I 
13TH C NGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
F THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Re ular Session 
1 
I- 
S E N A T E  
& 
1 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
I 
Explanatory Note 
e University of the Philippines was established in 1908 by Act No. 1870, 
n as the University Charter, of the First Philippine Legislature. 
sently, the U.P. System is composed of seven autonomous universities located 
campuses around the country providing tertiary-level education in almost 
agriculture, medicine, and law, to the natural and social sciences, 
the years, U.P. has earned its mark as a highly reputable school of tertiary 
school students apply than in any other college or university in 
oted for producing some of the country's best and brightest 
, scientists, engineers, medical doctors, artists, musicians, 
its mark as the country's premiere state university. 
ety-six years after its establishment however, the university is facing tougher 
of inadequate budget, the inability to retain its respected 
es and the deterioration of its facilities, among others. 
order to address these issues and create a more responsive environment that will 
ies of our times, there is a pressing need to act upon this 
measure proposes to: 1 .) seek formal recognition by the government of UP as 
university of the Philippines, to set it apart from the hundred or so other state 
and colleges in the country; 2.) free UP from the coverage of the Salary 
UP faculty salaries miserably low; 3.) democratize the 
with the inclusion of a Staff Regent to represent non- 
rity to develop and use some of its own resources to 
resentatives in the last Congress. It is 
this measure, which hopefully would 
the best universities in the world and 
regain its hold as the country's bastion of academic freedom and excellence. 
,"


" 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
1 0  
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
1 -, , 
.\ ;, 
I 
(: 
I,: ,? '7 -7 
.,~ , 
I 
,.. 
, .  
. , ~ f  
13TH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
/ 
S. B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
AN ACT 
TO STRENGTHEN THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AS THE 
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress nssembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as "The University of the Philippines 
Charter of 2003." 
SEC. 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 as the National University. 
SEC. 3. Purpose of the University. As the National University, a public and 
secular institution of higher learning and a community of scholars dedicated to the search 
for truth and knowledge, the University of the Philippines shall perform its unique and 
distinctive leadership in higher education and national education development through its 
combined functions,' as follows: 
(1) Set standards and initiate innovations in teaching, research and faculty 
development in philosophy, the arts and humanities, the social sciences, 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 who serve on 
the faculties of state and private colleges and universities; 
1 


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 
(3) Serve as a research university in the various fields of its expertise and 
specialization by conducting basic and applied research and development, 
promoting research in the various colleges and universities; 
(4)' Lead as 'a public service university by providing various forms of community, 
and public and volunteer service, and scholarly and technical assistance to the 
government, the private sector, and civil society while maintaining its standards of 
excellence; 
(5) Provide opportunities for training and learning in progressive leadership, 
responsible citizenship, and the development of democratic values, institutions and 
practice; and 
(6) Serve as a regional and global university in cooperation with international and 
scientific unions with networks of universities and scholarly and professional 
associations in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. 
SEC. 4. The University System. The University of the Philippines is a university 
~ 
system and shall be composed of constituent universities established solely by its Board of 
Regents upon the recommendation of the President of the University. 
SEC. 5. Academic Freedom. The University has the right and the responsibility to 
exercise academic freedom. 
SEC. 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. 
SEC. 7. Social Responsibility. The University is committed to serve the Filipino 
nation and.humanity. While it cmies 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. 
SEC. 8. Democratic Access. No student shall be denied admission to the 
University by reason of age, gender, nationality, religious belief, or political opinion or 
2 


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 
affiliation. The University shall take affirmative steps to enhance the access of 
disadvantaged students to its progams and services. 
SEC. 9. The Board of Regents. The government of the University is vested in a 
board of regents known as the “Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines 
System,” composed of: 
The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education as Chairperson; 
The President of the University of the Philippines System as Vice- 
Chairperson; 
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture; 
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical 
Education; 
The President of the U.P. Alumni Association, to serve as Alumni Regent 
during his or her incumbency in that position; 
One Faculty Regent chosen by the full-time tenured faculty members of 
the University from their ranks, to serve for a term of two (2) years; 
One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one (1) year, chosen by the 
students from their ranks; 
One Staff Regent representing the full-time permanent research, 
extension, and professional staff (REPS) and administrative personnel and 
chosen by them from their ranks, to serve for a term of two (2) years; and 
Five (5) other Regents who have distinguished themselves in their 
professions or field of specialization chosen from a list of five (5) persons 
for every vacancy as recommended by a search committee constituted by 
the President of the University based on standards and guidelines 
approved by the Board o€ Regents. At least three (3) of these Regents 
should be alumni. All these Regents shall be appointed by the President 
of the Philippines and shall each serve for a term of two (2) years: 
Provided, That the Regents holding office as members of the Board of 
3 


