Senate Bill No. 722, the “Anti-No Permit, No Exam Act of 2016,” which makes it unlawful to require the students to secure a permit from school authorities prior to the administration of midterm, periodic or final examination, was filed by Senator Cynthia Villar late July.
“It is typical for Filipino parents to sacrifice so much so that their children could get education. However, there are unavoidable circumstances at times when they could not meet the obligation to pay the tuition fee on time. Schools should be more compassionate towards students suffering from financial difficulties,” Villar said in a press release.
According to ABS-CBN News, the ‘no permit, no exam policy’ is a widespread policy in the Philippines, with most schools demanding a promissory note before students are allowed to participate in exams.
Under the bill, it will also be unlawful for students to be compelled to pay a down payment or first installment equivalent to more than 30% of the total amount of tuition and other school fees for the entire semester or duration of the course.
The bill suggests that any HEI or tech-voc institute official or employee, including deans, coordinators, advisers, professors, instructors and other concerned individuals found guilty of violating this regulation will be have to pay a fine of P100,000 to P200,000.
Students and parents, however, shall be obligated to pay an interest not exceeding 5% per annum, for unpaid tuition and other school fees unless waived by the school.
University of the Philippines – Manila freshman Kristel Tejada, caused a furor after she committed suicide because she could not pay her tuition fee, as was the case in 2013. UP has since scrapped the ‘no late payment’ of tuition policy.
“We need to put in place a more considerate policy towards students undergoing financial difficulties. In the past, we have seen how this policy has caused humiliation, trauma and stress to students, as well as their families,” Villar added to her statement.
