Duterte signs free SUC tuition bill into law
President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to sign into law a measure that would provide free tuition in state universities and colleges.
Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra made the announcement on Friday during the Mindanao Hour held at Conrad Manila.
Presidential Communication Operations Office Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag on Thursday said that Duterte would listen to his economic managers' opinions on the bill.
Economic managers earlier said the government could not afford the measure.
Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the government would need P100 billion to provide free tuition in state universities and colleges.
Banaag also pointed out that the government had to spend on a lot of things, particularly on the rehabilitation of Marawi City after it was attacked by pro-ISIS Maute group in May and on the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers.
"Maraming gastos, so nire-reconsider din ng ating Pangulo," she said.
SOURCE: GMA NEWS