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 
Regents at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall continue to serve 
until the expiration of their appointments as provided in 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 he chosen in 
the same manner as provided 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 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. 
SEC. 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. 
The Board shall exercise the following specific powers and duties: 
To define the thrusts of the University and adopt broad policy guidelines to 
ensure their implementation; 
To preserve the integrity of the University of the Philippines System; 
To approve the institution, merger or abolition of academic programs upon 
recommendation of the University Council of the Constituent University 
concerned through the President of the University; 
To approve the graduation of students and grant of honors, as 
recommended by their respective University Councils through the 
President of the University; 
To confer honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning, 
statesmanship, or eminence in literature, science, or art, upon 
recommendation of a committee created by the President of the University: 


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 
Provided, That such degrees shall not be conferred in consideration of my 
payment, gift or other valuable consideration; 
To approve the rules on student discipline upon recommendation of the 
University Councils through the President of the University; 
To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish constituent universities, 
colleges, institutcs, and other academic and administrative units of the 
University; 
To establish professorial chair awards; 
To provide fellowships, scholarships and grants, and to award the same to 
faculty, staff and students giving special evidence of merit; 
To elect the President of the University for a term of six (6) years 
following a process of democratic consultation with the University 
community based on standards and guidelines set by the Board of Regents. 
In the event of a vacancy, the Board of Regents shall elect a president who 
shall serve a full term within six (6) months from the occurrence of the 
vacancy; 
To appoint faculty members and other officials and employees, to draw up 
a position classification and compensation plan for its faculty and staff, and 
to fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members and other 
employees; to determine their hours or service, and such other terms and 
conditions as it may deem proper; to grant to them, at its discretion, leave 
of absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any other 
provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for 
cause as provided by law after due investigation and proper hearing; 
To extend, with their consent, the tenure of faculty members of the 
University beyond the compulsory retirement age, any other provision of 
law to the contrary notwithstanding, on recommendation of the units upon 
(Q 
(g) 
[h) 
(i) 
(j) 
(k) 
(1) 
5 


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 
endorsement of the President of the University, whenever their services are 
specially needed; 
To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, as the Board 
may deem proper to impose. Such fees and charges, including government 
subsidies and other income generated by the University, shall constitute 
special trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized government 
depository bank. Any and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall 
form part of the same funds for the use of the University. 
(m) 
Any provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, all 
incomes generated by the University or by its subsidiaries shall, upon their 
collection, be retained by the University and disbursed at the discretion of 
the Board for the professional growth and development, health, welfare, 
and other benefits of the faculty members and other personnel; for the 
acquisition, construction, maintenance and repair of urgently needed 
instructional and auxiliary facilities, equipment, buildings and other 
inkastmcture; and for expenses necessary for the attainment of its purposes 
under its approved program of expenditures; 
To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the 
support of the University to the ends specified by law, and all other sums in 
the manner it may, in its discretion, determine to carry out the purposes and 
functions of the University; 
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; 
To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
property of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when 
, 
~ 
(n) 
(0) 
(p) 
6 


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 
necessary for the benefit of the University and subject to the instructions of 
the donor, if any; 
The provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding, to authorize its 
faculty and staff to travel abroad in order to study, deliver papers, attend 
conferences and disseminate research: Provided, That the fellowship, 
scholarship or grant is authorized by the Board of Regents; 
To exercise the general powers set out in the Corporation Code; 
To delegate any of its powers to the President of the University or any 
other officials or officers as it may deem necessruy; 
To prescribe rules for its own government and the discipline of the faculty 
and other personnel and to enact for the government of the University such 
general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as are consistent 
with the purposes of the University; and 
To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to carry out the 
objectives of this Act. 
SEC. 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 
quonun. 
SEC. 12. The President of the University. The President of the University is the 
chief academic officer, head of the University Faculty and the chief executive officer of the 
University. The President of the University shall exercise the powers specifically provided 
for in this Act, those determined by the Board of Regents, those which usually pertain to 
the office of the president of a university, and those which are related or necessary to its 
functions. The Board of Regents shall determine the compensation of the President of the 
University. 
SEC. 13. The Secretary 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 
7 


