CHEd orders probe on suicide of Cagayan coed over unpaid fees

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has ordered an investigation into the death of a Cagayan State University (CSU) student, who reportedly committed suicide due to unpaid school fees.

The freshman student was found dead at her house in Abulug town around 6 p.m. last Feb. 25.

On its Twitter account, the CHEd directed CSU officials “to look into the matter seriously.”

The National Youth Commission (NYC) also urged CHEd to ensure that tuition and other school fees ”do not burden students to the point of suicide.”

In 2013, University of the Philippines-Manila student Kristel Tejada committed suicide after she failed to pay her tuition.

Following the death of Tejada, CHEd issued a memorandum mandating schools to provide access to financial assistance when the students “cannot pay (at that) particular moment.” 

NYC chairperson Gio Tingson said students must be protected when they are denied school services over unpaid school fees.

Tingson said CHEd has no clear mechanism on how students can oppose increases in tuition and other fees.