Law On Students’ Rights: Schools can’t compel students on board exam review classes

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Republic Act 10609, or the Protection of Students Rights law, has been signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III last August 28, according to Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (3rd district, Negros Oriental), the main author of the measure.

Teves said the law prohibits schools from compelling graduating students—in courses requiring professional board examinations— to enroll in review centers chosen by the schools themselves.

The law covers all public and private educational institutions including local colleges and universities as well as high education institutions (HEIs), said the congressman.

Teves said schools have been requiring students to take review classes, which were never part of the curriculum, as a prerequisite for graduation or course completion and, failure to comply with these, the release of records, diploma and other documents will be withheld.

He also cited anomalous transactions in the past that forced students to pay for the review including packages for transportation as well as board and lodging.

Violations of the new law would mean suspension from office and revocation of the professional license of the school, Teves said.

Penal provisions against school officials is their imprisonment from six months and one day to six years, a fine of P750,000 plus disciplinary sanctions by the Commission on Higher Education pursuant to Section 13 of RA 7722, or the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1994. (FREEMAN)