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 
the Secretary of the. Board, and who shall keep such records of the University as may he 
designated by the Board. 
SEC. 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 and higher. 
SEC. 15. Powers of the University Council. The University Council shall be the 
highest academic body of each Constituent University and shall exercise the following 
Fix the requirements for admission to any college or unit, graduation, and 
the grant of honors subject to the minimum system-wide requirements; 
Prescribe the academic programs including their institution, revision, 
abolition and merger, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents; 
Recommend to the Board of Regents the graduation of students and the 
grant of honors; 
Exercise disciplinary power over the students, through the Chancellors or 
their appropriate committees, subject to review by the President of the 
University according to the limits prescribed by system-wide rules on 
student discipline; 
Undertake the periodic review of academic courses, programs, standards, 
thrusts and policies; and 
Adopt internal 'mles of procedure consistent with the provisions of this 
Act. 
SEC. 16. The Chancellor of the Constituent University. The administration of 
each Constituent University is vested in the Chancellor insofar as authorized by the Board 
of Regents and the President of the University. The Chancellor of the Constituent 
University shall he elected by the Board of Regents upon nomination of the President of 
the University, following a process of democratic consultation with the constituents of the 
Constituent University based on standards and guidelines set by the Board of Regents. The 
8 


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 
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 BoGd of Regents shall determine the term and compensation of the 
Chancellor. 
SEC. 17. The, Faculty. The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its 
faculty. The College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean. The Dean shall be elected 
by the Board of Regents on nomination by the President of the University and upon 
recommendation of the Chancellor of the Constituent University, following a process of 
democratic consultation with the constituents of the college based on standards and 
guidelines set by the Board of Regents. 
SEC. 18. Appointment Requisites and Practice of Profession. Faculty members, 
as well as research, extension and professional staff (REPS) of the University shall be 
exempt as such from any civil service examination or regulation as a requisite to 
appointment. The provisions of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, licensing 
requirements for professional regulatory boards shall not affect appointments to faculty 
positions. In the appointment of faculty members, no religious test shall be applied, nor 
shall the religious or political opinions or affiliations of the faculty members of the 
University be made a matter of examination or inquiry. 
SEC. 19. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the University. 
(a) 
The State shall provide 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 
cany 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 by the Board of Regents. 
~ 
9 


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 
(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. The absolute ownership of the University over these 
landholdings including those covered by original and transfer certificates 
of title in the name of the University of the Philippines and their future 
derivatives is . hereby confirmed. Where the issuance of proper 
certificates of title is yet pending for these landholdings, the appropriate 
government office shall expedite the issuance thereof within six (6) 
months from the date of effectivity of this Act provided that all 
registration requirements necessary for the issuance of the said titles 
have been submitted and complied with. 
The Board of Regents may plan, design, approve and/or cause the 
implementation of contracts, mechanisms, and financial instruments, 
such as joint ventures, long-term leases, fully-owned subsidiaries, 
securitization and outright sale, to give the University the flexibility to 
generate revenues and other resources from land grants and other 
properties: Provided, That such mechanisms and arrangements shall 
sustain and protect the environment in accordance with law, and be 
exclusive of the academic core zone of the campuses of the University of 
the Philippines. 
(c) 
SEC. 20. Auditing of Accounts. All accounts and disbursements of the University 
shall be audited by the Commission on Audit. 
SEC.21. 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. 
SEC. 22. Rules of Construction. No statutoly or other issuances shall diminish the 
28 
powers, rights, privileges, and benefits accorded to the University under this Act or 
10 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
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, 
amendment 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. 
SEC. 23. Appropriations. The amount needed to carry out the implementation of 
this Act shall be charged against the current fiscal 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. 
The University may use unexpended balances in any appropriation for purposes 
that the Board of Regents determines. 
SEC. 24. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 25. Repealing Clause. Act No. 1870, as amended, and 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. 
SEC. 26. Effectivity. 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, 
11