Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
19th Congress 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. ______________________ 
=========================================================================== 
Introduced by HONORABLE PETER B. MIGUEL 
=========================================================================== 
AN ACT CONVERTING THE SOUTH COTABATO STATE COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
SURALLAH, PROVINCE OF SOUTH COTABATO, INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY, TO BE KNOWN AS 
THE SOUTH COTABATO STATE UNIVERSITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The State declares that quality education is an inalienable right of all Filipinos and it is the policy of the 
State to protect and promote the rights of all students to quality education at all levels. Therefore, the State 
shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. 
Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states 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.” Moreover, Section 2, of Republic Act 9155 otherwise known as Governance 
of Basic Education Act of 2001, declared that, “It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right 
of all citizens to quality basic education and to make such education accessible to all by providing all 
Filipino children a free and compulsory education in the elementary level and free education in the high 
school level. 
Sending children to college has been a life-long dream for all parents. For most of them or even for all of 
us, pursuing higher education is the beginning of our journey in search for greater goals and aspirations. 
Pursuing a college degree is virtually impossible for many poverty-stricken residents in the Province of 
South Cotabato given the high cost of living, transportation, personal sustenance, and other necessary 
expenses that go with equally high cost of education, especially in private universities and colleges in 
South Cotabato and neighboring provinces. 
It is a common challenge that many rural areas face, where educational institutions tend to be concentrated 
in urban centers, leaving residents in provinces like South Cotabato feeling underserved. This can limit 
access to higher education for those who may not have the means to travel or relocate. 
Emphasizing the need to address this problem, this bill seeks to create a State University in the Province 
of South Cotabato to be known as South Cotabato State University to be located at Barangay Dajay, 
Surallah, South Cotabato. It is the clamor of the people to have a state university in the Province of South 
Cotabato. Together with the creation of the state university is the guarantee of fiscal autonomy, enhanced 
academic standard, and to provide accessible and affordable but quality education to poor but deserving 
students. 
Developing more institutions in these areas could provide local opportunities, boost the economy, and 
foster community development. Increased investment in education infrastructure and partnerships with 
local governments could help bridge this gap. 
In conclusion, the proposal to establish South Cotabato State University is a constitutional mandate and it 
will offer basic education services to the citizens of the community. The proposed State University will 
offer a lifetime privilege to the people to enjoy free and basic education not only in the Province of South 
Cotabato but its neighboring provinces. If citizens are given free basic tertiary education, their chance of 
finishing a course is high and it will eventually decrease the poverty level of the province.  
11475
March 4, 2025
3:00 pm


Through this Act, the creation of public entities dedicated to provide accessible quality education will be 
achievable. With this purpose in mind, the immediate approval of this bill is strongly requested. 
PETER B. MIGUEL 
Representative, 2nd District South Cotabato 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
19th Congress 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. ______________________ 
============================================================================== 
Introduced by HONORABLE PETER B. MIGUEL 
============================================================================== 
AN ACT CONVERTING THE SOUTH COTABATO STATE COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
SURALLAH, PROVINCE OF SOUTH COTABATO, INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY, TO BE KNOWN AS 
THE SOUTH COTABATO STATE UNIVERSITY,  AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “South Cotabato State University 
Charter.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State shall promote, foster, nurture and protect the right 
to accessible, equitable and quality education. Through a revised institutionalized culture and 
improvised governance, the South Cotabato State University shall aim to become one of the 
government’s main high education provider in the region.  
SECTION 3. Conversion. – The South Cotabato State College in the Municipality of Surallah, 
Province of South Cotabato is hereby converted into s State University to be known as the South 
Cotabato State University hereinafter referred to as the “University.” 
SECTION 4. General Mandate. – The University shall primarily offer higher professional, technical 
instructions for special purposes and promote research and extension services, advanced studies 
and progressive leadership in education, agriculture, fishery, engineering, arts and sciences, short-
term vocational-technical and other continuing courses as may be relevant. It shall also provide 
primary consideration to incorporating research and studies for the development and progress of 
South Cotabato. 
SECTION 5. Curricular Offerings. – The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate studies 
in fields of education, agriculture, fishery, engineering, arts and sciences and other degrees or 
courses within its area 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 Province of South 
Cotabato and Region XII. 
