Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 767 
Introduced by Honorable Representatives 
JOSE MANUEL TADEO “CHEL” I. DIOKNO (Akbayan Partylist) 
PERCIVAL V. CENDAÑA (Akbayan Partylist) 
DADAH KIRAM ISMULA (Akbayan Partylist) 
ARLENE “KAKA” J. BAG-AO (Dinagat Islands) 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON STUDENTS' RIGHTS 
AND WELFARE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The right to education is a basic human right. To deny it is to deny our youth 
the chance for a decent future. To fully realize the right to education, students need 
a safe and nurturing learning environment. Students must be able to express 
themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal. They must be able to exchange 
different views and engage in open dialogue. They must have a voice in the 
formulation of policies and decision-making processes that affect their rights and 
welfare.  
While the Constitution “recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building 
and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social 
well-being,”1 there is presently no uniform standard that safeguards the rights and 
welfare of students. Consequently, school administrations wield considerable authority 
that, unchecked, can stifle the learning environment and infringe on the right to 
education. Regressive policies and practices that discourage or even penalize freedom 
of expression, the open exchange of ideas, and active participation; that promote 
campus militarization; and those that are discriminatory or non-inclusive, interfere 
with the learning process. Rather than inculcating critical thinking and democratic 
values, these regressive policies promote blind adherence to arbitrary rules and 
authoritarianism.  
1 Article II, Section 13, 1987 Constitution. 
July 1, 2025
12:00 pm


 
 
Hence this proposed legislation, which seeks to (1) establish minimum 
standards for meaningful student consultation, particularly in matters concerning 
tuition hikes and increases in other school fees; (2) safeguard the rights and welfare 
of students; (3) create mechanisms to ensure meaningful student participation in the 
formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect them; (4) maintain an 
inclusive learning environment; and (5) promote democratic values in our schools. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JOSE MANUEL TADEO  
“CHEL” I. DIOKNO 
Akbayan Representative 
 
 
PERCIVAL V. CENDAÑA 
Akbayan Representative 
 
DADAH KIRAM ISMULA 
Akbayan Representative 
 
 
KAKA J. BAG-AO 
Dinagat Islands Representative 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
 
House Bill No. ____ 
 
 
Introduced by Honorable Representatives 
JOSE MANUEL TADEO “CHEL” I. DIOKNO (Akbayan Partylist) 
PERCIVAL V. CENDAÑA (Akbayan Partylist) 
DADAH KIRAM ISMULA (Akbayan Partylist) 
ARLENE “KAKA” J. BAG-AO (Dinagat Islands) 
 
 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON STUDENTS' RIGHTS 
AND WELFARE 
  
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act will be known as the “Students’ Rights and 
1 
Welfare Act of 2025”. 
2 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Principles. – In line with the Constitution and international 
3 
human rights instruments which the Philippines has ratified, it is the policy of the State 
4 
to protect and promote the welfare of Filipino students and the right of all citizens to 
5 
quality education at all levels; to make education accessible to all; and to guarantee 
6 
the enjoyment of freedom of expression and academic freedom in all schools. Towards 
7 
this end, the State:  
8 
a. Recognizes that education is a right and can only be exercised and enjoyed 
9 
fully when the rights and welfare of students and young Filipinos are 
10 
promoted and protected. 
11 
b. Acknowledges that education is essential to the full participation of Filipinos 
12 
in nation-building. It is also essential in instilling nationalism, critical and 
13 
creative thinking, and the values necessary to promote civil liberties, human 
14 
rights, and fundamental freedoms. 
15 


 
 
