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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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S E N A  
Introduced by Senator Edgardo J. Angara 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The University of the Philippines was established in 1908 by an act of the 
First Philippines Legislature. Act No. 1870, otherwise known as the University 
Charter, specified the function of the University which is to provide advanced 
instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences, and arts and to give 
professioinal and technical training. 
In 1973, the University was reorganized into a university system which is 
now composed of six constituent universities and one autonomous college, to 
wit: UP Diliman, UP Los Bafios, UP Manila, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, UP Open 
University and and UP Baguio. The reorganization of the UP into a system 
allowed itself to be true to its principles of democratization and equity while 
upholding and continuing its tradition of quality and excellence in all fields of 
academic endeavor. Over several decades the University of the Philippines has . 
indeed become the bastion of academic freedom and academic excellence. 
To further the gains it has made in democratic participation and to 
underscore the principles which enable it to function effectively as the national 
university, this bill aims to strengthen the role of an institutionally autonomous 
University of the Philippines in providing distinctive leadership in higher 
education and national educational development. It seeks to do so by: 1) creating 
a University System Council to serve as the inter-university academic body to set 
system-wide academic rules and standards and to reconcile differences among 
the autonomous university councils: 2) distributing functions of university 
governance to the Board of Regents, the University President and other 
administrators, and the University Councils, 3) allowing the faculty, students, 
alumni and non-teaching staff representation in the board; and 4) establishing 
the relationship between the University and other bodies of the State, including 
Congress, constitutional commissions and other government agencies. 
Pursuant to the Constitutional mandate for the State to constantly 
improve the standards of higher education in the Philippines, the passage of this 
bill is earnestly sought. 
EDGARDO J. ANGARA 


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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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S E N A T E  
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Introduced by Senator Edgardo J. Angura 
AN ACT 
TO STRENGTHEN THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINE§ AS THE 
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as "The University of the 
Philippines Charter of 2004." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. The State shall promote, foster, nurture and 
protect the right of all citizens to qualify education. Toward this end, it is the 
policy of the State to strengthen the University of the Philippines as the National 
University. 
SEC. 3. Purpose of the University, As the National University, a public 
and secular institution of higher learning and a community of scholars dedicated 
to the search for truth and knowledge, the University of the Philippines shall 
perform its unique and distinctive leadership in higher education and national 
education development through its combined functions, as follows: 
(1) 
Set standards and initiate innovations in teaching, research and faculty 
development in philosophy, the arts and humanities, the social sciences, 


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the professions and engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, and 
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technology; and maintain centers of excellence in such disciplines and 
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professions; 
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(2) Serve as a graduate university providing advanced studies and 
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specialization for scholars, scientists, writers, artists and professionals, 
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especially those who serve on the faculties of state and private colleges and 
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universities; 
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(3) Serve as a research university in the various fields of its expertise and 
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specialization by conducting basic and applied research and development, 
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promoting research in the various colleges and universities; 
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(4) Lead as a public service university by providing various forms of 
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community, and public and volunteer service, and scholarly and technical 
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assistance to the government, the private sector, and civil society while 
maintaining its standards of excellence; 
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(5) Provide opportunities for training and learning in progressive leadership, 
responsible citizenship, and the development of democratic values, 
institutions and practice; and 
(6) Serve as a regional and global university in cooperation with 
international and scientific unions with networks of universities and 
scholarly and professional associations in the Asia-Pacific region and around 
the world. 
ysteni. The University of the Philippines is a 
university system and shall be composed of constituent universities established 
solely by its Board of Regents upon the recommendation of the President of the 
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University. 


