For how many years, it has been the policy of majority of Universities and Colleges in the Philippines mostly private schools not to allow their students to take examinations if their school obligations especially the financial one that includes tuition and miscellaneous fees are not yet settled. This policy of schools were also called the “no permit no exam policy” because students will not be issued any examination permit unless all his or her obligations are already settled. With tuition and other school fees increases every year, more and more students in the Philippines mostly at the college level are forced to stop because they cannot take the examinations due to this unfair school policy. As a result, less number of college graduates is produced in the Philippines every year.
Finally, the government has done something right to somehow alleviate this problem in the education system in the country. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a memorandum to all universities, colleges and vocational schools in the Philippines to allow students to take their examinations in spite their unpaid dues and unsettled school obligations. CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) 02 series of 2010 was issued last January 22, 2010. This memorandum is at the right time since majority of schools are having their midterm examinations at the moment. But the schools have the right to withhold the clearance of students until all their balance is paid.
This memorandum is in response to the House Bill 6799 or the “Anti No-Permit No-Exam Policy” passed by Kabataan Partylist Rep. Palatino. CHED, upon attending hearing with regards to the bill has made its action in issuance of a memo instead of passing a bill that takes a long process. But there are no sanctions to schools that will not comply on the said memorandum. However, Rep. Palatino is urging students to report to CHED office if their schools are not abiding on the said memorandum.
Synthesis:
For me, the HB6799 must be passed and made as a law to fully abolish the No Permit No Exam policy of schools in the Philippines especially the private schools. There are already a lot of schools in the Philippines and some schools are into commercialization with this policy. What is important to them is to gain large profits on school fees while the quality of education they provide is still very low. The government specially the Education department must be vigilant to these schools and be strict with the curriculum that the school offers. Students must not be deprived from their right for a quality education because of their financial incapability. If the school is really sincere with their vision and mission to offer quality education, for sure they will abide with this law. I understand the public schools needed fees from students as the source of salary for their teachers, for facilities etc. but they should make a new policy that would be equal for both the students and the school. For example, students are allowed to pay half upon enrollment and allowed to take the exams. But their clearance will not be signed unless all their debts are paid. There are a lot of alternatives with this No-Permit No-Exam policy if these schools are really sincere in providing quality education and not only for commercialization.
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