Senator Francis Tolentino has filed Senate Bill No. 2972, the “Student Load Discount Act,” granting a 20% discount on mobile load, text, call, and internet services for students.
The bill “will help ease the burden of students related to the cost of digital communication and online resources,” according to Tolentino.
The discount applies to primary, secondary, technical-vocational, and tertiary students but excludes post-graduates.
“This initiative is intended to promote educational equity, enhance digital literacy, and foster collaboration between the government and telecommunications companies to meet students’ needs,” the senator explained.
To avail, students must present a valid school ID or proof of enrollment. The discount is for personal educational use and available year-round.
SBN 2972 also allows telecom companies to claim tax deductions for the discounts provided, incentivizing their support for students.
“This creates an incentive for these companies to actively support students’ educational needs,” said Tolentino.
“The collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and TELCOs is crucial for the success of this initiative, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for the country’s youth,” he concluded.IMT
