The Senate in the Philippines has recently ratified the reconciled version of the proposed No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act. This act aims to address the issue of students being forced to forfeit exams due to outstanding financial or property obligations. Lawmakers believe that this practice is the “cruelest of fines” as it can have a detrimental impact on students’ lives.
The bicameral conference committee, which consolidated Senate Bill 1359 and House Bills 6483 and 7584, unanimously agreed to ban the “no permit, no exam” rule. This rule has long been a source of concern for students and education advocates.
During the Senate session, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Chairman of the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, presented the reconciled bill and highlighted the potential consequences of the “no permit, no exam” rule. He emphasized that it can lead to shattered dreams and lost opportunities, not just the loss of a diploma.
Escudero reassured the Senate that the bicameral conference committee had the full support of representatives from the education sector, including the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations. This collaboration demonstrates the collective effort to address this long-standing issue and protect students’ rights.
The ratification of the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act” is seen as a significant milestone. It marks the end of a practice that has been prevalent for many years, and paves the way for a fairer and more inclusive education system.
In addition to prohibiting the “no permit, no exam” rule, the act also prevents the imposition of any policies that hinder students from taking examinations or educational assessments due to outstanding financial or property obligations, such as unpaid tuition and other school fees.
Escudero clarified that the bill does not mandate “tuition forgiveness.” It does not erase a student’s debt to schools. Instead, it calls for the deferment of payment while allowing the student to take the examination. This provision aims to strike a balance between the need to address financial obligations and the importance of ensuring equal access to education.
The No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act is a significant step towards creating a more equitable educational environment. It recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, to pursue their educational goals.
By ratifying this act, the Senate has shown its commitment to protecting the rights of students and promoting a fairer education system. This achievement will have a positive impact on the lives of countless students, ensuring that they are not unfairly penalized for financial or property obligations.
As the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act becomes law, it is essential for educational institutions and stakeholders to fully understand and implement its provisions. This will help create a supportive environment where students are encouraged to pursue their studies without fear of being denied the opportunity to take exams due to financial constraints.
Overall, the ratification of the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act is a significant victory for students’ rights in the Philippines. It marks a step forward in creating a more inclusive and accessible education system, where students can focus on their academic pursuits without unnecessary barriers.
Source: The Manila Times
