MANILA – Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a measure seeking to provide underprivileged Filipino students with a mandatory five percent discount on a range of essential expenses, including tuition, food, medicines, school supplies, and learning gadgets.

Estrada said the proposal aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families, especially those from low-income households.

“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.

The measure, Senate Bill No. 1063 or the proposed “Underprivileged Students’ Discount Act,” seeks to grant financial relief to students from families earning less than P250,000 annually, or around P20,000 per month.

Under the bill, qualified students may avail of the five percent discount in food establishments, pharmacies, drugstores, and stores selling school supplies, reference books, and electronic devices such as laptops and tablets used for learning.

It also covers tuition and other school-related fees, including entrance fees to museums, theaters, and cultural events.

Working students may also benefit from the proposed discounts, provided their combined household income meets the eligibility threshold.

Estrada said the discount will not affect existing educational assistance programs, including scholarships, vouchers, and other forms of student aid.

To encourage participation, the proposal allows establishments to claim tax incentives, treating the discounts as allowable deductions from gross income under the National Internal Revenue Code.

“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 senator said.

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