On March 11, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enacted Republic Act 11984, known as the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," which mandates that all educational institutions in the Philippines must allow students who have not paid their tuition and other fees to participate in periodic and final examinations without a permit. This law applies to public and private institutions across basic education, higher education, and technical vocational education sectors.
The legislation ensures that students facing financial hardships are not barred from examination opportunities due to unpaid fees. It stipulates that for K to 12 students, this provision is applicable throughout the academic year.
In cases of financial hardship resulting from unforeseen events such as calamities or emergencies, relevant social welfare officers or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide certification of a student's disadvantaged status. This is in line with the implementing rules and regulations set forth by the DSWD.
Moreover, the act preserves the rights of educational institutions to employ legal and administrative measures, such as requiring promissory notes or withholding academic records, to collect unpaid fees.
Violations of this act by educational institutions will result in administrative penalties enforced by the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
The DSWD, alongside stakeholders, will establish the regulations to define the criteria for "disadvantaged student" status and the certification process necessary to implement the law effectively.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez commended the enactment of the act, describing it as a significant advancement towards educational fairness. He emphasized the importance of equal educational access for all students, regardless of their economic status, and urged educational institutions to comply with the new law to support disadvantaged students.
Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro recognized the law as an important triumph for student rights. She highlighted that the previous "no permit, no exam" policy had been a divisive issue, creating barriers to education for financially challenged students. The abolition of this policy is seen as a critical move to ensure that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through examinations.
The newly enacted Republic Act 11984, also known as the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," signifies a pivotal shift in educational policy, affirming that education is a fundamental right accessible to all. Representative France Castro emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive educational environment where every student has the opportunity to excel, irrespective of their financial situation.
The Department of Education's Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas indicated that the department is awaiting a complete copy of the law and the subsequent Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), which will be developed by the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority within 60 days following the law's approval.
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, lauded the enactment of RA 11984, considering it one of the most significant contributions of the legislative and executive branches to the nation. He expressed gratitude to President Marcos for promptly signing the measure, which promises to empower economically disadvantaged students to complete their education and pursue a brighter future.
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