14" CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
, , ., . , 
7 JUL-3 
, . .  
/ 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilta, Jr. 
~ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In 1908, the University of the Philippines was established under Act 1870 by the 
American colonial government to be at the apex of the Philippine education system under 
Act 1870. 
In 1972, it was designated by the National Board of Education as the national 
university, thus recognizing its role as a standard setter in undergraduate and graduate 
education, research, and public service and its high status in national, regional and 
international circles. 
In 1973, the University was reorganized into a university system which is now 
composed of five autonomous universities and one autonomous college (UP Mindanao) . 
Since 1908, UP has educated and trained many of our leaders in government, 
business, the professions, arts, and science and technology, and the social sciences. It has 
produced research and creative works that showcase the critical analysis, ingenuity and 
intellectual and artistic capability of our race. It has also established extension, outreach 
and voluntary service programs which has benefited the less privileged in the country. 
Despite its many achievements, however, there have been many calls for the 
revision of its charter to erase the remaining vestiges of its colonial origins, to recognize 
the gains it has made in democratic participation over the years, and to underscore the 
principles which enable it to function effectively as the national university and as a 
university system. In matters in governance, there is also a need to strike a better balance 
between its dual role as a community of scholars able to govern themselves and a 
university supported by the Filipino people. It is also necessary to enhance its 
institutional autonomy so that it can continue to be a bastion of academic freedom and 
academic excellence. 
Thus, this bill proposes a new charter for the university. This proposed revised 
charter is a product of a long process of consultation participated in by various sectors of 
the University - the faculty, students, professional and administrative staff, and alumni. 
It emphasizes the value of academic freedom, academic excellence, social 
responsibility, democratic participation, democratic access, ethics, and autonomy as 
guiding principles in the life of the University of the Philippines. 
This bill creates the System University Council to serve as the interuniversity 
academic body to set system wide academic rules and standards and to reconcile 
differences among the autonomous university councils. It distributes functions of 
university governance to the Board of Regents (BOR), the President and other 
administrators, and the University Councils, allows the faculty, students, alumni and non- 
teaching staff representation in the Board, and establishes the relationship between the 
University and other bodies of the State, including Congress, constitutional commissions 
and other government agencies. 


This charter also gives the BOR the power to draw up a position classification and 
compensation plan and to fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members and 
other employees. 
This measure is a significant step in the development of U.P., particularly in 
ensuring its institutional flexibility and fiscal autonomy. It is in this view that the 
immediate enactment of this bill is earnestly recommended. 


) 
7 
JUL -3 
FJ ;: ::?:I 
14“’ CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
RECEIVED BY 
, _ I  
s.B.N~. 792 
I ’  
i 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
AN 
ACT 
TO ENHANCE 
THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM 
AND 
INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. -This Act shall be known as “The Revised University of the 
Philippines Charter.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy, - The State shall promote, foster, nurture and 
protect the right of all citizens to quality education. Toward this end, this Act seeks to 
strengthen the University of the Philippines System, referred to in this Act as the 
University of the Philippines, as a community of scholars dedicated to the search for truth 
and knowledge, and as the national university in recognition of its leadership in higher 
SECTION 3. PuqJose of the universzty, -The University of the Philippines is a 
public and secular institution of higher learning established to provide advanced 
education in philosophy, humanities and the arts, the natural and social sciences, and 
engineering and technology, to give professional and technical training, encourage and 
undertake research, and contribute to the dissemination and application of knowledge. 
SECTION 4. Component Units -The University of the Philippines shall be 
composed of such autonomous universities and other units as may be established by the 
Board of Regents. 
SECTION 5. Academic Freedom. -The University has the right and the 
responsibility to exercise academic freedom. 
SECTION 6. Academic &ce//ence. - The University has the responsibility to 
strive for high academic standards in the performance of its functions of instruction, 
research and extension. 
SECTION 7. Social Responsibly - The University is committed to serve the 
Filipino people. 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, sex, 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. n e  Board of Regents. - The government of the University is vested 
in a Board of Regents, composed of: 
a) The Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education as Chairperson; 


