Students of De La Salle University (DLSU) and the University of the East (UE) welcomed the recent announcement from both university administrations that they would not implement any tuition and other fee increase (TOFI) for the academic year 2026–2027. The sustained campaign and collective actions of students, student councils, and progressive groups in both universities against TOFI compelled the decision.

At DLSU, the administration officially announced the 0% TOFI during a Multi-sectoral Consultative Committee meeting on January 4—-a day after DLSU-Manila students launched a walkout along Taft Avenue in Manila led by progressive groups and the DLSU University Student Government.

Many campus organizations in DLSU-Manila also signed a united statement rejecting any form of TOFI. They were joined by the Parents of University Students Organization (PUSO) in their stand.

DLSU has continuously imposed TOFIs for the last four academic years that heavily burdened students. Despite these increases, students complained about poor campus services, the continued collection of rental fees for facility use, and the low wages of teachers and employees.

At UE, President Zosimo Battad himself announced the no-TOFI policy following three consecutive academic years of tuition increases—9.5% (2023–2024), 6% (2024–2025), and 5% (2025–2026).

The university’s 0% TOFI resulted from persistent student opposition and council organizing that began in the latter half of 2025. They carried out petition signings, protests, and dialogues. Students and councils also recognized those who initiated anti-TOFI campaigns in previous years.

The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) congratulated the student councils and students for their victory against TOFI. “We reiterate that TOFI is a scheme that commodifies education for profit, burdening students and their families,” the group stated.

The group added that having no visible improvements in facilities, no increase in teachers’ and staff wages, and still limited or absent services and spaces for students, only proves that TOFI is for the school’s profit, “instead of fulfilling its supposed aim of providing quality education,” it said.

“Only through militant and resolute struggle can we win concrete victories for students and the people,” NUSP declared. The union called on student councils and students to continue the fight for genuine, accessible, and liberating education.