Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6981

Introduced by Honorable MICHAEL L. ROMERO, Ph.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seks to set age and health qualifications for the posts of
Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission on Higher Education.

Sixty (60) years old is the age ceiling while a fit for work certification
from a licensed medical doctor are the additional qualifications added to Section
4 of Republic Act 7722, also known as the Higher Education Act of 1994.

Leading the highest policy-making government agency for higher
education can be taxing on personal health and also requires wisdom that comes
with age. The fit for work certification and age ceiling of 60 years are
reasonable qualifications necessary for the physical and intellectual demands of
the highest posts at the CHED.

A good balance this bill seeks in the interest of public service.

MICHAEL L. ROMERO, Ph. D.
Representative, |-PACMAN Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6981
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable MICHAEL L. ROMERO, Ph.D.

AN ACT
SETTING THE AGE AND HEALTH QUALIFICATIONS
FOR CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS
OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “The CHED
Chairman and Commissioners Age and Health Qualifications. Upon
Appointment Act”.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect, foster and
promote the right of all citizens to affordable quality education at all levels and
shall take appropriate steps to ensure that education shall be accessible to all.
The State shall likewise ensure and protect academic freedom and shall promote
its exercise and observance for the continuing intellectual growth, the
advancement of learning and research, the development of responsible and
effective leadership, the education of high-level and middle-level professionals,
and the enrichment of our historical and cultural heritage.

State-supported institutions of higher learning shall gear their programs to
national, regional or local development plans. Finally, all institutions of higher


learning shall exemplify through their physical and natural surroundings the
dignity and beauty of, as well as their pride in, the intellectual and scholarly life.

Section 3. Age and health qualifications upon appointment. Section 4 of
Republic Act 7722 is hereby amended to read as follows:

SEC. 4. Composition of the Commission. - The Commission shall be
composed of five (5) full-time members. During the transition period
which begins upon approval of this Act, the President may appoint the
Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports as ex officio chairman of the
Commission for a maximum period of one (1) year. Thereafter, the
President shall appoint a Chairman of the Commission and four (4)
commissioners, who shall be holders of earned doctorate(s), who have
been actively engaged in higher education for at least ten (10) years, and
must not have been candidates for elective positions in the elections
immediately preceding their appointment. They shall be academicians
known for their high degree of professionalism and integrity who have
distinguished themselves as authorities in their chosen fields of learning.
The members of the Commission shall belong to different academic
specializations. On the date of their appointment, they shall not be
more than sixty (60) years old and have been certified, in writing, by
a licensed medical doctor to be fit for work.

Section 4. Separability. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, and
administrative orders or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Act
are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Section 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in the online version of the Official Gazette or in two
(2) newspapers of general circulation or with established internet website
presence.

Approved.