Senator lauds law banning ‘no permit, no exam’ rule

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Escudero has lauded the enactment of a law that bans the “cruel” practice in schools of preventing indigent students with unpaid dues from taking their examinations.

Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on higher, technical and vocational education, said the passage of Republic Act 11984 or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act” will prohibit schools from preventing students with unpaid tuition and other school fees from taking their periodic and final examinations.

“The ‘No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act’ is one of the greatest legacies that we can leave behind. Finally, we can get rid of this long-time practice,” he added.

The law will allow poor but deserving students to finish their education, according to the senator.

“Preventing a student from taking the exams is a cruel punishment. This kills one’s chances at a diploma and a student’s dreams,” he said.

The new law mandates educational institutions to require a promissory note, retain student records and credentials, and have legal and administrative ways to recover outstanding fees. 

Schools violating the law may be administratively penalized by the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.