ISSUES:

1. Constitutionality

Article XIV

EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS

EDUCATION

Section 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all
levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

Section 2. The State shall:

(1) Establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education
relevant to the needs of the people and society;

(2) Establish and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high school
levels. Without limiting the natural right of parents to rear their children, elementary education is
compulsory for all children of school age;

(3) Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and
other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools,
especially to the underprivileged;

(4) Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning,
independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community
needs; and

(5) Provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with training in civics, vocational
efficiency, and other skills.

Section 3. (1) All educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of the
curricula.

(2) They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human
rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country,
teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral
character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and
technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.

(3) At the option expressed in writing by the parents or guardians, religion shall be allowed to be
taught to their children or wards in public elementary and high schools within the regular class
hours by instructors designated or approved by the religious authorities of the religion to which
the children or wards belong, without additional cost to the Government.
Section 4.(1) The State recognizes the complementary roles of public and private institutions in
the educational system and shall exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of all educational
institutions.

(2) Educational institutions, other than those established by religious groups and mission boards,
shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or corporations or associations at least sixty per
centum of the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The Congress may, however, require
increased Filipino equity participation in all educational institutions.

The control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested in citizens of the
Philippines.

No educational institution shall be established exclusively for aliens and no group of aliens shall
comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any school. The provisions of this subsection
shall not apply to schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents and,
unless otherwise provided by law, for other foreign temporary residents.

(3) All revenues and assets of non-stock, non-profit educational institutions used actually, directly,
and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties. Upon the
dissolution or cessation of the corporate existence of such institutions, their assets shall be disposed
of in the manner provided by law.

Proprietary educational institutions, including those cooperatively owned, may likewise be entitled
to such exemptions, subject to the limitations provided by law, including restrictions on dividends
and provisions for reinvestment.

(4) Subject to conditions prescribed by law, all grants, endowments, donations, or contributions
used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from tax.

Section 5. (1) the State shall take into account regional and sectoral needs and conditions and shall
encourage local planning in the development of educational policies and programs.

(2) Academic freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.

(3) Every citizen has a right to select a profession or course of study, subject to fair, reasonable,
and equitable admission and academic requirements.

(4) The State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional advancement. Non-teaching
academic and non-academic personnel shall enjoy the protection of the State.

(5) The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching will
attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and
other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.
 LANGUAGE

Section 6. The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further
developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.

Subject to provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government shall take
steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as
language of instruction in the educational system.

Section 7. For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines
are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.

The regional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the regions and shall serve as
auxiliary media of instruction therein.

Spanish and Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional basis.

Section 8. This Constitution shall be promulgated in Filipino and English and shall be translated
into major regional languages, Arabic, and Spanish.

Section 9. The Congress shall establish a national language commission composed of

representatives of various regions and disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote
researches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other languages.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Section 10. Science and technology are essential for national development and progress. The State
shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to
science and technology education, training, and services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate,
and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the country’s
productive systems and national life.

Section 11. The Congress may provide for incentives, including tax deductions, to encourage
private participation in programs of basic and applied scientific research. Scholarships, grants-in-
aid, or other forms of incentives shall be provided to deserving science students, researchers,
scientists, inventors, technologists, and specially gifted citizens.

Section 12. The State shall regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of technology from all
sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest participation of private groups, local
governments, and community-based organizations in the generation and utilization of science and
technology.

Section 13. The State shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists,
and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when beneficial
to the people, for such period as may be provided by law.
 ARTS AND CULTURE

Section 14. The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino
national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and
intellectual expression.

Section 15. Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve,
promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as
artistic creations.

Section 16. All the country’s artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the
nation and shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition.

Section 17. The State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural
communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall consider
these rights in the formulation of national plans and policies.

Section 18. (1) The State shall ensure equal access to cultural opportunities through the educational
system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships, grants and other incentives, and
community cultural centers, and other public venues.

(2) The State shall encourage and support researches and studies on the arts and culture.

SPORTS

Section 19. (1) The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league
competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-
discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.

(2) All educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities

Batas Pambansa Blg. 232

Section 9. Right of Students in School - In addition to other rights, and subject to the limitation
prescribed by law and regulations, and student and pupils in all schools shall enjoy the following
rights:

1. The right to receive, primarily through competent instruction, relevant quality education in
line with national goals and conducive to their full development as person with human
dignity.

2. The right to freely chose their field of study subject to existing curricula and to continue
their course therein up to graduation, except in cases of academic deficiency, or violation of
disciplinary regulations.

