Solon files bill scrapping 'no permit, no exam policy' for students

MANILA, Philippines – Students around the country no longer have to worry before their examinations as Laguna First District Rep. Ann Matibag of San Pedro City has already filed the Anti-No Permit, No Exam Bill.

Known for her initiatives to the youth and mother sectors all over the archipelago, the former Laguna provincial board member gladly informed the public that the House Bill (HB) 1486 has also passed on first reading in Congress. 

Despite the ongoing global economic inflation caused by the pandemic and rising fuel prices, Rep. Matibag explains that the right of Filipino students to study in private and public universities must not be affected.

The proposed house bill seeks to allow students to take their preliminary, midterm or final examinations without need to secure a permit as proof of payment of tuition and other school fees. 

“It is really high time to get rid of the ‘no permit, no exam policy’ being imposed to schools and most universities,” Matibag said, whose Anti-Trans Fat Bill also passed on first reading in Congress.

“Every student has a right to finish their studies,” she added. “Now that the opening of classes is near, no student should have their education interrupted just because he or she cannot pay tuition fees at the moment.”

Matibag believes that education is not a privilege but an absolute right — reassuring parents that their children should be able to pursue their education without heavy pressure to settle debts as soon as possible.

“In my explanatory note, it is time to have an act penalizing the “no permit, no exam policy in all educational institutions,” she said. “This is consistent with State policy to prioritize education, science and technology, arts and sports to foster patriotism.”

She added despite this mandate, there are still many schools and college universities are still prohibiting their students to take the exam if they don’t settle or pay their tuition fee education.

Matibag added that she is sad to learn that some colleges and universities are capitalizing on hybrid classes, which cost them less on overhead expenses such as electricity and maintenance. 

“We cannot allow our students and their parents to be exploited and used as milking cows especially during these hard economic times. The present condition is very depressing. We must correct it to guarantee the universal right to education of the Filipino youth,” Matibag added. 

The Department of Education, meanwhile, previously announced that classes will begin on August 22, 2022, while the full implementation of face-to-face classes will start on November 2, 2022.