Bill exempting top students from admission fees nears House okay

THE House of Representatives approved this week on second reading a proposed law exempting underprivileged public high school students from paying college admission fees in private institutions.

House Bill 6577 authored by Representatives Juan Edgardo Angara (Aurora) and Sigfrido Tinga (Taguig) provides for the granting of free college entrance examinations to public high school students belonging to the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

"This would create opportunities for bright yet underprivileged students who want to pursue college education but are often discouraged by the high cost of entrance exam fees," said Angara, chairperson of the House committee on higher and technical education.

"Without question, the bill is one great equalizer that will surely have a positive impact on our nation's long-term fight against poverty," he added.

Angara said that waiving entrance exam fees gives poor students more chances to get into the best schools, where they can also avail of scholarships and other financial aid. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)