FIFTEENTH CONGRESS }
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

touse ino, _ 1684

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B, Rodriguez, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 1994, the Commission on Higher Education was created to take on
the responsibilty of the then Department of Education, Culture and Sports over
higher education and research. Essentially, the Commission was provided
overall supervision and regulatory powers over private higher educational
institutions and degree programs, and limited influence over state universities
and colleges through chairmanship of their governing boards and the
recommendation of their budgets to the Department of Budget and
Management.

To enhance its developmental role in the higher education subsystem,
the Commission was armed with a Higher Education Development Fund which
it can use to support, among others, faculty development, the development of
centers of excellence in various fields of learning, and enhancing governance
over, and linkages between and among, private and public higher educational
institutions.

More than a decade after its creation, experiences as well as the
enactment of several laws on different professions and professional regulations
have necessitated the need to clarify the powers of and strengthen the
Commission.

The increase in the number of state universities and colleges (SUCs) as
well as the imminent and problematic creation of locally-funded universities and
colleges (LUCs), and the concomitant offering by these SUCs and LUCs of
numerous degree programs without a CHED evaluation, the rational allocation


of state support to these SUCs, the absence of a grievance and conciliation
mechanism on academic issues, and the limitation on the number of
educational institutions that may be created, are all being addressed in this Bill

Lastly, this bill seeks to clarify that the Higher Education Development
Fund is a trust fund and therefore is free from restriction or limitation on
budgetary releases.

In view thereof, immediate approval of this Bill is sought.

RUFUS B. ncnapurs

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. _168 4

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED),
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7722, ENTITLED
“AN ACT CREATING THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

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

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act (R. A.) No. 7722 is hereby amended to
read as follows:

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

XXXX"

SEC. 2. Section 3 of R.A. 7722 is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 3. Creation of the Commission on Higher Education.
- In pursuance of the abovementioned policies, the Commission
‘on Higher Education is hereby created, hereinafter referred to as
the Commission.


The Commission shall be a collegial body independent and
separate from the Department of Education, [Culture and Sports
(DECS)] (DEPED), and attached to the Office of the President for
administrative purposes only. Its coverage shall be both public
and private institutions of higher education [as well as _degree-
granting] OFFERING DEGREE programs [in all post-secondary
educational institutions, public and private].

SEC. 3. Section 4 of R.A. 7722 is hereby deleted and replaced with a new
Section 4, to read as follows:

“SEC. 4. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THERE SHALL
BE A  MULTI-SECTORAL AND _ INTERDISCIPLINARY
GOVERNING BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESPONSIBLE
FOR POLICY-MAKING AND GOVERNANCE OF THE ENTIRE
SUBSYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION. IT SHALL BE
COMPOSED OF SEVEN MEMBERS WHO WILL SERVE IN
PART-TIME CAPACITY AND WHO SHALL REPRESENT THE
ACADEME, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, PRIVATE AND.
PUBLIC BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY AND SUCH OTHER
SECTORS WHICH HAVE DIRECT STAKES IN HIGHER
EDUCATION: PROVIDED, THAT, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
OF THE SECRETARIAT SHALL BE AN EX-OFFICIO BUT NON-
VOTING MEMBER OF THE BOARD.

THE COMMISSIONERS SHALL BE PERSONS OF
HIGHEST PROFESSONALISM AND INTEGRITY, AND WHO
HAVE DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES AS AUTHORITIES AND
EXPERTS IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELDS OF LEARNING AS
PROFESSORS, RESEARCHERS, MANAGERS,
PROFESSIONAL PRACTITIONERS AND OTHER LINES OF
ENDEAVORS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFICIENT
AND EFFECTIVE EXTERNAL GOVERNANCE OF HIGHER
EDUCATION. NO PERSON CAN BE _ APPOINTED
COMMISSIONER IF HE HAS BEEN A CANDIDATE FOR
ELECTIVE POSITION IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEEDING
ELECTION.

IN NO CASE SHALL ANY AND ALL OF THE
COMMISSIONERS APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES TO ACT ON
THEIR BEHALF.