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. The University has the right and the 
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responsibility to exercise academic freedom. 
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The University has the responsibility to 
maintain and enhance its high academic standards in the performance of the 
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functions of instruction, research, and extension and public service. 
EC. 7. 
. The University is committed to serve the 
Filipino nation and humanity. While it carries out the obligation to pursue universal 
principles, it must relate its activities to the needs of the Filipino people and their 
aspirations for social progress and transformation. 
CGBSS. No student shall be denied admission to the 
University by reason of age, gender, nationality, religious belief, or political opinion 
or affiliation. The University shall take affirmative steps to enhance the access of 
disadvantaged students to its programs and services. 
rd of Regents. The government of the University is 
vested in a board of regents known as the "Board of Regents of the University of 
the Philippines System," composed of: 
(a) 
The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education as 
Chairperson; 
The President of the University of the Philippines System as Vice- 
Chairperson; 
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and 
Culture; 
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical 
Education; 
The President of the U.P. Alumni Association, to serve as Alumni 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 
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Regent during his or her incumbency in that position; 


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One Faculty Regent chosen by the full-time tenured faculty 
members of the University from their ranks, to serve for a term of 
two (2) years; 
One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one (1) year, chosen 
by the students from their ranks; 
One Staff Regent representing the full-time permanent research, 
extension, and professional staff (REPS) and administrative 
personnel and chosen by them from their ranks, to sei-ve for a 
term of tando (2) years; and 
(9) 
(h) 
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Five (5) other Regents who have distinguished themselves in their 
professions or field of specialization chosen from a list of five (5) 
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persons for every vacancy as recommended by a search committee 
constituted by the President of the University based on standards 
and guidelines approved by the Board of Regents. At least three 
(3) of these Regents should be alumni. All these Regents shall be 
appointed by the President of the Philippines and shall each serve 
for a term of two (2) years: Provided That the Regents holding 
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office as members of the Board of Regents at the time of the 
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effectivity of this Act shall continue to serve until the expiration of 
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their appointments as provided in Executive Order No. 2044 
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issued by the President of the Philippines on July 15, 1987. 
In case of vacancy in the Board of Regents of any appointive position, such 
vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the President of the Philippines, and 
such appointee shall hold office for the unexpired term. In case of vacancy in the 
position of sectoral Regents, the successor, who shall serve for the unexpired 
term, shall be chosen in the same manner as provided for the predecessor: 


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Provided, That in the case of a sectoral Regent, membership in the Board ceases 
upon suspension' or separation from the University. 
Members of the Board shall serve without compensation other than actual 
and necessary expenses incurred in attendance of meetings of the Board or other 
official business authorized by the Board. 
s. The administration of the 
University and the exercise of its corporate powers are vested in the Board of 
Reg en ts. 
The Board shall exercise the following specific powers and duties: 
To define the thrusts of the University and adopt broad policy 
guidelines to ensure their implementation; 
To preserve the integrity of the University of the Philippines System; 
To approve the institution, merger or abolition of academic 
programs upon recommendation of the University Council of the 
Constituent University concerned through the President of the 
University; 
To approve the graduation of students and grant of honors, as 
recommended by their respective University Councils through the 
President of the University; 
To confer honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning, 
statesmanship, or eminence in literature, science, or art, upon 
recommendation of a committee created by the President of the 
University: Provided, That such degrees shall not be conferred in 
consideration of any payment, gift or other valuable consideration; 
To approve the rules on student discipline upon recommendation of 
the University Councils through the President of the University; 


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(9) 
To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish constituent 
universities, 
colleges, 
institutes, 
and 
other 
academic 
and 
administrative units of the University; 
To establish professorial chair awards; 
To provide fellowships, scholarships and grants, and to award the 
same to faculty, staff and students giving special evidence of merit; 
To elect the President of the University for a term of six (6) years 
following a process of democratic consultation with the University 
community based on standards and guidelines set by the Board of 
Regents. In the event of a vacancy, the Board of Regents shall elect 
a president who shall serve a full term within six (6) months from 
the occurrence of the vacancy; 
To appoint faculty members and other officials and employees, to 
draw up a position classification and compensation plan for its 
faculty and staff, and to fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the 
faculty members and other employees; to determine their hours or 
service, and such other terms and conditions as it may deem 
proper; to grant to them, at its discretion, leave of absence under 
such regulations as it may promulgate, any other provisions of law 
to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause as 
provided by law after due investigation and proper hearing; 
To extend, with their consent, the tenure of faculty members of the 
University beyond the compulsory retirement age, any other 
provision 
of 
law 
to 
the 
contrary 
notwithstanding, 
on 
recommendation of the units upon endorsement of the President of 
the University, whenever their services are specially needed; 
(h) 
(i) 
(j) 
(k) 
(I) 