c. Affirms that students have the right to meaningful participation in decision-
1 
making processes inside and outside educational institutions, especially in 
2 
the crafting and formulation of policies directly affecting them. The 
3 
promotion of this right to participate is an integral part of the nation’s 
4 
democratic processes.  
5 
d. Affirms that students do not lose their freedom of expression when they 
6 
enter their school campus; and that their right to express themselves, 
7 
especially in matters of public interest and concern, cannot be stifled by 
8 
school authorities.   
9 
e. Affirms the students’ right to organize, which encompasses the right to 
10 
establish student organizations, student unions, and student councils and 
11 
governments. 
12 
Sec. 3.  Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the following 
13 
definitions apply: 
14 
a. "School" refers to a private, public, or government-run and funded 
15 
institution for learning in all levels of education. The term includes 
16 
institutions for vocational and technical education but excludes those 
17 
institutions for Enhanced Basic Education also known as the K to 12 
18 
program. A school is comprised of the student body, administration, faculty, 
19 
and non-faculty personnel. 
20 
b. "School campus” refers to areas designated by the school administration 
21 
for use by students, which include, but are not limited to, facilities, 
22 
contiguous or proximate buildings, and the school grounds. 
23 
c. "Student” refers to any person enrolled in a particular school. 
24 
d. "Governing board' refers to the highest policy-making body of the school 
25 
including the Board of Directors, Board of Regents, or Board of Trustees. 
26 
e. "Student council' or "student government” is the collective term to refer to 
27 
the representatives of students in a school or of students in different 
28 
independent units of a school, college, or university. A designated student 
29 
population annually elects members of the student council or of the student 
30 


 
 
government at large following election rules in the charter or constitution 
1 
of the student council or the student government. 
2 
f. "Council of leaders" refers to a duly constituted body composed of the 
3 
heads of all, or almost all, student organizations in a school. The 
4 
chairperson or the president of the student council or student government, 
5 
or any student duly elected by the members of the council of leaders 
6 
presides over the council of leaders.  
7 
g. "Sectoral students" refers to learners who identify as part of historically 
8 
marginalized or underserved sectors such as Technical-Vocational (Tech-
9 
Voc) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners, working students and 
10 
student assistants, students with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ students, 
11 
Indigenous Peoples and Moro students, pregnant and parenting students. 
12 
h. "Local School Board (LSB)" refers to the policy-making body in LGUs on 
13 
education, as defined under the Local Government Code. 
14 
i. "Tuition” refers to amounts paid for the privilege to receive education in a 
15 
school. 
16 
j. "Other school fees" refer to fees other than tuition. These include library 
17 
and athletic fees, laboratory fees, entrance fees, National Service Training 
18 
Program fees, student council or student government fees, graduation fees, 
19 
medical and dental fees, and other fees charged by the school. 
20 
k. “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” refers to the simulation of human intelligence 
21 
by machines, especially computer systems. It involves the development of 
22 
algorithms and models that enable machines to perform tasks that typically 
23 
require human intelligence. 
24 
l. “Deepfake” refers to a type of synthetic media, usually a video, audio 
25 
recording, or image, in which a person’s likeness, voice, or actions are 
26 
digitally altered or entirely generated using artificial intelligence. 
27 
m. “Reasonable accommodation” refers to any necessary and appropriate 
28 
modification or adjustment that does not impose a disproportionate or 
29 
undue burden, made to ensure a student’s full and equal enjoyment of his 
30 
or her educational rights. 
31 


 
 
SEC. 4. Rights of Students. — Every student is guaranteed the following rights: 
1 
a. Right to competent instruction and accessible, quality, and relevant education; 
2 
b. Right against discrimination in educational institutions; 
3 
c. Right to organize and form organizations; 
4 
d. Right to establish a student council or government; 
5 
e. Right to participate in governance and policy-making; 
6 
f. Right to establish and manage student publications; 
7 
g. Right to information and transparency; 
8 
h. Right to access school records and to the issuance of official certificates; 
9 
i. Right to freedom of expression; 
10 
j. Right to academic freedom; 
11 
k. Rights on academic procedure; 
12 
l. Right to due process in disciplinary actions; 
13 
m. Right to privacy; 
14 
n. Right against illegal searches and seizures; 
15 
o. Right against campus militarization; 
16 
p. Right to adequate student welfare services and safe school environments; 
17 
q. Right to digital privacy, protection from surveillance, and redress against AI and 
18 
deepfake abuse; 
19 
r. Right to mental health and reproductive health care; 
20 
s. Right to sectoral protections and reasonable accommodations. 
21 
SEC. 5. Implementation and Oversight Mechanisms. — A National STRAW 
22 
(Students’ Rights and Welfare) Commission (“Commission”) is established under the 
23 
Department of Education (“DepEd”), Commission on Higher Education (“CHED”), 
24 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (“TESDA”), and the National 
25 
Youth Commission (“NYC”) with representation from national student formations, civil 
26 
society, and school administrators. Each school is directed to create a Students' Rights 
27 
and Welfare Desk composed of the student council and student representatives, 
28 
faculty, and administrative representatives. These bodies are directed to monitor 
29 
compliance, handle student grievances, and submit annual implementation reports to 
30 
the Commission. 
31 


