The Philippine Senate ratified the reconciled version of the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” as confirmed by the Bicameral Conference Committee on Wednesday. This development marks a crucial step in abolishing the longstanding “no permit, no exam” rule in educational institutions.
Senator Chiz Escudero, leading the ratification efforts, emphasized the committee’s unanimous support from various representatives in the education sector, notably the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA).
The ratified bill merges Senate Bill 1359 with House Bills 6483 and 7584, both aimed at prohibiting educational institutions from enforcing the “no permit, no exam” policy. Escudero, who chairs the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, hailed this act as “one of the greatest legacies” for future generations, aiming to eradicate a practice that has long been a source of controversy.
Escudero highlighted the detrimental impact of this rule on students, noting, “Forcing a student to forfeit an exam is the cruelest of fines. It can lead to shattered dreams and lost opportunities, beyond just the loss of a diploma.”
The new measure extends beyond just exams. It forbids any policy that bars students in public or private schools from participating in examinations or educational assessments due to unpaid financial or property obligations, such as tuition or other school fees.
However, Escudero clarified that the legislation does not equate to tuition forgiveness. It does not eliminate a student’s financial obligations to their institution. Instead, it allows for the deferment of fee payment, ensuring students can take their examinations unhindered by financial constraints.