FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It is the State's duty to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality 
education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make education accessible to 
all and to give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to 
foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human 
liberation and development as enshrined in Articles XIV and II of the 1987 Constitution 
respectively. 
The University of the Philippines has been consistent in rendering service to the 
Filipinos in particular and the nation in general through its academic and volunteer 
programs. In the same manner, the same institution has and is continuing in molding 
the students under its various programs in giving back to the country whatever it is that 
they have learned in the four corners of their classrooms-a 
result of which is the active 
performance and participation of most of its products in public and civic affairs. 
With the University's total commitment in achieving truth and expertise in every 
field with the end in view of providing information and intellectual capital for the 
upliftment of the nation, the University of the Philippines has been successful in 
enlightening its students to participate in its cause. 
The effectiveness of U.P.'s academic programs even garnered it a prestigious 
rank of 34, amidst the complexities of the criteria for ranking different academic 
institutions, among the academic institutions in Asia in a survey conducted by Asiaweek 
in the year 2000. Regardless of the rank standing of the University of the Philippines, it 
is feared that maintaining its performance will be hard if its charter will not be updated to 
keep it attune with the demands and challenges of the times as it prepares itself in 
entering the new millennium. 
Established in 1908, the University of the Philippines' Charter then was 
constituted under the conditions of a Commonwealth under the United States. The 
Charter was then created to meet the demands and challenges of an era entirely 
different from ours right now. Being 93 years old, the U.P.'s Charter is believed to be 
obsolete if it is to be compared with the thrusts of the institution's programs for the years 
to come namely: 
1. Set standards and initiate innovations in teaching, research and faculty 
development in philosophy, the arts and humanities, the social sciences, 
the professions, and engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, and 
technology; maintain centers of excellence in such disciplines and 
professions; 


2. Serve as a graduate university providing advanced studies and 
specialization for scholars, scientists, writers, artists and professionals, 
especially those who serve on the faculties of state and private colleges 
and universities; 
3. Serve as a research university in the various fields of its expertise and 
specialization by conducting basic and applied research, and research and 
development, promoting research in the various colleges and universities, 
and contributing to the dissemination and application of knowledge; 
4. Lead as a public service university by providing various forms of 
community, public and volunteer service, and scholarly and technical 
assistance to the government, the private sector, and civil society; 
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 
scientific unions and with networks of universities and scholarly and 
professional associations in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. 
The University of the Philippines has to become relevant to the times and the 
demands of our nation in the present new millennium. 
Hence, urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
AN ACT 
TO STRENGTHEN THE U.P. 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 2007." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. The State shall promote, foster, nurture and 
protect the right of all citizens to quality education. Toward this end, it is the policy of the 
State to strengthen the University of the Philippines which is the national university. 
SECTION 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 educational 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, the 
professions, and engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, and technology; 
and maintain centers of excellence in such disciplines and professions; 
(2) Serve as a graduate university providing advanced studies and specialization 
for scholars, scientists, writers, artists and professionals, especially those 
serve on the faculties of State and private colleges and universities; 
(3) Serve as a research university in the various fields of its expertise and 
specialization by conducting basic and applied research, and research and 
development, promoting research in the various colleges and universities, 
and contributing to the dissemination of application of knowledge; 


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(4) Lead as a public service university by providing various forms of community, 
public and volunteer service, and scholarly and technical assistance to the 
government, the private sector, and civil society; 
(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 
scientific unions and with networks of universities and scholarly and 
professional associations in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. 
SECTION 4. The University Sysfem. The University of the Philippines is a 
university system and shall be composed of constituent universities and regional units. 
SECTION 5. Academic Freedom. The University has the right and the 
responsibility to exercise academic freedom. 
SECTION 6. Academic Excellence. The University has the responsibility to 
maintain and enhance its high academic standards in the performance of the functions 
of instruction, research, and extension and public service. 
SECTION 7. Social Responsibility. 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. 
SECTION 8. Democratic Access. No student shall be denied admission to the 
University by reason of age, gender, nationality, religious belief, or political affiliation. 
The University shall take affirmative steps to enhance the access of disadvantaged 
students to its programs and services. 
