TACLOBAN CITY – Schools should be reminded that there is a law mandating them not to prohibit students from taking their examinations even if their tuition fees are unpaid. Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla (2nd district) referred to Republic Act 11984, known as the ‘No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,’ authored by her husband, Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla.
”This is very timely, especially since it is examination week, and many of our young students will be graduating,” she said in a brief interview on Tuesday (May 14).
“The examination of the children should continue despite the non-payment yet of their tuition fee by their parents,” the Cavite lawmaker added.
However, she emphasized that parents are still required to pay their children’s fees.
“What is being prohibited under the law is barring the students to take their examinations,” Mercado-Revilla clarified.
The lawmaker mentioned reports that some students, unable to take their examinations due to unpaid fees, are forced to stop their studies or, worse, develop depression.
Mercado-Revilla was in Tacloban City on her way to attend the 157th founding anniversary of Merida town, Leyte, on Tuesday (May 14). She also visited Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
RA 11984, signed into law by President Marcos on March 11, 2023, directs schools to allow students to take their examinations even if their tuition is unpaid.
The law covers all public and private basic education institutions, higher education institutions, and technical vocational institutions.
Failure to comply with the law can result in administrative sanctions imposed by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (ChEd), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
JOEY A. GABIETA