 
 
The Commission is tasked with developing a plan for the implementation of this 
1 
Act, monitoring compliance with the plan, and recommending policy improvements. 
2 
Sec. 6. Right to competent instruction and accessible, quality, and relevant 
3 
education. – Students have the right to accessible, competent, holistic, quality, and 
4 
relevant education essential to personal development and to the development of the 
5 
nation. Students must take part in teacher performance assessments through written 
6 
evaluations at the end of each school term. The conduct of such assessments is the 
7 
obligation of the school administration. 
8 
Sec. 7. Right against discrimination in educational institutions. – No student can 
9 
be denied admission or dropped from the rolls of a school, punished with disciplinary 
10 
action, given mandatory counseling, or denied welfare services, scholarships, and 
11 
other student privileges solely based on physical handicap, socio-economic status, 
12 
political and religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or 
13 
membership in organizations. 
14 
Sec. 8. Right to organize and form organizations. – The right of students to form, 
15 
assist, or join organizations, alliances, or federations shall not be abridged. 
16 
The student council or the student government and the council of leaders is 
17 
responsible for formulating guidelines for the accreditation of student organizations. 
18 
The Office of Student Affairs must implement these guidelines in coordination with the 
19 
student council or student government, and adopt a mechanism to resolve issues 
20 
raised during the accreditation process. 
21 
The accreditation requirements may include submission of documentary requirements 
22 
such as, but not limited to, a written application for accreditation, a copy of the 
23 
constitution and by-laws of the organization, a general plan of action or list of 
24 
activities, list of incumbent officers, and a list of members; but must not unduly restrict 
25 
the right of students to organize. 
26 
Accredited student organizations shall coordinate with the Office of Student Affairs for 
27 
on- and off-campus activities. The school must provide, free of charge, a place within 
28 


 
 
the school campus where a student organization may establish its office or permanent 
1 
meeting area which is accessible and has decent accommodations. 
2 
Sec. 9. Right to establish a student council or government. – A student council or 
3 
student government must be recognized in every school, college, or university. 
4 
a. In schools, colleges, or universities where there is no existing student council 
5 
or student government, the following are the procedures to be followed in 
6 
establishing the student council or student government: 
7 
A constitution or charter of the student council or student government, 
8 
developed through a consultative process involving the council of leaders and 
9 
representatives of unaffiliated students, must be adopted. The constitution or 
10 
charter becomes formally adopted upon ratification by at least two-thirds (2/3) 
11 
of the designated student population. It must includes provisions on the 
12 
structure, functions, and responsibilities of the student council or student 
13 
government. 
14 
Every student council or student government has the right to determine its 
15 
policies and programs on student activities subject to the provisions of its 
16 
charter or constitution and in consonance with school rules and regulations. 
17 
The school rules and regulations, however, must not infringe on the basic rights 
18 
and freedoms of students. 
19 
The election of the members or officers of the student council or student 
20 
government must be conducted by an independent commission on elections 
21 
tasked to ensure that the elections are honest, orderly, and peaceful. The 
22 
members of the commission of elections must be chosen from a list of nominees 
23 
from members of the council of leaders. The school concerned must ensure 
24 
that the commission on elections has sufficient funds to carry out its mandate. 
25 
b. For schools, universities, or colleges with existing student councils or student 
26 
governments, the following rules shall apply: 
27 


 
 