SECTION 9. The Board of Regents. The government of the University is vested 
in a board of regents known as the “The Board of Regents of the University of the 
Philippines,” composed o f  
a) The Chair of the Commission on Higher Education as Chairperson; 
b) The President of the University of the Philippines as Vice-Chairperson; 
c) The Chair of the Senate Committee on Education; 
d) The Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education; 
e) The President of the U.P. Alumni Association, to serve as Alumni Regent 
during his or her incumbency in that person; 
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f) One Faculty Regent chosen by the full-time and tenured faculty members of 
the University from their ranks, to serve for a term of two (2) years; 
g) One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one (1) year, chosen by the 
students from their ranks; 
h) One Staff Regent representing the full-time permanent research, extension, 
and professional staff and administrative personnel and chosen by them from 
their ranks, to serve for a term of two (2) years; and, 
i) Five (5) other Regents, at least three (3) of whom should be alumni, 
appointed by the President of the Philippines who shall each serve for a term 
of two (2) years; Provided, That Regents holding office as members of the 
Board of Regents at the time of this Act is promulgated shall continue to serve 
until the expiration of their appointments as provided for in the Executive 
Order No. 204-A 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 above for the predecessor: 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 without compensation other than actual and 
necessary expenses incurred in attendance of meetings of the Board or other official 
business authorized by the Board. 
SECTION 10. Powers of the Board of Regents. The administration of the 
University and the exercise of its corporate powers are vested in the Board of Regents 
and the President insofar as authorized by the Board. The administration of each 
Constituent University is vested in the Chancellor insofar as authorized by the Board 
and the University President. 
The Board shall exercise the following specific powers and duties: 
a) To adopt and define in general terms the thrusts of the University and broad 
policy guidelines to ensure their implementation; 
b) To preserve the integrity of the University of the Philippines System; 
c) To preserve the institution, merger or abolition of academic programs upon 
recommendation of the University Council of the constituent university 
concerned; 
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d) To approve the graduation of students, as recommended by their respective 
University Councils; 
e) To confer honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning, 
statesmanship, 
or 
eminence 
in 
literature, 
science, 
or 
art, 
upon 
recommendation of a committee of the Board of Regents: Provided, That 
such degrees shall not be conferred in consideration of any payment, gifts or 
other valuable consideration; 
f) To approve the rules on student discipline recommended by the university 
councils; 
g) To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish constituent universities, 
colleges, institutes, and other academic and administrative units of the 
University; 
h) To establish chairs in the colleges and to provide for the maintenance or 
endowment of such chairs; 
i) To provide fellowships and scholarships and to ward the same to faculty, staff 
and students giving special evidence of merit; 
j) To elect the University President for a term of sic (6) years following a 
process of democratic consultation with the University community; 
k) 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 of service, and such other terms and 
conditions as it may deem proper; to grant to them, in its discretion, leave of 
absence under such regulations as it 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; 
I) 
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: Provided however, That no extension of tenure shall be made 
beyond the age of seventy (70); Provided further, That in case of extension of 
tenure of the University President beyond the compulsory retirement age, 
such extension shall be subject to the approval of the President of the 
Philippines; 
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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, constitute special 
trust funds shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank. 
Any and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall for 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 
own subsidiaries may, at the discretion of the Board, be disbursed 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 or urgently needed instructional and auxiliary 
facilities, equipment, buildings and other infrastructure: and for expenses 
necessary for the attainment of its purposes under this Act. If the University, 
for reasons beyond its control, shall not be able to pursue any project for 
which funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved 
program of expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for 
any reasonable purpose which it deems necessary and urgent for the 
attainment of the objectives and goals of the University; 
n) 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 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; 
p) 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; 
q) To exercise the general powers set out in the Corporation Code; 
r) To delegate any of its powers to the President or any other officials or officers 
as it may deem necessary; and 
s) 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. 
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SECTION 11. Quorum of the Board of Regents. A simple majority of all members 
of the Board of Regents holding office at the time the meeting is called shall constitute a 
quorum. 
SECTION 12. The University President. The University President is the chief 
academic officer and head of the University Faculty and the chief executive officer of the 
University. The President shall preside over the meetings of the constituent University 
Councils, if he or she is in attendance. The President shall exercise the powers 
specifically provided for in this Act, those determined by the Board of Regents, those 
which are usually pertaining to the office of the president of the university, and those 
which are related or necessary to its functions. The compensation of the President shall 
be determined by the Board of Regents. 
SECTION 13. The Secrefary of the University and of the Board of Regents. 
There shall be a secretary of the University appointed by the Board of Regents, who 
shall also be the secretary of the Board, and who shall keep such records of the 
University as may be designated by the Board. 
SECTION 14. The University Council. There shall be in each Constituent 
University a University Council consisting of the Chancellor as Chairperson, and of all 
the faculty members in the University holding the rank of assistant professor or higher. 