3. The right to school guidance and counseling services for decisions and selecting the
alternatives in fields of work suited to his potentialities.
 4. The right of access to his own school records, the confidentiality of which the school shall
maintain and preserve.

5. The right to the issuance of official certificates, diplomas, transcript of records, grades,
transfer credentials and other similar documents within thirty days from request.

6. The right to publish a student newspaper and similar publications, as well as the right to
invite resource persons during assemblies, symposia and other activities of similar nature.

7. The right to free expression of opinions and suggestions, and to effective channels of
communication with appropriate academic channels and administrative bodies of the school
or institution.

8. The right to form, establish, join and participate in organizations and societies recognized
by the school to foster their intellectual, cultural, spiritual and physical growth and
development, or to form, establish, join and maintain organizations and societies for
purposes not contrary to law.

9. The right to be free from involuntary contributions, except those approved by their own he
organizations or societies.

Section 13. Rights of Schools - In addition to other rights provided for by law, schools shall enjoy the
following:

1. The right of their governing boards or lawful authorities to provide for the proper
governance of the school and to adopt and enforce administrative or management systems.

2. The right for institutions of higher learning to determine on academic grounds who shall be
admitted to study, who may teach, and what shall be subjects of the study and research.

Section 5. Declaration of Policy and Objectives - It is likewise declared government policy to foster,
at all times, a spirit of shared purposes and cooperation among the members and elements of the
educational community, and between the community and other sectors of society, in the realization
that only in such an atmosphere can be true goals and objectives of education be fulfilled.

Specifically paragraphs 2 and 3

2. Promote and safeguard the welfare and interest of the students by defining their rights and
obligations, according them privileges, and encouraging the establishment of sound relationships
between them and the other members of the school community.

3. Promote the social economic status of all school personnel, uphold their rights, define their
obligations, and improve their living and working conditions and career prospects.

Article 26 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 26

Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and
fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional
education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all
on the basis of merit.

Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the
strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote
understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall
further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
 2. Retroactivity

An Act Establishing the Ramon Magsaysay Technological University Out of the Integration of the Ramon

Magsaysay Polytechnic College in the Municipality of Iba, the Western Luzon Agricultural College in the

Municipality of San Marcelino and the Candelaria School of Fisheries in the Municipality of Candelaria, All in the

Province of Zambales, and Appropriating Funds Therefor

Republic Act No. 8498

Congress of the Philippines

12 February 1998

Republic of the Philippines

Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila

Tenth Congress
Third Regular Session

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. A State University to be known as the Ramon Magsaysay Technological University,

hereinafter referred to as the University, is hereby established out of the integration of the Ramon
Magsaysay Polytechnic College in the Municipality of Iba, Province of Zambales, and integrating
therewith within three (3) years as its component colleges the Western Luzon Agricultural College
in the Municipality of San Marcelino and the Candelaria School of Fisheries in the Municipality
of Candelaria, both in the Province of Zambales. The main campus of the University shall be the
Ramon Magsaysay Polytechnic College in Iba, Zambales.
 SECTION 2. The University shall primarily provide instructions, undertake research and
extension, and provide advanced studies and progressive leadership in agriculture, forestry,
engineering, education, arts, sciences, humanities, and other fields as may be relevant to the
development of the province.

SECTION 3. The State University shall offer undergraduate, graduate and short-term technical
courses within its areas of specialization as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out
its development objectives, particularly in meeting the needs of the province.

The existing high school shall be transferred to the jurisdiction and supervision of the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports: Provided, That this high school shall be allowed to
remain and operate within the campus of the University until their students shall have completed
high school: Provided, Further, That the University may operate a reasonably-sized laboratory
school if it has a College of Education.

SECTION 4. The governing body of the University shall be the Board of Regents, hereinafter
referred to as the Board, which shall be composed of the following:

(1) Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), chairman;

(2) President of the University, vice-chairman;

(3) Chairman of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of the Senate, member;

(4) Chairman of the Committee on Education and Culture of the House of Representatives,
member;

(5) Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA),
member;

(6) President of the federation of faculty associations of the university, member;

(7) President of the federation of supreme student councils of the University, member;

(8) President of the federation of alumni associations of the University, member; and

(9) Two (2) prominent citizens who have distinguished themselves in their professions or
fields of specialization of the University, chosen from among a list of at least five (5) persons
 qualified in the city or the province where the University is located, as recommended by the
search committee of the University constituted by the University president, in consultation
with the Chairman of the CHED, based on the normal standards and qualifications for the
position, members.

