Bill allows student to take exams without paying fees

MANILA, Philippines – A congressman today proposed a measure that prohibits schools from preventing students with delinquent tuition fees to take examinations.

Manila 2nd District Rep. Carlo Lopez filed House Bill 4559, which declares as unlawful the act of prohibiting students from taking any examinations due to their failure to pay tuition fees.

Lopez said that bill prescribes suspension or cancellation of permits to operate against violators. School owners or officials may also be asked to pay a fine of not more than P50,000.

The congressman said that the bill will provide “a reasonable compromise” between the students and school administrations.

He said school authorities may withhold the release of the students’ grades until they have fully paid their tuition fees.

“The bill recognizes the rights of the school authorities, who cannot be compelled to issue clearance to students with unpaid financial obligations to their schools,” Lopez said.

Under the bill, the student with an unpaid tuition fee may be admitted by the school concerned at the next succeeding semester’s classes or at the next succeeding opening of a new academic year, until the prior delinquencies are fully paid.

Lopez said the students shall be obligated to pay an interest for the unpaid tuition fees, an amount equivalent to not more than 14 percent per annum, computed from the date of the examination, unless waived by the school’s authorities.

Lopez cited Section 99, Article 20 of the Manual of Regulation for Private Higher Education which states that “Higher Education Institutions shall deny final examination for students who have outstanding financial or property obligation including unpaid tuition and other school fees corresponding to the school term.”

“Under the bill, the poor students with delinquent tuition fees shall be protected and can bring their case to the court, as well as the schools right to slap interest for the unpaid tuition fees and cannot be compelled to issue clearances to students with financial obligations to their schools,” he said. –Philippine Star