Bam Aquino pushes stronger support for students, slams Red-Tagging in TSU Visit

Education without Barriers. Former Senator 'Bam' Aquino addresses TSU students' concerns over the opt-to-pay scheme, emphasizing that it should remain voluntary and urging an increased budget for free college education to benefit more students this morning, February 12, at the TSU Gymnasium.

Report by Anthonette C. Aspiras and Ma. Kazzandra Melegrito | Photos by Angilene Dableo

Students from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), along with students from other colleges, the administrative council, student leaders, and student publications, gathered for the consultative meeting with former senator and Kaya Natin Youth Chairperson, Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV, this morning, February 12, at the TSU Gymnasium.

During his visit, Hon. Aquino emphasized the importance of providing financial support to tertiary-level students, particularly those struggling to afford their education.

“Kailangan po nating pagtibayin ‘yung batas ng libreng kolehiyo, meron po ‘yang tulong sa ating state university at meron din po siyang dagdag scholarship sa mga private university na kung saan ang mga estudyante, nangangailangan, at meron din siyang libreng pabaon. Meron po ‘yan, bakit? Dahil sa paniniwala nating walang dapat hahadlang sa isang kabataang pilipinong nais makapagtapos,” he said.

Hon. Aquino also engaged with attendees in a Q&A session, when asked about students being forced to opt-to-pay into a tuition payment despite the free college tuition, he emphasized that no one is forced and must be forced to avail the opt-out mechanism, wherein he also highlighted that the budget for free tuition must be increased.

“Isa po kayo sa mga nagsimula na magkaroon ng opt-to-pay program, pero ang opt-to-pay ay voluntary program.” Hon. Aquino said.

“Nakalagay po sa batas na voluntary po ‘yang ginagawa, hindi po ‘yan pwede na ipipilit. Napakaraming kabataan ang nais pumasok, nais mag-aral pero hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon. Dapat talaga tinataasan yung budget para mas maraming makikinabang,” he added.

Moreover, in response to concerns about the red-tagging of students after releasing statements, Hon. Aquino reaffirmed the importance of freedom of speech on campus."

“Mahalaga ‘yung saloobin at inyong karapatan na mahayag kung ano ang sense of the student body, mahalaga rin na naproprotektahan tayo. Hindi dapat tayo papayag sa red-tagging. Alam ko naman ‘yung red-tagging ngayon ay mas less kaysa noon, so mahalaga na mawala na ‘yan sa ating campuses. Mahalaga na meron kayong karapatan na ipahayag kung ano dapat ang ihayag,” he answered.

Meanwhile, Hon. Aquino also mentioned how pleased he was when TSU was declared as the number one university in Central Luzon.

As one of the aspiring candidates for the 2025 Elections, Aquino continues to advocate for accessible education and free education for all.