The presidents of the federations of faculty and alumni associations and the student regents shall
sit in the Board until the expiration of their term of office in such capacities.

The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years.

In case of vacancy by reason of death, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the
president to perform the functions of his office, the Board shall have the authority to designate an
officer-in-charge pending the appointment of a new president.

SECTION 5. The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared
policies on education and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education,
science and technology, arts, culture, and sports, as well as the policies, standards, and thrusts of
the CHED under Republic Act No. 7722.

SECTION 6. The Board shall have the following specific powers and duties in addition to its
general powers of administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the Board of
Directors of a corporation under existing laws:

(a) To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to carry
out the purposes and functions of the University;

(b) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the
University in the manner it may, in its discretion, determine to carry out the purposes and
functions of the University;

(c) To receive in trust, legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all
kinds and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit of the
University and subject to the limitations, directions and instructions of the donor, if any.
Such donations shall be exempt from all taxes and shall be considered as deductible items
from the income tax of the donor;
 (d) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary charges of the University such as, but not
limited to, matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem
proper to impose after due consultation with the involved sectors;

Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by the
University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized
government depository bank, and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of
the same fund for the use of the University.

Any income generated by the University from tuition fees and other charges, as well as
from the operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the University,
and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension or other
programs/projects of the University: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for
the specific purposes for which they are collected.

If, for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue any project for
which funds have been appropriated and, allocated under its approved program of
expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for any reasonable purpose,
which, in its discretion, may be used for the attainment of the objectives and goals of the
university or college.

(e) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machineries, equipment, and
other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal properties, including
necessary supplies, materials and equipment;

(f) To appoint, upon the recommendation of the President of the University, vice-
presidents, deans, directors, and heads of departments, faculty members and other officials
and employees of the University;

(g) To fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and
employees in accordance with the Revised Compensation and Position Classification
System;

(h) To approve the curricula, institutional programs and rules of discipline drawn by the
administrative and academic councils as herein provided;

(i) To set policies on admission and graduation of students;

 (j) To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding
contributions in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and technology, or in
any field of specialization of the University, and to authorize the awarding of certificates for
completion of non-degree and non-traditional courses;

(k) To establish branches or centers in the Province of Zambales, if and when it becomes
essential and necessary, where there is no existing school offering similar programs or
courses to promote and carry out equal access to educational opportunities as mandated by
the Constitution;

(l) To establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for qualified faculty
members and scholarships to deserving students;

(m) To establish research and extension centers of the University where such will promote
the development of the latter;

(n) To delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to the President
and/or other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate so as to expedite the
administration of the affairs of the University;

(o) To authorize an external management audit of the institution, to be financed by the

CHED and to institute reforms, including academic and structural changes, on the basis of
the audit results and recommendations;

(p) To collaborate with other governing boards of state universities within the province or
region, under the supervision of the CHED and in consultation with the Department of
Budget and Management, the restructuring of the University to become more efficient,
relevant, productive and competitive;

(q) To develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local government units,
institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in furtherance of the
purposes and objectives of the institution;

(r) To develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with appropriate
institutions and agencies, public or private, local or foreign, and to appoint
experts/specialists as consultants, or visiting or exchange professors, scholars, researchers,
as the case may be;
 (s) To set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge
such as the use of information technology, the dual system, open learning, community
laboratory and the like, for the promotion of greater access to higher education;

(t) To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making and
transparency within the institution;

(u) To privatize, where most advantageous to the institution, management and non-
academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance and
similar such other activities; and

(v) To extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of retirement but
not later than the age of seventy (70), whose performance has been unanimously rated as
outstanding and upon unanimous recommendation by the search committee for the President
of the University.

SECTION 7. The Board shall convene regularly at least once every quarter. The Chairman of the
Board may call a special meeting whenever necessary: Provided, That members are notified in
writing at least three (3) days prior to said meeting.

A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all members holding office at the time of
the meeting: Provided, However, That the Chairman of the CHED, who is the Chairman of the
Board or the President of the University, is among those present in the meeting.

In the absence of the Chairman of the CHED, a Commissioner of the CHED, duly designated
by him, shall represent him in the meeting with all the rights and responsibilities of a regular
member: Provided, However, That in the said meeting, the President of the University as vice-
chairman shall be the presiding officer.

The members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses
incurred in their attendance of the meetings of the Board or in connection with their official
business authorized by resolution of the Board.

