Access to mobile data and internet services could become more affordable for Filipino students if a newly filed measure in the House of Representatives becomes law.
House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima has introduced House Bill (HB) 9859, a proposal that seeks to grant students a 20-percent discount on various telecommunications services commonly used for education. The measure was filed on June 11 and mirrors Senate Bill 126, which was earlier filed by Sen. Bam Aquino in July 2025.
The proposed legislation covers prepaid mobile load for text, calls, and data, as well as postpaid mobile subscriptions and broadband or internet services used for educational purposes. To qualify for the discount, students would need to present a valid school ID or proof of enrollment.
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Measure Seeks to Ease Education Costs
De Lima emphasized the importance of reducing expenses tied to learning, particularly as digital connectivity has become essential for students.
“We fully support Sen. Bam Aquino in enacting this proposal that will surely be a big help for our students. Every peso that they will save on this educational expense is a reduction on their and their families’ worries and burdens. Let us provide Filipino students, our future leaders, with all the help they rightfully deserve,” de Lima said in a statement.
Under the bill, the discount would be available throughout the year, including weekends and holidays, provided the services are used for personal educational purposes. The measure also gives students flexibility by allowing them to choose between the proposed 20-percent discount or a larger promotional offer from a telecommunications provider, should one be available.
Penalties and Incentives Included
The proposal outlines incentives for participating telecommunications companies by allowing them to claim tax deductions equivalent to the discounts granted, subject to rules that may be issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
At the same time, the measure contains penalties for companies and retailers that fail to comply. Telecommunication firms found refusing to provide the discount could face fines of P50,000 for a first offense, P100,000 for a second offense, and P200,000 for third and succeeding violations.
Retailers who refuse to grant the discount or impose conditions contrary to the bill’s intent may also face penalties ranging from P25,000 to P100,000, along with possible disqualification or blacklisting as accredited load or service retailers for repeated violations.
If enacted, the proposal could help ease the financial burden faced by millions of Filipino students and their families, especially as internet access and mobile connectivity have become essential tools for learning, research, communication, and participation in modern education.
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