THE COMMISSION SHALL BE AN _ EQUAL-
OPPORTUNITY INSTRUMENTALITY AND SHALL STRICTLY
ADHERE TO THE TENETS OF TRANSPARENCY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY. TO DEMOCRATIZE THE SELECTION AND
APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS IN THE BOARD OF
COMISSIONERS AND THE SECRETARIAT, ALL VACANCIES
IN THE COMMISSION AND THE SECRETARIAT SHALL BE


WELL-PUBLICIZED AND TO WHICH THE APPLICATION BY
INDIVIDUALS OF MOST SUITABLE PROFESSIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS AND MORAL PROBITY SHALL BE
ENCOURAGED. TO PRESERVE ACADEMIC AND FISCAL
AUTONOMY, THE COMMISSIONERS SHALL ELECT FROM
AMONG THEMSELVES THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIR OF
THE COMMISSION.

THE COMMISSION SHALL REGULARLY MEET ONCE IN
TWO MONTHS: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT UPON
CERTIFICATION OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE
SECRETARIAT, IT SHALL CONVENE SPECIAL MEETINGS IF
THE EXIGENCIES SO WARRANT.

SEC. 4. Section 5 of R.A. 7722 is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 5. Term of Office. - The President shall appoint ALL
the [full-time chairman and the commissioners for a term of four
(4) years] MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
without prejudice to [one] reappointment BASED ON MERIT AND
TRACK RECORD OF PERFORMANCE. The terms of the initial
appointees shall be on a staggered basis TO ENSURE
CONTINUITY AND COHERENCE OF POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS ACROSS ADMINISTRATIONS. [, the full-time
chairman] A SET OF THREE COMMISSIONERS ‘shall hold office
for a term of [four (4)] FIVE (5) years, the next two (2)
commissioners for three (3) years, and the last two (2)
commissioners for two (2) years.

The Commission shall hold office until their successors
shall have been appointed and qualified. Appointment to any
vacancy shall only be for the unexpired term of the predecessor.
In no case shall any commissioner be appointed or designated in
a temporary or acting capacity.”

SEC. 5. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 6. Rank and Emoluments. — The chairman, VICE
CHAIR and the commissioners shall have the rankS AND
EMOLUMENTS CORRESPONDING OR COMPARABLE TO
THOSE APPOINTED IN THE POLICY AND GOVERNING
BOARDS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC CORPORATIONS AS MAY
BE DETERMINED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT [of a
Department Secretary and Undersecretary, respectively. They
shall receive the compensation and emoluments corresponding to
those of a Department Secretary and Undersecretary,
respectively, and shall be subject to the same qualifications]


SEC. 6. A new Section 7 is hereby inserted to the same Act as follows:

“SEC. 7. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
CHAIRMAN. - SUBJECT TO PERTINENT LAWS AND THE
POLICIES AND RULES ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION, THE
CHAIRMAN SHALL:

(1) ACT AS THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE
COMMISSION EN BANC;

(2) SUBMIT TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
RULES AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY THE
COMMISSION, WHICH REQUIRE PRESIDENTIAL
ATTENTION INCLUDING ANNUAL AND OTHER
PERIODIC REPORTS; AND

(3) DIRECT THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE
SECRETARIAT ON THE PERFORMANCE OR
EXECUTION OF THE DECISIONS AND POLICIES
OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS”

SEC. 7. A new Section 8 is hereby inserted to the same Act as follows:

“SEC. 8. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
COMMISSIONERS. — IN THE SPIRIT OF COLLEGIALITY,
JOINTLY WITH THE CHAIRMAN, THE COMMISSIONERS,
SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EFFECTIVE EXERCISE
OF THE POLICY AND RULE-MAKING, RESOURCE
ALLOCATION AND MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS OF THE
COMMISSION OVER THE ENTIRE HIGHER EDUCATION
SUBSYSTEM. THEY SHALL LIKEWISE PERFORM SUCH
OTHER FUNCTIONS AS MAY BE DELEGATED BY THE
COMMISSION. IN CASE OF THE ABSENCE OF THE
CHAIRMAN AND THE VICE CHAIR DUE TO ILLNESS,
INCAPACITY OR OTHER SERIOUS CAUSE, THE MOST
SENIOR FULL-TIME COMMISSIONER SHALL PERFORM THE
FUNCTIONS OF THE CHAIRMAN.