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(m) 
To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, as the 
Board may deem proper to impose. Such fees and charges, 
including government subsidies and other income generated by the 
University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited 
in any authorized government depository bank. Any and all interests 
that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the 
use of the University. 
Any provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, 
all incomes generated by the University or by its subsidiaries shall, 
upon their collection, be retained by the University and disbursed at 
the discretion of the Board for the professional growth and 
development, health, welfare, and other benefits of the faculty 
members and other personnel; for the acquisition, construction, 
maintenance and repair of urgently needed instructional and 
auxiliary facilities, equipment, buildings and other infrastructure; 
and for expenses necessary for the attainment of its purposes under 
its approved program of expenditures; 
To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for 
the support of the University to the ends specified by law, and all 
other sums in the manner it may, in its discretion, determine to 
(n) 
carry out the purposes and functions of the University; 
(0) 
To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, 
equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of 
real and personal properties, including the necessary supplies, 
materials and equipment; 


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To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
property of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when 
necessary for the benefit of the University and subject to the 
instructions of the donor, if any; 
The provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding, to authorize 
its faculty and staff to travel abroad in order to study, deliver 
papers, attend conferences and dissemiiiate research: Provided, 
That the fellowship, scholarship or grant is authorized by the Board 
of Regents; 
To'exercise the general powers set out in the Corporation Code; 
To delegate any of its powers to the President of the University or 
any other officials or officers as it may deem necessary; 
To prescribe rules for its own government and the discipline of the 
faculty and other personnel and to enact for the government of the 
University such general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary 
to law, as are consistent with the purposes of the University; and 
To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to carry 
out the objectives of this Act. 
s. A simple majority of all 
members of the Board of Regents holding office at the time the meeting is called 
shall constitute a quorum. 
, The President of the 
University is the chief academic officer, head of the University Faculty and the 
chief executive officer of the University. The President of the University shall 
exercise the powers specifically provided for in this Act, those determined by the 
Board of Regents, those which usually pertain to the office of the president of a 


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university, and those which are related or necessary to its functions. The Board of 
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Regents shall determine the compensation of the President of the University. 
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There shall be a Secretary of the University appointed by the Board of 
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Regents, who shall also be the Secretary of the Board, and who shall keep such 
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records of the University as may be designated by the Board. 
Council. There shall be in each Constituent 
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University a University Council consisting of the Chancellor as Chairperson, and of 
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all the faculty members in the University holding the rank of assistant professor 
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and higher. 
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Council. The University Council shall 
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be the highest academic body of each Constituent University and shall exercise 
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the following powers: 
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(a) 
Fix the requirements for admission to any college or unit, 
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graduation, and the grant of honors subject to the minimum 
system-wide requirements; 
(b) 
Prescribe the academic programs including their institution, 
revision, abolition and merger, subject to the approval of the Board 
of Regents; 
Recommend to the Board of Regents the graduation of students 
and the grant of honors; 
(c) 
(d) 
Exercise disciplinary power over the students, through the 
Chancellors or their appropriate committees, subject to review by 
the President of the University according to the limits prescribed by 
system-wide rules on student discipline; 