The existing procedure for the election of members of student councils or 
1 
student governments will be retained and enforced as long as it conforms to 
2 
the provisions of this Act. Otherwise, the existing procedure, charter or 
3 
constitution must be amended to conform with the provisions of this Act.  
4 
A "student council or student government fee" may be collected from students to 
5 
finance the operations of the student council or student government. The amount of 
6 
this fee must be determined by the student council or student government in 
7 
consultation with the student body and should be consistent with the student council 
8 
or student government's general plan of action or list of activities for a specific term. 
9 
The school administration must facilitate the collection of the student council or 
10 
student government fee, and must turn over the collected amount to the student 
11 
council or student government within fifteen (15) days after the start of the semester 
12 
or school period. The student council or student government is responsible for 
13 
releasing a financial report at the end of its term. To take effect, a proposal to increase 
14 
the student council or student government fee requires a vote of simple majority by 
15 
the designated student population. 
16 
The school administration is prohibited from implementing a policy restricting the right 
17 
of student councils or student governments to join federations or alliances of student 
18 
councils. 
19 
Sec. 10. Right to participate in governance and policy-making – The students 
20 
must be represented in the highest policy-making body of the school. The selection 
21 
process for the student representative will be formulated by the student council or 
22 
student government and adopted through a referendum among the students. 
23 
The student representative has the same rights as the other members of the governing 
24 
board: Provided, that no monetary compensation will be given to the student 
25 
representative except as reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses incurred in 
26 
attending meetings and representing the governing board. 
27 


 
 
The student representative must have a voting seat in local school boards, school 
1 
governing boards, academic councils, curriculum review bodies, tuition and other fees 
2 
committees, and disciplinary boards.  
3 
National student federations must be consulted in all national education policymaking 
4 
and in the formulation of Implementing Rules and Regulations. 
5 
Sec. 11. Right to establish and manage student publications. – In line with 
6 
Republic Act No. 7079 or the "Campus Journalism Act of 1991”, students have the 
7 
right to publish a student newspaper and other similar publications. The editorial staff 
8 
of the student paper must be comprised of students. The editorial staff will have a 
9 
faculty adviser whose role will be to provide technical assistance to the student 
10 
publication. The selection of the student editor-in-chief and the members of the 
11 
editorial staff must be conducted annually through fair and competitive examinations 
12 
to be administered by an impartial board of judges, consisting of respected 
13 
professional journalists and representatives from the faculty and students. 
14 
The editorial staff must comply with recognized rules of journalism ethics. The editorial 
15 
staff must ensure that the student paper is not used for purposes contrary to law. 
16 
Unless sooner removed for cause and with due process, the editor-in-chief and 
17 
editorial staff have security of tenure for the duration of their prescribed terms. 
18 
The student publication shall be financially autonomous from the school 
19 
administration. A "student publication fee” may be collected from the students and 
20 
will be held in trust by the school administration. The school administration is 
21 
prohibited from implementing a policy that hampers the access of the editorial staff 
22 
to this fund, subject to existing school regulations on the disbursement of funds. The 
23 
school administration is also be prohibited from using this fund. At the end of each 
24 
term, the editorial board is responsible for publishing a financial statement on the use 
25 
of this fund. 
26 
Sec. 12. Right to information and transparency. — The right of students to 
27 
information on matters affecting their welfare is hereby recognized. 
28 


 
 
At the minimum, students must have access to the following documents and 
1 
information:  
2 
a. Official school acts embodying school policies; 
3 
b. The school's annual budget information, including pertinent transactions; and 
4 
c. Any other document that involves the rights and welfare of the students. 
5 
Any student who wishes to obtain information from the school administration must 
6 
simply forward a written request through mail or through electronic means to the 
7 
assigned custodian of the requested information or document. 
8 
Sec. 13. Right to access school records and issuance of official certificates. - 
9 
Students are entitled to have access to their own school records, and have the right 
10 
to be issued official certificates, diplomas, copies of transcript of records, copies of 
11 
grades, documents required as transfer credentials, and other similar documents 
12 
within thirty (30) days from the filing of a written request together with other 
13 
reasonable requirements. 
14 
The school must strictly maintain the confidentiality of all school records. 
15 
Sec. 14. Right to freedom of expression. – Students have the right to freely 
16 
express their views and opinions. They have the right to peaceably assemble and 
17 
petition the government and school authorities for the redress of their grievances.  
18 
Students have the right to access print and broadcast media in their activities. They 
19 
also have the right to print, circulate, and/or mount leaflets, newsletters, posters, wall 
20 
news, petitions, and other related materials. School authorities must ensure the 
21 
provision of facilities such as bulletin boards and the like for this purpose. 
22 
Sec. 15. Right to academic freedom. - Students' academic freedom consists of, 
23 
but is not limited to, the following rights: 
24 
a. To conduct research in connection with academic work, and to freely discuss 
25 
and publish their findings and recommendations; 
26 
b. To conduct inquiries within the campus in relation to curricular and extra-
27 
curricular activities;  
28 