NOTHING IN THIS ACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO
MEAN THE DEROGATION OF THE PREROGATIVES OF
INTERNAL GOVERNANCE AND FISCAL AUTONOMY OF THE
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AS WELL AS
PROMOTE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BETWEEN THE
FUNCTIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL GOVERNING BOARDS AND
THOSE OF THE COMMISSION IN THE EXERCISE OF THE
LATTER'S COORDINATIVE AND OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS
OVER THE FORMER.”

SEC. 8. Section 7 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 9.


SEC. 9. Section 8 of R.A. 7722 is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. [8] 10. Powers and Functions of the Commission. - The

Commission shall have the following COLLEGIAL powers and functions

OVER THE SECRETARIAT AND THE HIGHER EDUCATION

INSTITUTIONS:

a) formulate and [recommend] IMPLEMENT development plans,

policies, priorities and programs on higher education and

research; AND RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE AND

LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES, PRIORITIES AND GRANTS ON

HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH;

formulate and recommend development plans, policies,

priorities and programs on research;

©) recommend to the executive and legislative branches,
priorities and grants on higher education and research;]

APPROVE THE CHANGES IN THE INSTITUTIONAL

STATUS OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

AND RECOMMEND TO THE LEGISLATURE THE

CREATION, DISSOLUTION AND MERGER OF STATE

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER PUBLICLY

FUNDED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ON THE BASIS OF

NATIONAL AND SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS;

Id] C) set minimum standards for programs and institutions of
higher learning recommended by panel of experts in the field

and subject to public hearing, and enforce the same.

LIKEWISE, IT SHALL HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY

TO DETERMINE THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR

FACULTY WHO CAN TEACH IN HIGHER EDUCATION

INSTITUTIONS;

D) monitor and evaluate the performance of programs and

institutions of higher learning, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC,

INCLUDING LOCALLY FUNDED COLLEGES AND

UNIVERSITIES, for appropriate incentives as well as the

imposition of sanctions such as, but not limited to, [diminution

or] withdrawal of subsidy, [recommendation on the]
downgrading [or] AND withdrawal of [accreditation, program
termination] GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION AND

AUTHORITY TO OPERATE PROGRAMS or school

closuref]: PROVIDED, THAT, THE COMMISSION SHALL

HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE/SOLE AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT

VISITATIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

(HEIS) FOR ISSUANCE OF GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY

TO OPERATE PROGRAMS OR COURSES FOR

MONITORING AND EVALUATION PURPOSES;

If] E) identify, support and develop potential centers of excellence
in program areas needed for the development of world-class
scholarship, nation building and national development;

Ig] F) [recommend to] ALLOCATE AND SUBDIVIDE THE TOTAL
BUDGET OF STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN
COORDINATION WITH the Department of Budget and

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8)

fe]


Management [the budgets of public institutions of higher
learning as well as] AND RECOMMEND general guidelines for
the use of their income, BASED ON A NORMATIVE AND
MERIT-BASED FUNDING FORMULA WHICH SHAL BE
FORMULATED BY THE COMMISSION: PROVIDED, ALSO,
THAT THE USE OF THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
SOURCES OF DEVELOPMENT FINANCING SHALL BE
ALLOCATED ON MERIT AND EQUITY GROUNDS ACROSS
REGIONS AND PROVINCES, PROGRAMS AND
INSTITUTIONS;

G) rationalize programs and institutions of higher learning

BASED ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

IMPERATIVES AND set standards, policies and guidelines for

the creation of new ones as well as the conversion or elevation

of schools to institutions of higher learning, subject to
budgetary limitations and GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS and the LIMITATION

ON THE number of institutions of higher learning in the

Province or region where creation, conversion or elevation is

sought to be made;

fl] H) develop criteria for allocating additional resources such as
Tesearch and program development grants, scholarships, and
other similar programs: Provided, That these shall not detract
from the fiscal autonomy already enjoyed by colleges and
universities;

0) !) direct or redirect purposive research by institutions of higher
learning to meet the needs of agro-industrialization and
development AS WELL AS OTHER STRATEGIC AREAS OF
GLOBAL IMPORTANCE;

J) AUTHORIZE THE PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE
ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS, MISSION AND STRUCTURE
OF THE ENTIRE COMMISSION IN THE LIGHT OF THE
COUNTRY’S SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
CHANGES AND PROPOSE THE NECESSARY
INTERVENTIONS INCLUDING APPROPRIATE
LEGISLATIONS;

k) devise and implement resource development schemes;

