Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has issued a strong reminder to all higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) to suspend the collection of student loan payments in areas placed under a state of calamity, in accordance with existing law.

Escudero’s call comes as various regions across the country continue to recover from recent typhoons and earthquakes that have displaced families and disrupted livelihoods.

“Pinapaalala natin sa ating mga unibersidad, kolehiyo, at pati na din ang mga tech-voc institutions na may batas tayo na nagbabawal sa pagkolekta ng mga utang ng kanilang mga estudyante,” Escudero said. 

("We are reminding our universities, colleges, and even technical-vocational institutions that we have a law that prohibits the collection of student debts.")

“Sa panahon na may sakuna, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang muling makabangon ang mga nasalanta,” he further stressed. 

("In times of calamity, what’s most important is for those affected to recover and rebuild their lives.")

Republic Act 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, mandates a moratorium on student loan collections during any declared state of calamity or emergency, extending 30 days beyond the lifting of such declarations. The law also prohibits any waivers or denials of benefits under the moratorium.

Escudero, one of the authors and sponsors of RA 12077, emphasized that education should not be another casualty in times of crisis.

“Hindi dapat maging dahilan ang kawalan ng pambayad ng matrikula para matigil ang pag-aaral ng ating mga estudyante, lalo na pag sila rin mismo ay biktima ng bagyo, lindol, o anumang sakuna,” he said.

("The inability to pay tuition should not be a reason for our students to stop studying, especially if they themselves are victims of a typhoon, earthquake, or any other calamity.")

Under the law, students availing of the moratorium retain their eligibility for re-enrollment in future semesters. HEIs and TVIs are also encouraged to provide additional payment relief or assistance programs to help affected students manage their obligations once normal conditions resume.

Escudero, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and co-chaired the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), has been at the forefront of pushing for pro-student legislation.

He also sponsored the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act (Republic Act 11984), which allows disadvantaged students — including those from calamity-stricken areas — to take exams even if they are unable to pay tuition or fees. Certification from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) qualifies affected students as “disadvantaged.”

“Students affected by calamities are classified as ‘disadvantaged’... The inability to pay should not be an obstacle to their education. They can find a way to pay for their loans later,” Escudero said.

The senator urged educational institutions to uphold the law and show compassion to students in distress, noting that prioritizing their recovery and education is a step toward long-term resilience.