SECTION 6. Administration. – The College shall have the general powers of a corporation set forth 
in Batas Pambansa Bilang 68, as amended, otherwise known as the “Corporation Code of the 
Philippines.” The administration of the College and the exercise of its corporate powers shall be 
vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and President of the College. However, nothing in this 
Section shall diminish the powers of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under Republic 
Act No. 7722 pertaining to its exercise of oversight powers and reasonable supervision over higher 
education institutions. 
SECTION 7. Governing Board. – The Governing Board of the College shall be the Board of Regents, 
hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be composed of the following: 
a.) Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or his/her representative, as 
Chairperson; 
11475


b.) The President of the State College as, Vice Chairperson; 
c.) The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the House of 
Representatives; 
d.) The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); 
e.) The Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); 
f.) The President of the faculty union/association. 
g.) The President of the University Student Council; 
h.) The President of the alumni association of the State University; and 
i.) Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished themselves in 
their profession or fields of specialization. 
The Board shall appoint the two (2) prominent citizens from a list of at least five (5) qualified persons 
in the Province of South Cotabato where the University is located, as recommended by the search 
committee to be constituted by the College President, in consultation with the CHED Chairperson 
and other members of the Board, based on the standards and qualifications for the position set by 
the Board. They shall serve for a term of two (2) years from the date of appointment. 
The term of office of the President of the faculty association, Student Council President, and the 
President of the alumni association shall be co-terminus with their term of office, as set forth in 
their respective constitution and by-laws. 
SECTION 8. Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. – The Board shall promulgate and 
implement policies in accordance with the declared State policies on education, including those 
stated in Section 2 hereof, and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine 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.”  
SECTION 9. Powers and functions of 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 powers granted to the board of directors of a corporation under existing laws: 
a.) To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to carry out 
the purposes and functions of the State University; 
b.) Receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the State University 
in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, to carry out the purposes and functions of 
the State University; 
c.) Import duty-free economic, technical, and cultural books or publications, upon certification 
by the CHED that such books are economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, 
historical, or cultural purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff and Customs 
Code of the Philippines, as amended; 
d.) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds, 
to administer and dispose of the same when necessary for the benefit of the State University, 
subject to limitations, directions and instructions of the donor, if any. Such donations shall 
be exempt from the donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions 
from gross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with 
the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended. Provided, that 
such donations shall not be disposed of, transferred or sold; 
e.) 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 after due consultations with the involved sectors. 
Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by the 
State University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in any 
authorized government depository bank, and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall 
form part of the same fund for the use, utilization and benefit of the State University. In cases 
where tuition and other fees adjustment shall be implemented, a documented consultation 


compendium on the proposed increase should be submitted to the Board in order to support 
the Board’s action. 
Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, all 
income by the State University from tuition fees, programs, and other charges, as well as 
from the operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the constituent 
units of the Regional University System, and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, 
research, extension or other programs or projects of the State University: Provided, that all 
fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which it was collected. 