SECTION 15. Powers of fhe Universify Council. The University Council shall be 
the highest academic body of each Constituent University and shall exercise the 
following powers: 
a) Fix the requirements for admission to any college or unit and for graduation 
and receiving a degree, subject to the minimum system-wide requirements; 
b) Prescribe the academic programs including their institution, abolition and 
merger, subject to the approval of the Board; 
c) Recommend to the Board the graduation of students; 
d) Exercise disciplinary power over the students, through the Chancellors or 
their appropriate committees, subject to review by the President according to 
the limits prescribed by the system-wide rules on student discipline; 
e) Undertake the periodic review of academic course, programs, standards, 
thrusts and policies; and 
f) Adopt internal rules or procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 16. The Chancellor of fhe Consfifuent University. The Chancellor of 
the Constituent University shall be elected by the Board of Regents upon nomination of 
the University President, following a process of democratic consultation with the 
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constituents of that Constituent University. The Chancellor is the head of the faculty of 
that Constituent University. 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 term and compensation 
of the Chancellor shall be determined by the Board of Regents. 
SECTION 17. Faculty. The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its 
faculty, which shall be presided over by a Dean elected by the Board of Regents on 
nomination by the University President and upon the recommendation of the Chancellor 
of the Constituent University, following a process of democratic consultation with the 
constituents of the college. In the appointment of faculty members, no religious test 
shall be applied, nor shall the religious or political opinions or affiliations of the faculty 
members of the University be made a matter of examination or inquiry. 
SECTION 18. Appoinfmenf Requisifes. Faculty members, and research, 
extension and professional staff of the University shall be exempt as such from any civil 
service examination or regulation as a requisite to appointment. 
SECTION 19. Land Grants and Ofher Real Properties of the University. 
(a) The State provides subsidy to the University of the Philippines System as the 
national university in the form of lump sum amount, through general 
appropriations and other financial benefits, and in kind, through land grants 
and 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 
properties shall be used to further the ends of the University, as may be 
decided upon by the Board of Regents. 
(b) 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, as confirmed by the Board of Regents. The absolute 
ownership of the University over theses landholdings is hereby affirmed. 
Where 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. 
(c) The Board of Regents shall plan, design, approve, and/or cause the 
implementation of financial mechanisms, such as joint ventures, long-term 
leases, fully-owned subsidiaries, securitization and outright sale, to give the 
University the most advantageous position in generating revenues and other 
resources from the land grants and other real property entrusted by the 
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Filipino people to their national university; Provided, That such mechanisms 
and arrangements shall sustain and protect the environment, and be 
exclusive of the academic core zone of the U.P.'s campuses. 
SECTION 20. Appropriations. The amount needed to carry out the 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's lump sum 
appropriation and other internal funds of the University. Thereafter, such lump sum 
representing the national government's assistance for the continued implementation of 
this Act shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 21. Tax Exemptions. The provisions of any general or special law to 
the contrary notwithstanding: 
(1) All profits and income generated by the University derived exclusively from its 
fundamental function as an educational institution, shall be exempt from the 
income tax being imposed on every corporation; 
(2) Gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds shall be 
exempt from the donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable 
deductions from the gross income of the donor, in accordance with the 
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended; and 
(3) Importation of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, 
historical and cultural books, supplies and materials, including scientific and 
educational computer and software equipment, shall be exempt from the 
payment of customs duties upon endorsement from the Commission on 
Higher Education and the Department of Finance. 
SECTION 22. Auditing of Accounts. All accounts and expenses of the University 
shall be audited by the Commission on Audit, and all disbursements shall be made in 
accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the latter. 
SECTION 23. Institutional Autonomy as the National University. To provide 
greater flexibility to the University, it shall be treated in a manner consistent with its 
institutional requirements as the national university by the service-wide agencies in the 
exercise of their respective jurisdiction. 
The University, taking into account national goals and priorities, shall exclusively 
determine its teaching, research and extension thrusts, plans, policies, priorities, 
programs and standards and, on the basis of such determination, the University shall 
recommend its annual budget to the President and Congress. 
SECTION 24. Rule of Construction. No statutory or other issuances shall 
diminish the powers, rights, privileges, and benefits accorded to the University under 


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this Act or enjoyed at present by the University under other issuances not otherwise 
modified or repealed under this Act, unless subsequent legislation expressly provides 
for their repeal, amendments or modification. Any case of doubt in the interpretation of 
any of the provisions of this Charter shall be resolved in favor of the academic freedom 
and fiscal autonomy of the University of the Philippines. 
SECTION 25. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 26. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations 
or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or moched accordingly. 
SECTION 27. Effecfivify. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the 
Philippines. 
Approved,