Leila de Lima files bill seeking 20% discount on mobile load

House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima introduced House Bill No. 9859, or the Student Discount Para Sa Load Act.

20% student discount on mobile load soon?

Easing student burdens

The bill seeks to grant Filipino students a 20% discount on mobile load, text, call, and internet services.

The student must be enrolled in authorized elementary, secondary, technical-vocational, or higher education institutions, excluding postgraduate programs.

On Facebook, the former Senator and now congresswoman said,

Sa panahon ngayon, internet is a necessity for learning. Ang problema, hindi lahat ay nakakasabay dahil sa kawalan o kakulangan ng access dulot ng mahal na load o internet service.

Hindi dapat pabigat o hadlang ang mahal na load at data sa edukasyon ng kabataang Pilipino. Kaya nag-file tayo ng House Bill No. 9859 o "Student Discount Para Sa Load Act" — ang House counterpart measure ng Senate Bill No. 126 ni Sen. Bam Aquino.

Layunin ng panukalang ito na mabigyan ng 20% discount sa mobile load, text, call, at internet services ang mga kwalipikadong estudyante. Malaking tulong at tipid ito para mas mapadali ang access nila sa internet na napakahalaga sa kanilang pag-aaral.

Basically, De Lima noted that the bill aims to close the digital access gap and ease the financial strain on Filipino students, for whom internet connectivity has become an essential part of quality education.

PNA reports that under HB 9859, all telecommunication services shall be covered, including but not limited to prepaid mobile load for text, call, and data; postpaid mobile plans; and broadband and internet services used for educational purposes.

If passed, the NTC and DICT will enforce the law, with TELCOs filing quarterly compliance reports.

Source: Leila de Lima, Via: PNA