If, for any reason beyond its control, the State College shall not be able to pursue any project 
for which the 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 State University; 
f.) Authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment, and other 
facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property, including necessary supplies, 
materials, and equipment; 
g.) Designate, upon recommendation of the President of the State University, the vice 
presidents, deans, directors, heads of departments, head of campus, faculty members, and 
other officials and employees of the University; 
h.) Fix and adjust 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 service, and such 
other duties and conditions as it may deem proper; grant them, as its discretion, leaves of 
absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any provision of existing law to the 
contrary notwithstanding; and remove them for a cause in accordance with the 
requirements of due process of law;  
i.) Approve curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn by the 
Administrative and the Academic Councils herein provided; 
j.) Set policies on the minimum system-wide requirements for admission, graduation of 
students and grant of honors; 
k.) Award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding contribution in the 
fields of education, public service, arts, science and technology, agriculture or in any field 
specialization within the academic competence of the State University: Provided, that such 
degrees shall not be conferred in consideration of any payment, gift or other valuable 
consideration. Provided further, that the same is consistent and complaint with the CHED 
guidelines in giving honorary degrees; 
l.) To establish and integrate non-chartered tertiary institutions within the Province of South 
Cotabato 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 or carry out equal access to educational opportunities as mandated by the 
Constitution; 
m.) Establish research and extension centers of the State University where such will promote 
the development of the latter; 
n.) Establish professional chairs in the State University and provide fellowships for the qualified 
faculty members and scholarships to deserving students; 
o.) Delegate any of its powers and duties of the President or other officials of the State 
University, as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of 
the State University; 
p.) Authorized an external management audit of the State University, subject to the rules and 
regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA) and institute reforms, including academic 
and structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and recommendation; 


q.) Collaborate with other governing boards of the State Colleges and Universities as well as 
private colleges and universities in working towards the development of the State University 
to become more efficient, relevant, productive, and competitive; 
r.) Enter into joint ventures, which may be initiated by the constituency, with business and 
industry for the profitable development and management of the economic assets of the 
State University; Provided, these ventures shall not affect the academic charter of the State 
University;  
s.) Develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with the local government unit 
(LGU), as well as public or private institutions and agencies, local and foreign, in the 
furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the State University; 
t.) Develop academic arrangements for institution-capability building with appropriate 
institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, and appoint experts or 
specialists as consultants, part-time or visiting or exchange professors, scholars, or 
researches, as the case may be; 
u.) Establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making and 
transparency within the State University; and 
v.) Extend the term beyond the age of retirement but not beyond the age of seventy (70) of the 
State University President whose performance has been unanimously rated by the Board as 
outstanding, after unanimous recommendation by the Performance Evaluation Committee 
(PEC);  
SECTION 9. Meetings of the Board. – The Board of the State University shall regularly convene at 
least once every quarter. However, the Chairperson of the Board may, upon three (3) days prior 
written notice, call a maximum of four (4) special meetings within a year, whenever necessary. 
All regular meetings of the Board shall be held in either the main campus or in any of the constituent 
units as may be determined by Regional State University System President in consultation with the 
chancellor, except for the certain meritorious and expedient reasons where special meetings may 
be convenient in venues outside the Region; 
A quorum of the Board of Trustees shall consist of majority of all its members holding office at the 
time of the meeting; Provided, that the Chairperson of the Board or the State University President 
is among those present in the meeting. 
In the absence of the Chairperson of the CHED, a duly designated Commissioner of the CHED shall 
represent the Chairperson in the meeting, however, that during the meeting, the State University 
President as Vice-Chairperson shall be the presiding officer: Provided, further, that this proviso 
notwithstanding, the Chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a CHED 
commissioner, as the regular chair of the Board, in which case said CHED Commissioner shall act 
as the presiding officer. 
In case the Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees on Education shall not be able to attend 
the said meeting, their respective representative shall have the same rights and responsibilities as 
a regular member of the Board, except in cases of the appointment of the State University Officials, 
including the State University President, wherein the Chairpersons shall send an official 
communication to the Board transmitting their approval of the appointment/designation. 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary or honoraria 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 authorized by resolution of the 
Board, subject to existing laws and regulations. 
SEC. 10. State College President – The State University shall be headed by the full-time president 
who shall be appointed by the Board subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards set by 
the Board and upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee; Provided, the 
candidate shall be a doctorate degree holder. The State University President shall have a term of 
four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term. 


In case of vacancy in the office of the State University President by reason of death, compulsory 
retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity to perform the functions of the office, the 
Board shall have the authority to designate an officer-in-charge of the State University within six (6) 
months from the date of vacancy, pending the appointment of a new State University President; 
Provided, the officer-in-charge shall only serve a period of not more than one (1) year. The State 
University President appointed by the Board after the occurrence of any aforementioned events 
shall serve the unexpired portion of the term, subject to reappointment for another term if 
warranted. 
The powers and duties of the President of the State University, in addition to those specifically 
provided by this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the Office of the President of similar 
universities. 
The salary of the State University President shall be in accordance with the Revised Compensation 
and Position Classification System and shall be comparable to that being received by the 
Presidents of similar educational institutions. 
SEC. 11. Vice-President. — The State University President shall be assisted by a vice president for 
academic affairs, a vice president for administration and finance, and a vice president for research, 
extension and development, and such other vice presidents as may be determined by the Board, 
but not exceeding five (5) vice presidents serving at a time. They shall be designated by the Board, 
upon the recommendation of the State University President. They shall serve as staff and may 
assume line functions upon the direction of the State University. 