 
 
c. To choose a field of study and to pursue the quest for truth; 
1 
d. To express their opinion on any subject of public or general concern which 
2 
directly or indirectly affects the students of the educational system;  
3 
e. To invite off-campus speakers or resource persons to student-sponsored 
4 
assemblies, forums, symposia, and other similar activities; 
5 
f. To express contrary interpretations or dissenting opinions inside and outside 
6 
the classroom; 
7 
g. To participate in the drafting of a new curriculum and in the review or revision 
8 
of the existing curriculum through consultations and membership in working 
9 
groups; 
10 
h. To participate in the process of revising the student handbook and school rules 
11 
and regulations. A copy of the existing student handbook will be given to 
12 
students upon admission to the school; and 
13 
i. To decide and choose actions according to personal and political beliefs, and 
14 
be free from the imposition of any thought, ideology, or principle. 
15 
Sec. 16. Rights on Academic Procedure. – 
16 
a. Syllabus. 
17 
A syllabus should clearly define and reflect the contents of the curriculum. The 
18 
course syllabus must be provided to students before the start of classes to 
19 
ensure that students are guided throughout the school term. 
20 
b. Class requirements and measures for evaluation. 
21 
a. Criteria for grading should be formal and appropriately quantified. 
22 
b. Mere absences in scheduled classroom sessions must not constitute 
23 
the sole basis for grading, provided that the instructor prescribes a 
24 
maximum allowable number of absences. 
25 
c. A student has the right to do make-up work in case requirements were 
26 
not accomplished because of excusable inability to be physically present. 
27 
c. Class performance. 
28 


 
 
Students have a right to know their class performance data from submitted 
1 
papers, quizzes, long or short examinations and other similar class 
2 
requirements. 
3 
d. Consultations. 
4 
Faculty members are required to maintain regular consultation hours and be 
5 
available to address student concerns. These hours must be communicated to 
6 
students at the start of the term.  
7 
Sec. 17. Right to due process in disciplinary actions. – The right of a student to 
8 
due process must be observed and respected, especially during disciplinary 
9 
proceedings. An independent student disciplinary board shall be responsible for 
10 
conducting investigations and resolving student disciplinary cases in accordance with 
11 
the established procedural guidelines. The Board shall be composed of one (1) 
12 
representative from the school administration, two (2) faculty members, and two (2) 
13 
student representatives endorsed in writing by the student council or student 
14 
government. The administrative representative shall serve a term of five (5) years, 
15 
each faculty representative a term of three (3) years, and each student representative 
16 
a term of one (1) year. 
17 
Blacklisting, expulsion, suspension, and other disciplinary sanctions that may be 
18 
imposed against an erring student will be imposed only if the following rights have 
19 
been observed and accorded the student: 
20 
a. To a hearing before the board, which includes the right to present one's case 
21 
and submit evidence in support thereof; 
22 
b. Against self-incrimination; 
23 
c. To be defended by a representative or counsel of choice, adequate time being 
24 
given for the preparation of the defense;  
25 
d. To have the decision rendered on the evidence presented at the hearing, or at 
26 
least contained in the record and disclosed to the parties affected; 
27 
e.  To appeal adverse decisions of the student disciplinary board to the governing 
28 
board and ultimately to the appropriate education agencies; 
29 


 
 