1) administer the Higher Education Development TRUST Fund,
as described in Section 10 hereunder, which will promote the

purposes of higher education;

review the charters of institutions of higher learning and state

universities and colleges including the chairmanship and

membership of their governing bodies and recommend
appropriate measures as basis of necessary action;

CONDUCT MEDIATION, CONCILIATION, SETTLEMENT

MEETINGS OR CONFERENCES, EXERCISE APPELLATE

JURISDICTION BETWEEN HIGHER —_ EDUCATION

INSTITUTIONS AND STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND STAFF

INVOLVING ACADEMIC ISSUES ONLY, IN ACCORDANCE

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WITH RULES TO BE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION FOR
THE PURPOSE;

In] ©) promulgate such rules and regulations and exercise such
other powers and functions as may be necessary to carry out
effectively the purpose and objective of this Act; and

[o] P) perform such other functions as may be necessary for its
effective operations and for the continued enhancement,
growth or development of higher education.

SEC. 10. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. [9] 11. The Secretariat. — The Commission shall
organize a TECHNICAL secretariat which shall be headed by [an
executive officer] A DIRECTOR-GENERAL, subject to the national
compensation and position classification plan. It shall fix the
secretariat's [staffing pattem, determine the duties, qualifications,
responsibilities and functions, as well as the compensation
scheme for the positions to be created upon the recommendation
of the executive officer] STRUCTURE BASED ON AN
ACCEPTABLE ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION STUDY THAT
WILL RECOMMEND SUITABLE —_— QUALIFICATION,
RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS AS WELL AS THE
APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION SCHEME THAT BEFITS AN
ORGANIZATION OF SUCH HIGHLY TECHNICAL AND
DEVELOPMENTAL MANDATE. It shall also prepare and approve
its budget.

THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO
APPOINT ITS OWN PERSONNEL AND DETERMINE THE
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE
MANAGEMENT, COORDINATION AND PLANNING FUNCTIONS,
OF THE COMMISSION TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF
WORLD-CLASS HIGHER EDUCATION SUB-SYSTEM.

THE COMMISSION SHALL TAKE STEPS TO ATTRACT
THE MOST QUALIFIED AND COMPETENT STAFF IN ALL
GRADES AND LEVELS AND SHALL INSTITUTE NECESSARY
AND FLEXIBLE INTERNAL RULES AND PROCEDURES
TOWARDS HIRING AND REMOVAL OF PERSONNEL IN THE
INTEREST OF EFFICIENCY, ECONOMY, DISCIPLINE AND
BETTER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.”

SEC. 11. A new Section 12 is hereby inserted to the same Act, as follows:

“SEC. 12. THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. - THE
COMMISSION SECRETARIAT SHALL BE HEADED BY A
DIRECTOR-GENERAL, ASSISTED BY TWO _ DEPUTY
DIRECTOR GENERALS WHO WILL ALTERNATELY SERVE AS


SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND
WHOSE OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES SHALL BE BASED ON
THE RESPONSIVE STRUCTURE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE
ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION. THE DIRECTOR GENERAL
SHALL ACT AS THE CHIEF OPERATING AND EXECUTIVE
OFFICER OF THE COMMISSION AND SHALL BE AN EX-
OFFICIO NON-VOTING MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF
COMISSIONERS. AS SUCH, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, WITH
THE RANK OF UNDERSECRETARY, SHOULD HAVE A WELL-
BALANCED EXPERIENCE AND EXPOSURE _IN
ORGANIZATIONAL AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN BOTH
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SETTING AND HUMAN RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT, AMONG OTHERS.

AS DIRECTOR-GENERAL HE SHALL:

(1) EXECUTE AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES, STANDARDS,
RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE
COMMISSION;

(2) SUPERVISE AND COORDINATE THE PROGRAMS OF
THE CENTRAL, REGIONAL, AND OTHER OFFICES OF
THE COMMISSION AND RENDER PERIODIC REPORTS
ON THEIR OPERATIONS;

(3) DIRECT AND SUPERVISE THE INTERNAL
ADMINISTRATION AND DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS OF
THE COMMISSION;

(4) | SIGNASSUE APPOINTMENTS TO SUBORDINATE
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE COMMISSION IN
ACCORDANCE WITH LAW;

(5) | DELEGATE AUTHORITY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF
ANY FUNCTION TO OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF
THE COMMISSION;