SEC. 12. Secretary of the College of the Board. – There shall be a Secretary of the University and 
of the Board of Regents to be appointed by the Board, who shall keep such records of the University 
and the Board, as may be designated by the Board. 
SEC. 13. Executive Administrative Council. –  There shall be a University-wide administrative 
council headed by the State University President, with membership consisting of the vice-
presidents, deans, and other officials as may deemed necessary by the Board. The Executive 
Administrative Council shall set the direction and administrative policies on a university-wide basis 
and shall perform oversight functions on administrative matters. 
SEC. 14. Administrative Council – There shall be administrative council in the State University with 
the President as Chairman, the deans and directors of equal rank within the University as members. 
The Administrative Council shall formulate and recommend plans, projects, and policies 
administration, finance, and production for approval of the Board. 
The Presidents of the student council of the University may be allowed to attend the meetings of 
the Administrative Council as an observer. 
SEC. 15. Academic Council. – The Academic Council is the supreme academic advisory body in 
the State University and shall be responsible for the following functions: 
a) Set academic policies and minimum academic standards; 
b) Perform oversight functions on all academic matters pertaining to the State University 
and its programming; 
c) Formulate, evaluate, and recommend to the State University President policies and 
procedures which pertain to the development, maintenance, and improvement of the 
State University program in academic matters; 
d) Set the requirements for admission to any university or unit or any academic program or 
course offering and for graduation and conferment of a degree, and the grant of honors 
subject to the minimum system-wide requirements; 
e) Prescribe the academic programs including their institutions, revision, abolition and 
merger, subject to the approval of the Board; 
f) Recommend to the Board the graduation of students and the grant of honors; 
g) Undertake a periodic review of academic courses, program standards, thrusts and 
policies; 


h) Adopt the necessary measures to enable students to exercise their established religious 
beliefs consistent with the accepted norms and morals of society. Students shall be 
given options to fulfill their academic responsibilities, such as but not limited to, make-
up classes or examinations on missed school days or examinations which coincided 
with the exercise of their established religious beliefs; 
i) Adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act; and 
j) Perform other corollary functions consistent to the goals and objectives of the State 
University.  
SEC. 16. Research, Extension, and Enterprise Development (REED) State University Council. – 
There shall be a REED State University Council which shall perform oversight functions and provide 
direction on REED matters in the University. The REED State University Council shall be headed by 
the Vice-President for Research Extension and Development, with the Chairpersons of each 
academic department as members. 
SEC. 17. Faculty. – No political beliefs, gender preference, physical disability, cultural or 
community affiliation, or ethnic origin, and religious opinion or affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry 
in the appointment of the faculty members of the State University: Provided, that the appointment 
shall be subject to the guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board consistent with 
existing policies and laws: Provided, further, that no member of the faculty shall teach for or against 
any particular church or religious sect. 
SEC. 18. Anti-Discrimination in the Admission of Students. – No student shall be denied 
admission to the State University by reason of age, gender, religion, political beliefs, cultural or 
community affiliation or ethnic origin. 
SEC. 19. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. – The State University shall enjoy 
academic freedom and institution autonomy, pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of 
the 1987 Philippine Constitution. 
SEC. 20. Transfer of Assets and Liabilities. – All assets, real or personal, personnel and records 
of the State College, as well as liabilities or obligations, are hereby transferred to the State 
University. The positions, rights and security of tenure of the faculty members and personnel 
employed in the College under existing laws prior this Act shall be honored and respected. 
All assets donated to the State University under its former juridical personality shall be deemed 
donated to and hence a property of the new State University as duly constituted body or juridical 
entity. 
SEC. 21. Compliance with CHED Requirements. – The provisions of this Act notwithstanding, the 
establishment of the institution into a state university shall become effective only upon the 
declaration by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), based on the recommendation of a 
panel of experts it shall constitute for the purpose, that the institution has complied with the 
requirements for a college status based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012 
(Policy Standard to Enhance Quality Assurance in Philippine Higher Education Through an 
Outcome-Based and Typology Based QA): Provided, that the panel may issue such a 
recommendation when the institution has substantially complied with the requirements for the 
grant of status as a state university. 