f.  To have the deciding body, in all controversial questions, render its decision in 
1 
such a manner that the issues involved and the reasons for any decision 
2 
rendered are made clear to the student; 
3 
g. To confidentiality; and 
4 
h. Any other rights as afforded and guaranteed to an accused under the 
5 
Constitution.  
6 
Subject to existing laws, a decision on a case filed before a student disciplinary 
7 
board must be resolved within three (3) months from the filing of a case or 
8 
complaint. The office of the guidance counselor of the concerned school, in 
9 
consultation with the student disciplinary board, must publish on a periodic 
10 
basis a list of acts that violate school rules and regulations and their 
11 
corresponding disciplinary sanctions: Provided, that rules and regulations do 
12 
not violate the rights guaranteed herein and under the Constitution. 
13 
Sec. 18. Right to privacy. – The right of students to privacy in their 
14 
communication and correspondence is affirmed and remains inviolable. This right to 
15 
privacy also extends to the following: 
16 
a. The public use of a student's name or likeness; 
17 
b. A student's private affairs; 
18 
c. Personal circumstances, whether facts or otherwise, especially those which are, 
19 
from the point of view of the student, will cause him or her embarrassment 
20 
when made public; and 
21 
d. Information which might put any person in false light and destroy good repute. 
22 
Sec. 19. Right against illegal searches and seizures. – Except for the following, 
23 
any other form of search and seizure is considered unreasonable and illegal:  
24 
a. Searches made with a valid search warrant; 
25 
b. Searches made at the point of ingress and egress by a person authorized by 
26 
the school; 
27 
c. Seizure of articles deemed illegal under existing laws falling in the plain view of 
28 
duly confiscating authority; and 
29 


 
 
d. Searches and seizures made when the student is about to commit, is 
1 
committing, or has just committed a crime or a serious infraction of school rules 
2 
and regulations. 
3 
Articles seized in violation of this Section are deemed fruits of an unlawful search and 
4 
seizure and therefore cannot be used as evidence against the student in any 
5 
disciplinary action. 
6 
Sec. 20. Right against campus militarization. - Students have the right to an 
7 
academic environment free from fear and surveillance from military and police agents 
8 
and instruments. 
9 
A commander of an AFP or PNP unit intending to conduct military or police operations 
10 
on any part of a school campus is required to provide prior notification to the school 
11 
president, dean, or their respective officers-in-charge in the event of their absence, 
12 
whenever the situation warrants. 
13 
Except in cases of hot pursuit and similar situations allowed by law, or in cases defined 
14 
in the next paragraph, or ordinary transit through a school campus as a parent of a 
15 
student, no member of the AFP or PNP may enter the premises of a school.  
16 
When the president, dean, or their officers-in-charge believes that AFP or PNP 
17 
assistance is essential for maintaining security, peace, and order on campus, the 
18 
official must inform the head of the AFP or PNP unit in writing. The unit head is then 
19 
required to promptly send the necessary assistance based on the situation. 
20 
In case the request for assistance is granted, only uniformed members of the AFP or 
21 
PNP with proper identification will be allowed entry into the campus concerned. 
22 
Members of the AFP or PNP are prohibited from interfering with peaceful student 
23 
protests on school premises. Relevant school officials are responsible for the conduct 
24 
of their students, faculty, and employees during the activities. 
25 
Sec. 21. Right to adequate student welfare services and safe school 
26 
environments. – The school administration is encouraged to provide the following 
27 
services:  
28 


 
 
a. Health services for students with at least one (1) functioning clinic and a 
1 
registered nurse to provide basic care for common ailments;  
2 
b. Legal assistance in cases involving the exercise and enjoyment of rights and 
3 
freedoms provided in this Act; 
4 
c. Counseling; 
5 
d. Adequate laboratory, library, research, recreation, and physical education 
6 
facilities; 
7 
e. Effective communications system to ensure that students are promptly notified 
8 
and informed; 
9 
f. Adequate, safe, and clean board and lodging facilities, including dormitories 
10 
inside the school campus. In case the school has no in-campus dormitories, the 
11 
school administration and the student council or student government are 
12 
required to accredit or recommend out-of-campus dormitories where students 
13 
are encouraged to stay. 
14 
Sec. 22. Right to digital privacy, protection from surveillance, and redress against 
15 
AI and deepfake abuse. – Students have the following rights:  
16 
a. Right to Digital Privacy. – Every student has the right to privacy in their 
17 
digital communications, records, learning activities, and online behavior, 
18 
whether on- or off-campus. Educational institutions and affiliated entities must 
19 
not collect, monitor, store, or share students’ personal data or digital activity 
20 
without the students’ informed and voluntary consent;  
21 
b. Protection from Surveillance. – No student is to be subjected to covert 
22 
surveillance, including but not limited to audio, video, keystroke, or location 
23 
tracking, through institutional or third-party platforms unless otherwise allowed 
24 
by law.  
25 
Surveillance in educational settings is limited to what is strictly necessary for 
26 
safety, academic integrity, or institutional operations, and must not 
27 
disproportionately infringe on students’ rights to privacy, expression, or 
28 
association. 
29 