SECTION 8. The University shall be headed by a president to be appointed by the Board upon
recommendation of a duly constituted search committee, and shall hold office for a term of four
(4) years, renewable only for another term, unless he/she reaches the age of compulsory retirement
or earlier removed for cause, or becomes incapacitated to discharge the duties of the office.
 In case of vacancy in the office of the president by reason of death, resignation, compulsory
retirement, incapacity of the president to perform the functions of his office, or removal for cause,
the Board shall have the authority to designate an officer-in-charge of the University, pending
appointment of a successor.

The powers and duties of the President of the University, in addition to those specifically
provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the office of the president of similar
universities.

The salary of the President of the University shall be subject to the existing compensation and
position classification system and shall be comparable to that being received by other presidents
of similar educational institutions of like standing.

In order not to disrupt the smooth functioning of the three (3) campuses upon the effectivity of
this Act, the position of the College President of Western Luzon Agricultural College is hereby
converted into a University President, and its incumbent shall assume the presidency up to the end
of his current term without the necessity of a new appointment.

SECTION 9. There shall be an administrative council consisting of the President of the University
as Chairman, the vice-president(s), deans, directors, and other officials of equal rank as members,
whose duty is to implement the policies governing the administration, management and
development planning of the University, as approved by the Board.

SECTION 10. There shall be an academic council with the President of the University as chairman
and all members of the instructional staff with the rank not lower than assistant professor as
members. The academic council shall have the power to prescribe curricular offering subject to
the approval of the Board. It shall fix the requirements for admission to the University, as well as
for graduation and the conferment of degrees, subject to review and/or approval by the Board
through the president of the University. It shall also recommend rules and policies to prescribe
student discipline.

SECTION 11. The Board shall appoint a secretary who shall serve as such for both the Board and
the University and shall keep all records and proceedings of the Board. He shall communicate to
each member of the Board notice of meetings.

SECTION 12. The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University.
 SECTION 13. No religious opinion or affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in the appointment
of faculty members of the University: Provided, However, That no member of the faculty shall
teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.

SECTION 14. The University shall enjoy academic freedom.

SECTION 15. On or before the fifteenth day of the second month after the opening of regular
classes each year, the Board shall file with both Houses of Congress, a detailed report of the
progress, condition and needs of the University.

SECTION 16. All the assets, fixed and movable, personnel and records of the Ramon Magsaysay
Polytechnic College, the Western Luzon Agricultural College and the Candelaria School of
Fisheries, except those belonging to or used by the high schools, as well as liabilities or obligations,
are hereby transferred to the University: Provided, However, That the positions, rights and security
of tenure of personnel therein employed under existing laws prior to the absorption by the
University are not impaired: Provided, Further, That the incumbents of such positions shall remain
in the same status until otherwise provided for by the Board.

SECTION 17. The University may accept the affiliation and/or integration within its operation of
any existing national school within the province whose programs can contribute largely and
effectively to the attainment of its objectives, in coordination with the CHED and in consultation
with the Department of Budget and Management: Provided, That funds, properties and other
assets, as well as obligations of the integrated school shall be transferred to the University.

SECTION 18. Within the period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act,
the University shall accomplish the following:

(1) Submit a five (5) year development plan, including its corresponding program budget,
to the CHED, for appropriate recommendation to the DBM;

(2) Undergo a management audit in coordination with the CHED;

(3) Accordingly set up its organization, administrative as well as academic structure,

including the appointment/designation of university key officials;

(4) Set in motion the establishment of at least four (4) separate degree granting units, one
of which is in the arts and sciences and another, at the graduate level.
 SECTION 19. The operation of the institution as a university shall not begin until after three (3)
years from the effectivity of this Act. Within said transition period, which shall not exceed three
(3) years, the three (3) campuses shall rationalize their thrust and integrate their programs, develop
the University’s research, extension and community service programs, recruit and upgrade their
faculty and personnel, build the required library, laboratory facilities and infrastructure, and set up
their organizational structure, all in accordance with their development plan.

SECTION 20. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged against
the current year’s appropriations of the Ramon Magsaysay Polytechnic College, the Western
Luzon Agricultural College and the Candelaria School of Fisheries, except the sum needed to
continue the operations of the existing high school. Thereafter, at the end of the three (3)-year
transition period, such sum as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of
the Ramon Magsaysay University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 21. The provisions of Republic Act No. 8289, otherwise known as the “Higher
Education Modernization Act,” shall form an integral part of this Act and together shall serve as
the governing charter of the University.

SECTION 22. If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SECTION 23. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary to
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 24. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.