b) The President of the University of the Philippines as Vice-Chairperson; 
c) The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education; 
d) The Chairperson of the House Committee on Education; 
e) The President of the U.P. Alumni Association, to serve during his or her tenure 
as President of the Alumni Association; 
0 One Faculty Regent chosen by the fkll-time University faculty members from 
their ranks, to serve for a term for two years; 
g) One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one year, chosen by the students 
from their, ranks; 
h) One regent representing the full-time research, extension and administrative 
personnel and chosen by them from their ranks, to serve for a term of two years; 
and, 
i) Three other regents appointed by the President of the Philippines who shall 
serve a term of three years 
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 membership in the 
Board, in the case of a sectoral Regent, ceases upon separation from the service of 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. 
SECTION 10, Powers, - The administration of the University and the exercise of 
its powers are vested in the Board of Regents and the President of the University insofar 
as authorized by the Board, and in the University Councils to the extent specified in this 
Act. The administration of each Autonomous University is vested in the Chancellor 
insofar as authorized by the Board. 
The Board shall, in addition, exercise all the powers granted to the Board of 
Directors of a private non-stock corporation under existing laws, as well as 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 UP system; 
c) Upon recommendation of the System University Council, to approve the 
institution, merger or abolition of academic programs drawn up by the University 
Councils; 
d) Upon recommendation of the System University Council, to confer the usual 
honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning, statesmanship, or eminence in 
literature, science, or art: Provided, that such degrees shall not be conferred in 
consideration of the payment of money, the giving of gifts or other valuable 
consideration: 
e) To establish professorial chairs and to provide for the maintenance or 
endowment of such chairs, as well as to provide for such other professors and lecturers as 
the progress of instruction may make necessary, and to fix the compensation pertaining to 
such positions; 
f) To provide fellowships and scholarships and to award the same to students 
giving special evidence of merit; 


g) To elect the University President upon appropriate consultations with the 
various sectors of the University community; 
h) To appoint, upon recommendation of the President, all officials of the 
University except those whose appointments are vested by the Board in the President, the 
Chancellor, or in other appropriate officials of the University; 
i) To appoint faculty members and other officials and employees; any other 
provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, to draw up and approve a position 
classification and compensation plan for its officials, faculty and other employees, fix and 
adjust their salaries and benefits; to fix their hours of service, and such other duties and 
conditions as it may deem proper; to grant to them in its discretion, leave of absence 
under such regulation as it may promulgate, any other provision of law to the contrary 
notwithstanding and to remove them for cause as provided by law after due investigation 
and proper hearing; 
j) 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 in the latter’s opinion their services are specially needed: 
Provided, however, that no extension of service shall be made beyond the age of seventy: 
Provided further, that in cases 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; 
k) Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, upon recommendation of the System 
University Council, to authorize the creation, organization, reorganization, or abolition of 
autonomous universities, colleges, institutes, and other units of the University; 
1) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as but not 
limited to matriculation fees, graduation fees, and laboratory fees, 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 and shall be deposited 
in any authorized government depository bank. Any and all interests that shall accrue 
therefrom shall form part of the same hnds for the use of the University. Any provision 
of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, income generated by the University may, 
at the discretion of the Board be disbursed for the professional growth and development, 
health, welfare, salary 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 this Act. If for any reason, the 
University, for reasons beyond its control, shall not he 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 in its discretion may be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives 
and goals of the University; 
m) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for by law for the 
support of the University to the end 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 
n) To import articles or materials for educational use in accordance with See. 25 
(4) of this Act; 
0) To receive in trust legacies, giRs and donation of real and personal property of 
all kinds and to administer and dispose of the same when necessary for the benefit of the 
University and subject to the limitations, directions and instructions of the donor, if any; 
P) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machineries, equipment 
and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal properties, 


