While public schools are supported by the government in the form of free tuition fee, private schools are given assistance through Voucher Program.
The immediate and most visible impact of this measure will be in the financial aspect of the student’s education. Saludo tayo sa mga mag-aaral na hindi bumibitaw sa kanilang mga pangarap. Lagi nating naririnig ang panlalait sa mga high school graduates sa ating bansa sa mga katagang “high school lang ang natapos ko”. Ngunit ang katotohanan, para sa karamihan ay hindi madali at hindi biro ang makatapos ng high school sa ating bansa. Marami sa kanila ang mula sa mahirap na pamilya at ang ilan pa nga sa kanila ay nagtatrabaho sa kanilang murang edad. Bukod sa oras na inilalaan nila sa pag-aaral, kailangan nilang kumayod para may kumita ng pambili ng pagkain. Kaya para sa kanila, ang pagtatapos ng high school ay dapat na hangaan at parangalan.
While we commonly see students who come from low-income or disadvantaged families in public schools, it does not mean that all students in private schools are better-off. Many of them are struggling to make both ends meet, but are surviving to stay in school, hoping for brighter future. At present, the government provides them financial assistance pursuant to Republic Act No. 6728 or the “Government Assistance To Students and Teachers in Private Education Act” (GASTPE) which was enacted into law in 1989. It was amended by Republic Act No. 8545 or the “Expanded GASTPE Act” in 1998.
However, these laws are no longer attuned to the current times. Hence, the proposed “Basic Education Voucher Program Act” amends the current laws and provides for more responsive qualifications and guidelines to implement the program.
The proposed measure will also benefit the teachers in the private sector. Recognizing their essential role in delivering quality education, the bill provides them with the much-needed and much-deserved salary subsidy, trainings and scholarships.
An equally important expected consequence of the bill is the decongestion of students from the public schools. Accessibility of education in private schools will invite even indigent students to enroll there.
In authoring Senate Bill No. 1073 which was considered in this Committee Report, this Representation intends to empower our students. I enjoin our colleagues to support the “Basic Education Voucher Program Act” as another relevant step to address our challenges in our education system.
In the same light, I am hoping that the Committee will soon deliberate on the proposal to abolish Senior High School to make secondary education more accessible and affordable.
Thank you, Mr. President.