Lapid seeks moratorium on student loan payments during disasters, emergencies
Senator Lito Lapid ​has filed a measure seeking a moratorium on payments of student loans during times of disasters and other emergencies as part of the government's economic assistance to the public.
Lapid filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 975, which aims to provide for the deferment of the collection of all fees, charges, and costs relating to the student loan programs for Higher Education and Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for a reasonable period during times of hardships, such as disasters, calamities, and other health and emergency situations, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

The moratorium under Lapid's bill covers the period from the declaration of a national and local state of calamity or emergency to up to 30 days from its termination.
In case the period exceeds 60 days, the payment of the student loan and related fees is further deferred until the next semester or term. The enrollment or graduation eligibility of the student is likewise protected if the moratorium would be availed of.
In filing the measure, the senator said he understands that many Filipinos lose their sources of income during such times; as such, he wanted to alleviate the financial burden of parents in sending their children to school.
He also said that the measure aims to contribute to the social welfare mission of extending as much economic assistance and protection to the poor who bear the risk of not being able to survive without continued work and economic activity, and mobility restrictions.
"Layunin natin na pansamantalang mapagaan ang pasanin ng mga pamilyang nasalanta ng sakuna sa anumang pananagutan sa student loans (It's our to goal to temporarily ease the burden of families affected by calamities from any responsibilities related to student loans)," he said.