 
 
c. Right to Redress Against AI and Deepfake Abuse. – Students have the 
1 
right to be protected from the malicious or unauthorized use of artificial 
2 
intelligence systems and deepfake technologies that: 
3 
a. distort or fabricate their image, likeness, voice, or data; 
4 
b. cause reputational, academic, psychological, or physical harm; or 
5 
c. result in discrimination, harassment, or abuse. 
6 
Any individual, platform, or institution found to have engaged in or facilitated 
7 
the misuse is subject to investigation, sanctions, and liability in accordance with 
8 
applicable laws. 
9 
All educational institutions must notify students in writing of any digital 
10 
surveillance systems or AI tools used in instruction, assessment, behavioral 
11 
monitoring, or other administrative processes.  
12 
Sec. 23. Right to mental health and reproductive health care. – The school 
13 
administration is responsible for ensuring the provision of qualified mental health 
14 
professionals and appropriate facilities to support the psychological well-being of 
15 
students. Each school is required to employ at least one licensed guidance counselor 
16 
per 500 students and to offer regular mental health awareness and care programs. 
17 
Services include, but are not limited to: 
18 
a. Individual and group counseling; 
19 
b. Crisis intervention; 
20 
c. Suicide prevention programs; and 
21 
d. Referral to external mental health providers as needed. 
22 
The school administration is responsible for maintaining policies that safeguard 
23 
confidentiality, reduce stigma, and promote mental health awareness through 
24 
education and outreach. 
25 
 Educational institutions are responsible for facilitating access to comprehensive, 
26 
evidence-based reproductive health care, including: 
27 
a. Contraception and family planning services; 
28 


 
 
b. Menstrual health management and hygiene products; 
1 
c. Free and voluntary HIV testing;  
2 
d. Reproductive health education that is age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, 
3 
medically accurate, and respectful of students’ privacy and autonomy; and 
4 
e. Partnerships with local health offices for support.  
5 
All health records, counseling sessions, and consultations must remain confidential 
6 
and must not be disclosed without the student’s or parent’s express and informed 
7 
consent, except as required by law. 
8 
Under no circumstances may any student be subjected to harassment, penalties, or 
9 
stigmatization for seeking, receiving, or being associated with mental or reproductive 
10 
health care services. 
11 
SEC. 24. Right to sectoral protections and reasonable accommodations. — The 
12 
school administration is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to 
13 
sectoral students as defined in this Act or any other applicable law. Reasonable 
14 
accommodations may include, but are not limited to: 
15 
a. academic flexibility, including deadline extensions and modified examination 
16 
formats; 
17 
b. provision of assistive technology or support services; 
18 
c. physical or digital modifications to the learning environment; and 
19 
d. any other measures determined to be necessary. 
20 
Requests for reasonable accommodation must be submitted to the school 
21 
administration in writing. The school administration is required to acknowledge receipt 
22 
and provide a written determination within fifteen (15) working days, subject to 
23 
applicable procedures. 
24 
Sec. 25. School fees and other tariffs. – Notwithstanding the provisions of 
25 
Republic Act No. 10931 otherwise known as the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary 
26 
Education Act", contributions unrelated to tuition, other fees, or fees expressly 
27 


 
 
