A voucher program proposed by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and other senators to help more disadvantaged Filipino families send their children to private K to 12 schools advanced to the Senate plenary floor on Monday, March 16.

Under Senate Bill No. 1981, learners from overcrowded public schools are eligible for a government-funded voucher which they can use to enroll in a government-recognized private school of their choice, with priority given to those from low-income households.

The bill says each recipient will get a voucher in an amount “sufficient to ensure reasonable access to private education” as set by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The measure is a consolidation of eight bills, including Cayetano’s Senate Bill No. 422 or The Learner’s Choice (TLC) in Private Basic Education Act of 2025 which he filed in July last year and was inspired by Taguig City’s successful voucher program. 

Senator Bam Aquino, who sponsored the committee report as chairperson of the Basic Education Committee, thanked Cayetano and the other co-authors during his sponsorship speech.

“Karangalan po na magkakasama tayo sa laban para sa de-kalidad na edukasyon para sa ating bansa,” Aquino said.

Among the key features carried over from Cayetano’s bill was the prioritization of learners from public schools officially deemed congested, particularly those from low-income families, to address overcrowding.

Penalty provisions from the Minority Leader’s bill were also adopted to prevent ghost learners, delays, and other fraudulent practices.

Cayetano, a former co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), said the measure is a step toward upholding every Filipino’s constitutional right to accessible and quality basic education.

“Basic education, especially the early years of a child’s instruction, is important in shaping their future,” the Minority Leader said.

“So I’d like to see the day na kapag pinanganak ka sa Pilipinas, regardless kung ano apelyido mo, kung mayaman ka o hindi, if you want to go to the best private school sa inyong province or city, you’ll have the opportunity to do that,” he added.

Under SBN 1981, “disadvantaged learners” such as persons with disabilities, orphans, and those living in isolated areas are also automatic voucher recipients.

Unlike existing subsidies under the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act (E-GASTPE) where assistance is tied to participating schools and allocated slots, the proposed voucher would be learner-held and portable, allowing families to choose where their children will study.

To help families make informed choices, the bill requires the DepEd to publish a public database of participating private schools, including tuition fees, program tracks, and key performance indicators.

SB No. 1981 is now set for plenary debates in the Senate, where the Minority Leader plans to interpellate and propose amendments.###