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(e> 
Undertake the periodic review of academic courses, programs, 
standards, thrusts and policies; and 
Adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of 
this Act. 
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administration of each Constituent University is vested in the Chancellor insofar as 
authorized by the Board of Regents and the President of the University. The 
Chancellor of the Constituent University shall be elected by the Board of Regents 
upon nomination of the President of the University, following a process of 
democratic consultation with the constituents of the Constituent University based 
on standards and guidelines set by the Board of Regents. The Chancellor shall 
report to the President of the University, and shall perform the duties and 
functions elsewhere stated in this Act, and all the usual, necessary and related 
functions of the office of the chancellor, subject to the policies and rules 
prescribed by the Board of Regents. The Board of Regents shall determine the 
term and compensation of the Chancellor. 
. The teaching staff of each college shall constitute 
its faculty. The College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean. The Dean shall 
be elected by the Board of Regents on nomination by the President of the 
University and upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the Constituent 
University, following a process of democratic consultation with the constituents of 
the college based on standards and guidelines set by the Board of Regents. 
racctic 
ssiebn. Faculty 
members, as well as research, extension and professional staff (REPS) of the 
University shall be exempt as such from any civil service examination or regulation 
as a requisite to appointment. The provisions of existing law to the contrary 


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notwithstanding, licensing requirements for professional regulatory boards shall 
not affect appointments to faculty positions. In the appointment of faculty 
members, no religious test shall be applied, nor shall the religious or political 
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opinions or affiliations of the faculty members of the University be made a matter 
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of examination or inquiry. 
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The State shall provide subsidy to the University of the Philippines 
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System as the national university in the form of lump sum 
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amount, through general appropriations and other financial 
benefits, and in kind, through land grants arid donations and use 
of other real properties. To carry out the intent of these grants, 
income derived from the development of all land grants and real 
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properties shall be used to further the ends of the University, as 
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may be decided by the Board of Regents. 
Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree or presidential issuance 
to the University of the Philippines, are hereby declared to be 
reserved for the purposes intended. The absolute ownership of 
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the University over these landholdings including those covered by 
original and transfer cerkificates of title in the name of the 
University of the Philippines and their future derivatives is hereby 
confirmed. Where the issuance of proper certificates of title is yet 
pending for these landholdings, the appropriate government office 
shall expedite the issuance thereof within six (6) months from the 
date of effectivity of this Act provided that all registration 
requirements necessary for the issuance of the said titles have 
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been submitted and complied with. 


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(c> 
The Board of Regents may plan, design, approve and/or cause 
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the implementation of contracts, mechanisms, and financial 
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instruments, such as joint ventures, long-term leases, fully-owned 
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subsidiaries, securitization and outright sale, to give the University 
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the flexibility to generate revenues and other resources from land 
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grants and other properties: Provided, That such mechanisms and 
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arrangements shall sustain and protect the environment in 
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accos-dance with law, and be exclusive of the academic core zone 
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of the campuses of the University of the Philippines. 
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All accounts and disbursements of the 
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University shall be audited by the Commission on Audit. 
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provide greater flexibility to the University, it shall be treated in a manner 
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consistent with its institutional requirements as the national university by the 
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service-wide agencies in the exercise of their respective jurisdiction. 
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EC. 
11. No statutory 01" 
other issuances shall 
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diminish the powers, rights, privileges, and benefits accorded to the University 
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under this Act or enjoyed at present by the University under other issuances not 
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otherwise modified or repealed under this Act, unless subsequent legislation 
expressly provides for their repeal, amendment or modification. Any case of doubt 
in the interpretation of any of the provisions of this Charter shall be resolved in 
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favor of the academic freedom and fiscal autonomy of the University of: the 
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Philippines. 
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. The amount needed to carry out the 
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implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current fiscal year's lump 
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sum appropriation and other internal funds of the University. Thereafter, such 


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lump sum representing tlie national government's assistance Tor the continued 
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irnplementation of tliis Act shall be includccl' in tlie Annual General Appropi-ialions 
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Act. 
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The University may use unexpended balances in any appropriation for 
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this Act. 
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purposes that the Board of Regents determines. 
SEG. 24. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same sliall not afrecl- ttie validity of the other provisions of 
SEC. 25. Repealing Clause. Act No. 1870, as amended, and all laws, 
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decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances or parts thereof 
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inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or rriodified 
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accordingly. 
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Philippines. 
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Appro ved, 
SEC. 26. Effectiwity. This Act shall take effect firteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Orlicial Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the