MANILA, Nov. 28 -- Around 5.7 million students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) are expected to benefit from free higher education under the Senate version of the 2026 national budget.

In a news release Friday, Senator Bam Aquino said the Senate has earmarked PHP26 billion for SUCs, allowing 5.2 million learners to keep enjoying the benefits of Republic Act 10931 or the Free College Law.

He added another PHP6.7 billion was set aside for LUCs, supporting about 500,000 students, while PHP4.4 billion will cover prior-year deficiencies of SUCs, bringing total funding for the law to PHP67 billion.

Aquino said the chamber also allocated PHP27.3 billion for allowances under the Tert...