Manila: House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has introduced a legislative measure aimed at granting Filipino students a 20 percent discount on mobile load and internet services. This proposal, encapsulated in House Bill No. 9859, seeks to offer financial relief to students enrolled in authorized educational institutions across various levels, excluding postgraduate programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Student Discount Para Sa Load Act is designed to bridge the digital accessibility gap by easing the financial burden on students. De Lima emphasized the significance of internet access as an essential component of quality education in the modern age. She highlighted the growing digital divide in the Philippines, which exacerbates existing inequities in the education sector, particularly affecting students from underprivileged backgrounds.

The proposed measure covers all telecommunication services, including prepaid mobile load, postpaid plans, and broadband services used for educational purposes. If enacted, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology will be responsible for overseeing its implementation. Telecommunication companies will be required to submit quarterly compliance reports.

De Lima pointed out that despite the return to face-to-face classes, digital tools and resources remain crucial in education. She underscored the importance of digital connectivity in ensuring equal access to quality education, as the reliance on technology continues to grow.