Manila, Jan. 15 -- Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Thursday sought Senate support in prioritizing the approval of a House-approved bill giving students from poor and middle-income families more access to quality education in private schools.

House Bill No. 4744, principally filed by former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, has been approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading last October. It was promptly sent to the Senate for its own consideration and approval.

The bill expands financial aid to poor but deserving students under Republic Act 6728, or Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, by establishing a private education voucher program, which shall cover all years of ...