The Philippine Senate has approved on third and final reading the proposed Voucher Bill sponsored by Senator Bam Aquino, with a unanimous vote of 22-0.
Senate Bill 1981: Basic Education Voucher Program Act
Senate Bill 1981, or the Basic Education Voucher Program Act, aims to address the overcrowding of students in public schools through a nationwide voucher system. Senator Aquino, sponsor of the bill and chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, stated that qualified students from public schools will receive educational vouchers to enroll in accredited private institutions. This measure is designed to reduce congestion in public schools by giving students the opportunity to study in private schools using vouchers.
Coverage and Priority Beneficiaries
The program covers basic education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It is based on findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II), which revealed a shortage of at least 165,000 classrooms, leading to overcrowding, shifting classes, and unsafe learning conditions.
Under the law, priority for vouchers will be given to students from low-income families and beneficiaries of the 4Ps program, as well as those living in remote and impoverished areas or GIDA. The program also targets sectors with greater need, including indigenous peoples, students with health conditions, and children in foster care, ensuring that those with limited financial means have the opportunity to study in private schools.