(4) SUBJECT TO THE CONCURRENCE OF THE
COMMISSION, MAKE TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS,
ROTATE, AND TRANSFER PERSONNEL IN
ACCORDANCE WITH PERTINENT LAWS;

(8) | SUBMIT AN ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE SECRETARIAT
AND COMPOSITE HIGHER EDUCATION BUDGET TO
THE COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL;

(6) REPRESENT THE COMMISSION ON _ HIGHER
EDUCATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND.
MEETINGS WHICH EXCLUSIVELY DEAL WITH HIGHER
EDUCATION; AND

(7) PERFORM SUCH OTHER FUNCTIONS AS MAY BE
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMMISSION.

SEC. 12. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SEC. [10] 13. The Higher Education Development TRUST
Fund. - A Higher Education Development TRUST Fund,


hereinafter referred to as the TRUST Fund, is hereby established
exclusively for the strengthening of higher education in the entire
country. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE COMMISSION SHALL
EXERCISE COMPLETE AUTONOMY OVER = THE
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF THE FUND.

OOM

SEC. 13. Section 11 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. [11] 14. Management and Administration of the
Higher Education Development TRUST Fund. - The TRUST Fund
shall be administered by the Commission. For sound,
PROFITABLE and judicious management of the TRUST Fund, the
Commission shall appoint a reputable government financial
institution as portfolio manager of the Fund, subject to the following
conditions:

‘As administrator of the TRUST Fund, the Commission shall
prepare the necessary guidelines for its use, subject to the
following conditions:

a) No part of the seed capital of the TRUST Fund,
including earings thereof, shall be used to underwrite
overhead expenses for administration;

b) Unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only
eamings of private contributions shall be used for
administrative expenses;

©) The Commission shall appoint and organize a
separate staff, independent administratively and
budgetarily separate from the Commission Secretariat;
and

d) The TRUST Fund shall be utilized equitably according
to regions, HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS and
programs. IN NO CASE SHALL THE TRUST FUND
BE UTILIZED FOR PURPOSES BENEFITING
INDIVIDUALS OTHER THAN THOSE EARMARKED
FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL PURPOSES.

SEC. 14. Section 12 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. [12] 1. The Technical Panels. - The Commission
shall reconstitute and/or organize technical panels for different
disciplines/program areas. They shall assist the Commission in
setting standards, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT and in program
and institution monitoring and evaluation. The technical panels
shall_be composed of senior specialists, PROFESSIONAL
PRACTITIONERS or academicians to be appointed by the
Commission. THEY SHALL BE DIRECTLY UNDER THE OFFICE
OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL


SEC. 15. Section 13 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [13] 16. Guarantee of Academic Freedom. - Nothing
in this Act shall be construed as limiting the academic freedom of
universities and colleges. In particular, no abridgment of curricular
freedom of the individual educational institutions by the
Commission shall be made except for: (a) minimum unit
requirements for specific academic programs, (b) general
education distribution requirements as may be determined by the
Commission; and (c) specific professional subjects as may be
stipulated by the various licensing entities. No academic or
curricular restriction shall be made upon private educational
institutions, which are not required for chartered state colleges and
universities: - PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT PROGRAM
OFFERINGS OF STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
(SUCS) SHALL FOLLOW AND BE APPROVED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE MINIMUM STANDARDS AND
REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSION.”

SEC. 16. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. [14] 17 . Accreditation. - The Commission shall
provide incentives to institutions of higher learning, public and
private, whose programs are accredited or whose needs are for
accreditation purposes. THE COMMISSION SHALL LIKEWISE
FORMULATE GUIDELINES FOR GRANTS FROM THE HEDF
AS INCENTIVES FOR ACCREDITATION.

SEC. 17. Section 15 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. [15] 18. Tax Exemptions. - Any donation,
contribution, bequest and grant which may be made to the
Commission shall constitute as allowable deduction from the
income of the donor for income tax purposes and shall be exempt
from donor's tax, subject to such conditions as provided under the
National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, AND
CONSISTENT WITH THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES PLAN IN
COORDINATION WITH THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.”

SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. All laws, republic acts, presidential decrees,
executive orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.


SEC. 19. Separability Clause. \f any part or provision of this Act
shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which
are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 20. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)
days from publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.