NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE^ ^
S.B. No. 2319
^euair
23 UL 17 P4 :29
RECEIVED Bv
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CONVERTING THE SULU STATE COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOLO, 
PROVINCE OF SULU INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE 
SULU STATE UNIVERSITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIV, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides that "the State shall 
establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, 
subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both 
public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged;"1 The government strives 
to continuously contribute and recognize the importance of our educational 
Institutions, especially aiming to provide government-funded educational opportunities 
to socio-economically challenged families. Education Is an indispensable aspect of life 
which allows us to acquire knowledge and skills in order to succeed and should be 
available to everyone.
Sulu State College has provided tertiary education to thousands of students 
over the years. However, as we strive for the continuous growth and development of 
the field of higher education, it is imperative to elevate the status of Sulu State College 
Into a state university. This conversion will provide enhanced academic programs, 
expanded research opportunities, and a broader scope of services for the students 
and the community at large.
According to the Philippines Statistic Authority, as of 2015, Jolo held a 
population of 125,564.2 However, the municipality as a whole currently only contains 
1 state school (Mindanao State University - Sulu). The availability of government- 
funded education remains scarce in this region with many deserving students lacking 
educational opportunities given elsewhere. Furthermore, given the fact that bolo is 
isolated from the mainland, their necessity for aid is far greater than universities in 
urban areas as they, simply put, do not share the same access to resources.
The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Accessed online on 10 July 2023 through the 
website https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the- 
philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-xiv/
Philippine Statistics Authority, https://rssoarmm.psa.gov.ph/release/54903/special-release/sulu-total- 
population-reached-824-731
1


Higher level university education allows students to further pursue their studies 
in an environment which allows them to gain more in-depth and applicable knowledge. 
This, in turn, aims to support and benefit their future due to specialized education. 
For the citizens of Jolo, this means possibilities of achieving high-quality job 
opportunities as well as allowing them to study and research their own unique interests 
and passions.
Furthermore, Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution explains that "The 
State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, 
and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.". 
Accessibility to quality education is of most vital importance to the development and 
livelihood of Filipino citizens. It is the duty of the government to make sure that these 
crucial needs are fulfilled, more specifically, that the requests from the Representatives 
of Sulu, for a state university, take place.
This bill seeks to establish Sulu State College as a state university by converting 
the College into Sulu State University in order to support and uplift the hopeful youth 
of Jolo under their circumstances. It is with upmost importance that the sanctity of 
the constitutional promises made, with regard to education, are upheld and continue 
to be.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
ImEE R. MARCOS


IT
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
IvH ornate
\ ^ -i ~ ^ ^
of t!j? ffTTP
23 JUL 17 P4 :29
SEN ATI
RECEIVED BV.
S.B. No.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CONVERTING THE SULU STATE COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
JOLO, PROVINCE OF SULU INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS 
THE SULU STATE UNIVERSITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
Section 1. Conversion. - The Sulu State College in the Municipality of Jolo, 
Province of Sulu is hereby converted into a State University to be known as the Sulu 
State University hereinafter referred to as the University.
Sec. 2. General Mandate. - The University shall primarily provide advanced 
education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of 
agriculture, education, engineering, forestry, arts and sciences and other related 
fields. It shall also undertake research and extension services and provide 
progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.
Sec. 3. Curricular Offerings. - The University shall offer undergraduate and 
graduate courses in the fields of agriculture, education, engineering, forestry, arts 
and sciences, and other degrees/courses within its areas of specialization and 
according to its capabilities, as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry 
out its objectives, in order to meet the needs of the Province of Sulu and the Region.
The existing high school shall be transferred to the jurisdiction and 
supervision of the Department of Education: Provided, that the high school shall be 
allowed to remain and operate within the campus of the University until the existing 
students shall have completed their Senior year education: Provided, further, that 
the University may operate reasonably-sized laboratory school if it has a College of 
Education.
Sec. 4. Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of a 
corporation as set forth in the Revised Corporation Code. The administration of the 
University and the exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in 
the Board of Regents and the President of the University.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Sec. 5. The Governing Board. - The governing board of the University shall 
be the Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be 
composed of the following:
a. The Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as the 
Chairman;
b. The President of the University, as Vice-Chairman;
c. The Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of the 
Senate, as Member;
d. The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the 
House of Representatives, as Member;
e. The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education-BARMM, as Member;
f. The President of the Faculty Association of the University, as Member;
g. The President of the Student Council of the University, as Member;
h. The President of the Alumni Association of the University, as Member; and
i. 
Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished 
themselves in their profession or fields of specialization of the University, as 
Members.
The Board shall appoint the two (2) prominent citizens from among the list 
of at least five (5) persons qualified in the Province of Sulu as recommended by a 
search committee constituted by the University President, in consultation with the 
Board based on standards and qualifications for the position as determined by the 
Board
The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from 
the date of appointment.
The term of the President of the Faculty, Association, the President of the 
Student Council, and the President of the Association shall be co-terminus with their 
respective terms of office as set forth in their respective Constitution and By-laws.
Sec. 6. Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. - The Board shall 
promulgate and Implement policies in accordance with the declared state policies 
on education and other pertinent provisions of the Constitution on education, 
agriculture, science and technology as well as the policies, standards and thrusts of 
the CHED under Republic Act No. 7722 otherwise known as the "Higher Education 
Act of 1994".
Sec. 7. Power and Duties of the Board of Regents. - The Board shall have 
the following specific powers and duties, in addition to its general powers of 
administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the Board of Directors 
of a corporation under existing laws:


1 
a. To promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
2 
purposes and functions of the University;
3 
b. To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of
4 
the University in the manner it may determine in its discretion, in order to
5 
carry out the purposes and functions of the University;
6 
c. To import duty-free economic, technical and cultural books and/or
7 
publications upon certification by the CHED that such imported books and/or
8 
publications are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical,
9 
historical or cultural purposes in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff
10 
and Customs Code, as amended;
11 
d. To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal
12 
properties of all kinds and to administer and dispose of the same when
13 
necessary for the benefit of the University, and subject to the limitations,
14 
directions and instructions of the donor, if any. Such Donations shall be
15 
exempt from the donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable
16 
deductions from the gross income of the donor in accordance with the
17 
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended.
18 
Provided, That such donations shall not be disposed of, transferred or sold;
19 
e. To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as but not
20 
limited to matriculation fees, graduation fees, and laboratory fees, as the
21 
Board may deem proper to impose, after due consultation with the involved
22 
sectors. Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other
23 
income generated by the University, shall constitute special trust funds and
24 
shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank and ail
25 
Interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for
26 
the use of the University. Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations
27 
to the contrary notwithstanding any income generated by the University from
28 
tuition fees and other charges as well as from the operation of auxiliary
29 
services and land grants shall be retained by the University and may be
30 
disbursed b the Board for instruction, research, extension or other
31 
programs/projects of the University: Provided, that all fiduciary fees shall be
32 
disbursed for the specific purposes for which they are collected. If for reasons
33 
beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue any project for
34 
which the funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved
35 
program expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for any
36 
reasonable purpose which in its discretion may be necessary and urgent for
37 
the attainment of the objectives and goals of the University;
38 
f. To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees for
39 
greater access to poor but deserving students;
40 
g. To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment
41 
and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property,
42 
including necessary supplies, materials and equipment;
43 
h. To appoint upon recommendation of the Presindet of the University, Vice
44 
Presidents, Deans, Directors, and heads of campuses, faculty members and
45 
other officials and employees of the University;


1
i.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
j-
10
11
k.
12
1.
13
14
15
16
17
m,
18
19
20
21
22
n.
23
24
0.
25
26
P.
27
28
29
30
31
q-
32
33
34
35
r.
36
37
38
39
40
s.
41
42
43
44
t.
