By Almira Louise S. Martinez, ReporterTHE practicality of allowing financially capable students of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to pay tuition voluntarily is under scrutiny after the University of the Philippines (UP) reported that 10% or less of its students made such payments. UP President Angelo A. Jimenez noted that in 2024, the university recorded that 10% of its students paid tuition in the first semester and 9% paid in the second semester. “Very few opted out (of the free SUC tuition scheme) although they are qualified. SUCs offer free tuition under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. “The government should not pass up its responsibility of ensuring that students and families have access to education.”“And students should also not have to prove that they are poorer than others to enjoy free education,” she added.