The following operational requirements for a state university, as established by the CHED, shall be 
complied with: 
a.) Full-time permanent faculty members who have the relevant degrees as required by the 
CHED and experience in the subjects areas they handle; 
b.) Degree Programs characterized by a core curriculum that holistically develops thinking, 
problem solving, decision making, communication, technical, and social skills in line 
with the mission of the State University; 
c.) Learning resources and support structures that are appropriate for developing 
knowledge and skills in specific natural science, social science, humanities, and 


professional disciplines offered by the University, including laboratories, books, and 
journals, etc.; 
d.) Links with the community that would ensure the development of relevant academic and 
extension programs as well as the application of their learning outcomes; and 
e.) Outreach programs involving students in social-development oriented experiences that 
allow them to contextualize their knowledge within social and human experiences. 
After five (5) years of operation, it shall be evaluated by the CHED to determine its compliance with 
the requirements for University classification according to the horizontal typology of higher 
education institutions. Moreover, the University shall undergo the Institutional Sustainability 
Assessment (ISA) process to ensure that an Internal Quality Assurance system has been 
established leading to sustainable offering of quality programs and services. 
Additionally, the university shall be in compliance with CHED CMO No. 14  series of 2019 to ensure 
the quality of the programs offerings. 
SEC. 22. Income Generating Projects. – To augment the budget allocation of government for 
higher education, the State University shall engage in Income Generating Projects (IGPs) to 
enhance limited resources and later and later be self-sufficient and autonomous pursuant to 
Republic Act 8292, also known as the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997. The IGP 
management of the State University should look into the possibility of establishing functional 
linkages with other institutions for fund accessing, technology innovation, development, transfer 
and, more importantly, getting accreditation or seeking membership in different trade 
organizations or enterprise development councils at the local and even national levels. 
SEC. 23. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the initial implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) following its approval. 
SEC. 24. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the State College. – The State shall provide 
support to the State University in the form of lump sum amounts, through general appropriations 
and other financial benefits, and in kind, through land grants and donations and use of other real 
properties. To carry out the intent of these grants, income derived from the development of all land 
grants and real properties acquired by the State University shall be used to further the ends of the 
State University, as may decided by the Board. 
The shall, plan, design, approve, or cause the implementation of financial mechanisms, such as 
joint ventures and long-term leases, to give the Regional University System the most advantageous 
position in revenues and other resources from the land grants and other real property entrusted by 
the Filipino people: Provided, that such long-term leases shall not conflict with the State 
University’s academic mission, as well as, sustain and protect the environment: Provided, finally, 
that funds from the long-term leases shall not be meant to replace, in whole or in part, the annual 
appropriation provided by the National Government to the State University. 
SEC. 25. Tax Exemptions. – The importation of economic, technical and cultural books or 
publications, which are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or 
cultural purposes made by the University, upon certification by the CHED, shall be exempt from 
customs duties in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 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, directly and exclusively by the University shall be exempt from donor’s tax and the same 
shall be treated as allowable deductions from the gross income of the donor for purposes of 
computing the taxable income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the National 
Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended. 
SEC. 26. Development Plan and Institutionalization. – Within one hundred twenty (120) days 
after the approval of this Act, the Board of Regents shall accomplish the following: 


a.) Submit a mid-term development plan, including its corresponding recommendation to 
the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); 
b.) Accordingly set up its organizational, administrative, as well as, academic structure, 
including the appointment of the State University key officials; and 
c.) Determine the courses and programs to be offered in the State University. 
SEC. 27 Suppletory Application. – The provisions Republic Act 8292, otherwise known as the 
“Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997,” shall be an integral part of this Act and shall serve 
as part of the governing charter of the State University. 
SEC. 28. Parity Clause. – All other powers, functions, and privileges, responsibilities, and 
limitation granted to, or imposed upon State University and their officials under existing laws shall 
be deemed granted to or imposed upon the State University and its officials whenever appropriate. 
SEC. 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within the period of ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall promulgate rules and 
regulations as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 30. Separability Clause. – If, for any reasons, any part of or provision of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in 
full force and effect. 
SEC. 31. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,