permitted under this Act are prima facie considered unnecessary and prohibited from 
1 
collection. 
2 
To comply with student requests for information as provided in Section 12 of this Act, 
3 
schools are prohibited from imposing fees beyond the actual cost of reproducing 
4 
school records, official certificates, copies of transcript of records, copies of grades, 
5 
and other documents required as transfer credentials. 
6 
No increase in tuition or other school fees are allowed unless: 
7 
a. A notice of increase specifying the fee to be increased is publicly announced 
8 
and posted in conspicuous locations a year prior before the proposed increase 
9 
is planned to take effect. The council of leaders and the student council or 
10 
student government must be directly notified about the proposed increase. 
11 
b. At least one (1) public meeting is held where students, the council of leaders, 
12 
and the student council or student government engage in an open discussion 
13 
with the school administration regarding the proposed increase. The head of 
14 
the governing board is to be present during this public meeting. Parents of 
15 
students may be permitted to attend. The conduct of the public meeting does 
16 
not preclude ongoing consultation with students concerning the proposed 
17 
increase. 
18 
c. All documents pertaining to the proposed increase are made available to the 
19 
student council or student government. 
20 
d. The presentation of a counterproposal or position of the student representative 
21 
to the governing board has been conducted. 
22 
Sec. 27. Monitoring and Sunset Review. — Within 60 days from the effectivity of 
23 
this Act, CHED, DepEd, and TESDA must publish and disseminate the contents of this 
24 
Act through student orientations, school handbooks, and public postings. The STRAW 
25 
Commission must conduct a national review of the implementation of this Act every 
26 
three (3) years. Schools must conduct annual student rights information campaigns. 
27 
Sec. 28. Implementing rules and regulations. – The CHED, DepEd, and TESDA, 
28 
in coordination with the NYC, representatives of national student organizations and 
29 


 
 
representatives of school administrations are tasked with promulgating the necessary 
1 
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the Act within ninety (90) days 
2 
from the approval of this Act. 
3 
Sec. 29. Administrative bodies and remedies. – The CHED, DepEd, and TESDA 
4 
are hereby vested with powers necessary to investigate and impose administrative 
5 
penalties to ensure the enforcement of this Act. Any student, member of a student 
6 
council or student government, or a national organization of student councils or 
7 
student governments, or youth organization may file written complaints before the 
8 
CHED, DepEd, and TESDA. 
9 
a. Upon a finding that a school is guilty of violating rights guaranteed under this 
10 
Act, either CHED, DepEd, or TESDA may cause the suspension or revocation of 
11 
the license or permit to operate of any school, college, or university. 
12 
b. The order of suspension or revocation of license or permit to operate may carry 
13 
with it a fine of not less than two hundred thousand Philippine pesos (Php 
14 
200,000.00) but not more than five hundred thousand Philippine pesos (Php 
15 
500,000.00). 
16 
c. If the person violating the provisions of this Act is a student or student 
17 
organization, the CHED, DepEd, or TESDA, may issue a recommendation for 
18 
the suspension or expulsion of the student or the suspension or revocation of 
19 
the accreditation of the school organization. 
20 
Sec. 30. Penal Provisions. – Any person who willfully interferes with, restrains, or 
21 
infringes on the exercise and enjoyment of rights guaranteed by this Act shall, upon 
22 
conviction, be subject to imprisonment for not less than one (1) year but not more 
23 
than five (5) years, or a fine of not less than fifty thousand Philippine pesos (Php 
24 
50,000.00) but not more than one hundred thousand Philippine pesos (Php 
25 
100,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court. 
26 
If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty will be imposed upon the president, 
27 
treasurer, secretary or any officer or person responsible for the violation. If the 
28 
offender is a public officer or employee, the Court shall, in addition to the penalties 
29 
above, order his or her dismissal from government service. 
30 


 
 
Refusal of any government official, including those working in state colleges and 
1 
universities, whose duty includes investigating or acting on any complaint for a 
2 
violation of this Act to perform his or her duty shall be considered gross negligence. 
3 
The official will be subject to the appropriate penalty under civil service laws, rules, 
4 
and regulations if such violation is duly established. Any student whose rights have 
5 
been violated as stipulated in this Act may file an independent civil suit for damages 
6 
against the offending persons, natural or juridical and shall be exempt from payment 
7 
of filing fees. 
8 
Sec. 31. Annual Report. – The CHED, DepEd, and TESDA are responsible for 
9 
monitoring the implementation of this Act and are directed to submit an annual report 
10 
of the results of their monitoring to the Office of the President and to the Philippine 
11 
Congress.  
12 
Sec. 32. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any part or provision of this Act 
13 
is held unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the remaining parts or provisions not 
14 
affected will continue in full force and effect. 
15 
Sec. 33. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, 
16 
rules and regulations, and other issuances, or part or parts thereof, including the 
17 
Education Act of 1982, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are 
18 
hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
19 
Sec. 34. Effectivity. - This Act shall take fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
20 
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
21 
Approved,