including the necessary supplies, materials and equipment; Provided, that purchases and 
other transactions entered into by the University shall be exempt from taxes and duties; 
q) To organize and finance a corporation under the Corporation Code to assist the 
University in the discharge of its functions; and 
r) To prescribe tules for its own government, and to enact for the government of 
the University such general ordinances and regulations, not contrary to law, as are 
consistent with the purposes of the University 
SECTION 11, Quorum2 - A 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 System Universig Council. - There shall be a System 
University Council composed of the following: The University President as Chairperson; 
The Chancellors of the Autonomous University as members; The Vice President for 
Academic Affairs as member who shall also act as the Secretary of the Council; The 
Faculty Regent Three members from each Autonomous University Council, to serve for 
a term of two years, chosen as follows: I) one elected from among and by the Assistant 
Professors; 2) one elected from among and by the Associate Professors; and 3) one 
elected from among and by the Professors and University Professors; and, Three 
members elected at-large from among and by the regular faculty members with the rank 
of Assistant Professor or higher, to serve a term of two years. 
SECTION 13. Powers. - The System University Council shall: 
a) Prescribe the minimum system-wide requirements for admission to the 
University and for graduation and the receiving of a degree; 
h) Recommend for approval of the Board of Regents the institution, merger or 
abolition of academic programs endorsed to it by the University Councils; 
c) Approve system-wide tules on student discipline; 
d) Approve the graduation of students solely as recommended by the University 
Councils of the Autonomous Universities; 
e) Decide with finality all cases on appeal involving the application of the rules of 
discipline, and the requirements for admission to the University and for graduation, and 
the conferment and withdrawal of degrees ; 
f )  Recommend to the Board of Regents the conferment of honorary degrees ; 
g) Prescribe minimum standard of ethics and conduct for faculty ; 
h) Initiate the review of and recommend to the appropriate bodies changes in 
existing academic courses, programs, standards, thrusts and policies; and 
i) Adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act; and 
j) Perform other functions requiring system-wide coordination or on matters of 
system-wide concern as may be authorized in appropriate cases by the Board of Regents, 
the University Councils, or the President. 
SECTION 14, The Universiifv President: - The University President is the head of 
the University Faculty and the Chief Executive Officer of the University. The President 
shall exercise the powers specifically provided for in this Act, those determined by the 
Board of Regents, and those which are usually pertaining to the office of the president of 
a university, or those which are related or necessary to its functions. The term and 
compensation of the President shall be determined by the Board of Regents. 


SECTION 15, The University Council. - There shall be in each Autonomous 
University a University Council consisting of the Chancellor as Chairperson, and of all 
the faculty members in the University holding the rank of university professor, professor, 
associate professor or assistant professor. 
SECTION 16. Powers, - The University Council alone shall : 
a) Prescribe the academic programs including their institution, abolition and 
merger, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents as recommended by the System 
University Council ; 
b) Set the rules of discipline, and exercise disciplinary power over the students, 
through its appropriate committees or the Chancellor, within the limits prescribed by the 
rules of discipline; 
c) Set the requirement for admission to any college of the University, subject to 
the minimum system-wide requirements; 
d) Set the requirement for graduation and the receiving of a degree, subject to the 
minimum system-wide requirements; 
e) Recommend to the System University Council students or others to be 
recipients of degrees; 
f )  Set standards of ethics and conduct for faculty, taking into account the 
minimum prescribed by the System University Council; and 
g) Adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act 
SECTION 17. The Chancellor of the Autonomous University. - The Chancellor of 
the Autonomous University shall be appointed by the Board of Regents upon nomination 
of the University President, taking into account the views of the constituents of the 
Autonomous University. The Chancellor shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of 
that Autonomous 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 18. The Secretaiy of the University and of the Board of Regenis, - 
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 19. The Treasurer ofthe University - The Treasurer of the Philippines 
shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. All accounts and expenses therefore 
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 20. The F a d @ .  - The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its 
faculty, which shall be presided over by a Dean appointed by the Board of Regents on 
nomination by the University President and upon the recommendation of the Chancellor 
of the Autonomous University taking into account the views of the constituents of the 
college. In the appointment of professors or other faculty members of the University, no 
religious test shall be applied, nor shall the religious or political opinions or affiliations of 
the faculty member of the University be made matter of examination or inquiry, 
SECTION 21. Appoinmzent Requisites. - Professors and other regular faculty 
members, and research, extension and professional personnel of the University are 
members of the closed career system of the Civil Service. As such, they shall be exempt 
from any Civil Service examination or regulation as a requisite to appointment. 