45
46
To fix and adjust the salaries of faculty members and administrative officials 
and employees, subject to the provisions of the revised compensation and 
Position Classification System and other pertinent budget and compensation 
laws governing hours of services and such other duties and conditions as it 
may deem proper, to grant them at its discretion, leaves of absence under 
such regulations as it may promulgate any provision of existing law to the 
contrary notwithstanding, and to remove them for causes in accordance with 
the requirements of due process of law;
To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn 
by the administrative and academic councils herein provided;
To set policies on admission and graduation of students;
To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding 
contribution in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and 
technology, agriculture or any field of specialization within the academic 
competence of the University, and to authorize the awarding of certificates 
of completion of non-degree and non-traditional course;
To establish and absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the 
Province of Sulu as branches and centers in coordination with the CHED, and 
in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and 
to offer therein programs or courses to promote and carry out equal access 
to educational opportunities as mandated by the Constitution 
To establish research and extension centers of the University where such will 
promote the development of the latter;
To establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for qualified 
faculty members and scholarships to deserving students;
To delegate any of its powers and duties provided hereinabove to the 
President and/or other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate 
so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of the University; To 
establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for qualified 
faculty members and scholarships to deserving students;
To authorize an external management audit of the University to be financed 
by the CHED subject to the COA rules and regulations, and to institute 
reforms, including academic and structural changes on the basis of the audit 
results and recommendations
To collaborate with other governing boards of the state colleges and 
universities within the Province of Sulu or the Region under the supervision 
of the CHED and in consultations with the DBM and work towards the 
restructuring of the University to become more efficient, relevant, productive 
and competitive;
To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable 
development and management of the economic assets of the University, the 
proceeds from which shall be used for the development and strengthening of 
the University;
To develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with local 
government units, institutions and agencies, both public and private, local or 
foreign in the furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the University;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
u. To develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, 
and to appoint experts/specialists as consultants, part-time or vising or 
exchange professors, scholars, or researchers, as the case may be;
V. To set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting 
knowledge such as the use of information technology, the dual system open 
learning, or distance education and community laboratory for the promotion 
of greater access to education;
w. To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision 
making and transparency within the University;
X. To privatize, where most advantageous to the University, the management 
of non-academic services such as health, food building or ground or property 
maintenance and such other similar activities; and 
y. TTo extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of 
retirement but not later than the age of seventy (70), whos performance has 
been unanimously rated by the Board as Outstanding based on the 
guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board, after unanimous 
recommendation by the search committee.
Sec. 8. Meeting of the Board. - The Board shall regularly convene at least 
once every quarter. However, the Chairman of the Board may upon three (3) days 
prior written notice, call a maximum of two (2) special meetings wherever 
necessary.
A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all Its members holding 
office at the time of the meeting: Provided, however, that the Chairman of the 
Board or President of the University is among those present in the meeting. In the 
absence of the Chairman of the CHED, a Commissioner of the CHED duly designated 
by him shall represent him In the meeting with all the rights and responsibilities of 
a regular member: Provided, however, that during the meeting, the president of the 
University a Vice-Chairman shall be the Presiding Officer.
In case of the respective Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees on 
Education and that of the BARMM, shall not be able to attend the said meeting, they 
may duly designate their respective representatives to attend the meeting. Such 
representatives shall have the same rights and responsibilities as a regular member 
of the Board.
The member of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their 
attendance to meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business 
authorizes by the resolution of the Board subject to existing laws and regulations.
Sec. 9. The University President - The University shall be headed by a 
President who shall render full time service. He or she shall be appointed by the 
Board, subject to the guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. He or she shall have 
a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term: 
Provided, that in order to effect a smooth transition to a State University, the 
President of the Sulu State College, if qualified shall serve as the first President of 
the University. Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office of 
the incumbent President of the Sulu State College, the Board shall constitute the 
Search Committee for the Presidency (SCP).
The President of the University shall be assisted by a Vice-President for 
Academic Affairs and a Vice-President for Administration who shall be appointed by 
the Board upon the recommendation by the President of the University.
In case of vacancy in the office of the President as mentioned in the 
immediately preceding paragraph, his successor of officer-in-charge shall hold office 
for the unexpired term only.
The powers and duties of the President of the University shall be in 
accordance with Republic Act No. 6758 or the Revised Compensation and Position 
Classification Act of 1989, as modified by Joint Resolution No. 4 dated June 17, 
2009, and by such other laws amendatory thereto, which may hereinafter be 
enacted, and shall be comparable to the being received by the Presidents of similar 
educational institutions.
Sec. 10. The Secretary of the University. - The Board shall appoint a 
Secretary who shall serve as such for both the Board and the University and shall 
keep all records and proceedings of the Board in addition to other duties and 
responsibilities. The Secretary of the University shall serve upon each member of 
the Board the appropriate notice of Board meetings.
Sec. 11. The Treasure of the University. - The Treasure of the Philippines 
shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University.
Sec. 12. Administrative Council. - There shall be an Administrative Council 
consisting of the President of the University, as Chairperson, and the vice- 
presidents, deans, directors, and other officials of equal rank, as members, whose 
duty is to review and recommend to the Board such policies governing the 
administration, management and development planning of the University.
Sec. 13. The Academic Council. - There shall be an Academic Council to be 
composed of the President of the University, who shall act as Its Chairperson, and 
all academic staff with the rank of at least an assistant professor, as members.
The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the 
curricular offerings and rules of discipline of the University, subject to the approval 
of the Board. It shall fix the requirements for the admission of students, as well for


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
their graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to review and approval of the 
board thru the President of the University.
It shall have disciplinary power over the students of the University and shall 
formulate academic policies and rules and regulations of disciplinE, subject to the 
approval of the Board.
Sec. 14. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. - The University 
shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to paragraph 2, 
Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution.
Sec. 15. The Faculty. - No political belief, gender preference, cultural or 
community affiliation, ethnic origin, nor religious opinion or affiliation shall be a 
matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty members of the University: Provided, 
That the appointment shall be subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards 
set by the Board: provided, further. That a member of the faculty shall not criticize, 
vouch for, recruit members in behalf of, or preach about any particular church or 
religious sect.
Sec. 16. Scholarship Program/Admission. - The University shall provide a 
scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but 
deserving students who qualify for admission to the University. No student shall be 
denied admission to the University by reason of sex, religion, political, cultural or 
community affiliation, and ethnic origin
Sec. 17. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus/Equipment/Suppiies and 
Detail of Personnel. - The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national 
government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the 
President of the University, such apparatus, equipment or supplies as may be 
needed by the University, and to detail employees for duty therein when, in the 
judgment of the head of bureau or office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies or 
services of such employees can be spared without serious detriment to public 
service. The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of the by 
the President of the University, and the time so employed shall be counted as part 
of their regular service.
Sec. 18. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. - All assets, real and personal, 
personnel and records of the Sulu State College as well as liabilities or obligations, 
are hereby transferred to the University: Provided, that the positions, rights and 
security of tenure of the faculty members and personnel therein employed under 
existing laws prior to the conversion into a University shall be respected: Provided, 
further. That the positions of the incumbent shall remain in the same status until 
otherwise provided for by the Board: Provided, finally. That should the University 
cease to exist or be abolished or should aforementioned parcels of land be no longer 
needed by the University, the same shall revert to the concerned LGY or to the 
Republic of the Philippines, as the case may be


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Sec. 19. Tax Exemption. - The importation of economic, technical and 
cultural books and publications, which are for economic, technical-vocational, 
scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural purposes made by the University, upon 
certification by the CHED, shell be exempt from customs duties in accordance with 
the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863 otherwise known as the "Customs 
Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)". All grants, bequests, endowments donations 
and contributions, made to the University to be used actually, exclusively and 
directly by it, shall be exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as 
allowable deduction from the gross income in the computation of the income tax of 
the donor, in accordance with provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 
1997, as amended.
Sec. 20. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Sulu 
State College. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued 
operation and maintenance of the University shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act.
Sec. 21. Development Plan, Management Audit, and 
Organization/Administrative/Academic Structure. - Within the period of one 
hundred twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act, the University shall 
accomplish the following:
a.
b.
c.
Submit a five (5) year development plan, including corresponding program 
budget, to the CHED for corresponding recommendation to the DBM; 
Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; and 
Accordingly set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, 
including the appointment of key officials of the University
Sec. 22. Filing of Annual Report. - On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of 
the second (2nd) month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the 
Board shall file with the office of the President of the Philippines and both Houses 
of Congress, through the CHED Chairperson, a detailed report on the progress, 
conditions and needs of the University.
Sec. 23. Supplementary Application. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 
8292 otherwise known as the "Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997" shall 
serve as part of the Governing Charter of the University.
Sec. 24. Parity Clause. - All other powers, functions and privileges, 
responsibilities and limitations to state universities and their officials under existing 
laws shall be deemed granted to or Imposed upon the University or its official, 
whenever appropriate.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
Sec. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the Board, in consultation with the CHED, shall formulate 
the rules and regulations to fully implement the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 26. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of 
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not 
affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 27. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,