SECTION 22. Land Grants and Other Properly of the Universily. - The land 
grants and other real properties of the University of the Philippines ceded by law, decree, 
presidential issuance or by any other instrument of conveyance to the University of the 
Philippines, are hereby specifically declared to be reserved for the purposes intended as 
confirmed by the Board of Regents. The absolute ownership of the University over its 
landholdings is hereby affirmed and the proper certificates of ownership of the University 
not yet issued for these landholdings not otherwise reserved by law to the public domain, 
shall be expedited and released by the Land Registration Authority or by the proper oflice 
of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources within six (6) months from 
date of effectivity hereof. 
SECTION 23. Financial Assistance. - In addition to the appropriations for the 
University in the General Appropriations Act, the amount of P 100 million is hereby 
automatically appropriated each fiscal year for five years beginning in 1999 which shall 
be allocated by the Board of Regents for the support of the University’s needs such as 
research, distance education, extension, voluntary service, libraries and laboratories. 
SECTION 24. University Income and Receipts, 
(a) All income, receipts and fees accruing to or derived by the University shall, 
upon their collection, be automatically released to it. These shall include, among others: 
1) Tuition, matriculation, and all other miscellaneous fees collected by the 
University; 
2) Income from the land grants ceded to the University pursuant to Act No. 3608, 
as amended, and from other land grants that may have been or hereafter be ceded 
to it; 
3) lncome under R.A. No. 3870, as amended and all other special laws; 
4) Income from the operation of service facilities, such as cafeterias and human or 
animal hospitals; 
5) Income from extension services, and similar fees; 
6) Income from trusts, legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal property 
of all kinds; 
7) All other income classified as special or fiduciary funds within the context of 
existing laws. 
(b) All appropriations for government assistance to the University under the 
annual General Appropriations Act and any supplemental or deficiency I appropriations 
measure shall be in lump-sum. The University may use unexpended balances of such 
appropriations for such purposes as the Board of Regents may determine. 
(c) All income, receipts, and funds derived by or released to the University under 
paragraphs one and two of this Section shall upon their collection or release, be 
immediately deposited in a separate account or accounts in any authorized Government 
depository bank in the name of the Treasurer of the Philippines, as treasurer ex-officio of 
the University. 
(d) All amounts deposited in the accounts authorized to be established and 
maintained under paragraph three above shall be disbursed under such terms and 
conditions as may be prescribed by the Board of Regents. For this purpose, all such 
disbursements shall be exempt from any requirement of special budgets. 
SECTION 25. Tax exemptions. - The provisions of any general or special law to 
the contrary notwithstanding: 


I) All property, resources, receipts, expenditures, profits and income of the 
University used actually, directly and exclusively for educational purposes shall he 
exempt from all national and local taxes, fees, charges and assessments now in force or 
hereafter established. The same exemption shall likewise apply to all contracts, deeds, 
documents and transactions related to the conduct of the business of the University; 
Provided, however, that said exemptions shall apply only to such taxes fees, charges and 
Assessments for which the University itself would be otherwise ' liable, and shall not 
apply to those taxes, fees, charges, or assessments payable by persons or entities doing 
business with the University, 
2) Revenues derived from the assets used in the operations of facilities, such as 
hospitals, food processing plants and other facilities owned and operated by the 
University, and which are indispensable to the operation and maintenance of its academic 
units or programs shall be exempt from taxation. 
3) Revenues derived from the assets used in the operations of cafeterias, canteens, 
dormitories, bookstores and other facilities located within its premises and owned and 
operated by the University as ancillary activities, shall be exempt from taxation. 
4) The University shall be extended duty and tax-free entry of all imported articles 
used actually and directly for educational purposes, subject to the rules and regulations 
promulgated by the Department of Finance; Provided that, articles entered tax and duty- 
free may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in any manner whatsoever to 
any person without the prior approval of the Department of Finance and the Commission 
on Audit. Any transferee of said article shall be deemed the importer thereof, and the 
same shall be assessed at its entered value without depreciation. 
5) Donations to the University shall be exempt from all taxes and shall be 
considered deductible items from the income tax ofthe donor. 
SECTION 26. A Compurative Treatment - To provide the University greater 
flexibility, it shall be accorded differential treatment more consistent with its institutional 
requirements by the service-wide agencies, such as the Civil Service Commission and the 
Commission on Audit, in the exercise of their respective jurisdiction. The establishment 
of such treatment shall be guided by comparable and appropriate institutional practices 
and standards in private industry and comparable regional institutions. Any law to the 
contrary notwithstanding, the University shall exclusively determine its teaching, 
research and extension thrusts, plans, policies, priorities, programs and standards and, on 
the basis of such determination, the University alone shall recommend to the Department 
of Budget and Management its annual budget. 
SECTION 27. Rule of Construction. - No statutoIy or other issuances shall 
diminish the powers, rights, privileges, and benefits accorded to the University under this 
Act or presently enjoyed by the University under other issuances and not otherwise 
modified or repealed under this Act, unless subsequent legislation expressly provide for 
their repeal, amendment or modification, 
SECTION 28. Sepmahilg Clause. - Should any provision herein he declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions ofthis Act. 
SECTION 29. 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 modified accordingly. 
SECTION 30. Effectivity- - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the OMicial Gazette or in any newspapers of general 
circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved,