Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

H.B.No._1497 a

Introduced by Congresswoman BELLAFLOR J. ANt-ARA-CASTILLO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Art. XIV Sec. 4(1) of the Constitution mandates the State to exercise reasonable
supervision and regulation of all educational institutions. Included in this mandate is the State’
responsibility to ensure a safe and secure environment for stu¢ -nts to pursue their studies
within these institutions without fear for their physical well-being.

There has been a steady increase in the crime rate in campvses all over the country. It is
necessary for both students, their parents and/or their guardians ‘> have access to information
with regard to campus crime statistics, as well as crime preventio : plans in these campuses to
equip them in making an informed choice as to which school to ser 1 their children.

At the same time, students currently enrolled in their re pective universities need to
know the measures undertaken by their institution, as well as ourses of action in cases of
emergency to guarantee security and expedient assistance, if need» e.

In view of the foregoing, early and immediate passage of th s bill is earnestly sought.

ae
welts bene i;

Representatjte
Lone District, /.urora Province


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

H.B,NoL497

Introduced by Congresswoman BELLAFLOR J. ANGARA-CASTILLO

AN ACT
MANDATING ALL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TO CREATE A CRIM]
PREVENTION COMMITTEE THAT SHALL ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF
THEIR STUDENTS.

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 Campus Safety Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies. It is the declared responsibility of the State to
defend the right of the youth to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and
special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation, and other
conditions prejudicial to their development as provided under the Constitution. It is
also hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure access to quality education by
ensuring the safety and security of students in all institutions of higher learning and
recognizing the role of the youth in nation building and in the development of the
country. Pursuant thereto,

See. 3. Scope. This Act shall apply to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs),
including State Universities and Colleges, Local Universities and Colleges and Private
HEIs.

Sec. 4. Creation of a Crime Prevention Committee (CPC). A CPC shall be
established in every HEI to formulate policies and strategies that shall help protect
students from both internal and external threats to their safety and security, such as
theft, robbery, rape and other forms of violence within and outside the area where the
HEL is located.

Sec. 5. Composition of the CPC. The CPC in every HEI shall be composed of the
following:

a. The Vice President for community affairs or any other designee in the College or
University, whose office deals with campus security and safety, as presiding
officer;

b. The Vice President for student affairs or any other designee in the College or
University, whose office deals with the welfare and discipline of students, as

alternate presiding officer; ‘

c. The Secretary of the University Student Council, as the committee secretary;


d. The University Student Council/Supreme Council President or Chairperson, as
member;

e. The Class Presidents of the high school level and the College Presidents or
Chairpersons of the college level, and the Corps Commander of the Reserved
Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and the Citizens Army Training (CAT), as
members;

f, The Head of Campus Police or Security Personnel, as member;

g. A Representative of student groups, as member; and

h. The President of the Parent-Teachers’ Association or its equivalent, as member.

Sec. 6. Duties and Responsibilities of the CPC. The CPC shall have the following
duties and responsibilities:

A. To formulate, in consultation, with the School Head, Chief of Police where the
college or university is located, Punong Barangay, and other security specialists as they
deem fit, a Crime Prevention Strategy. Such Crime Prevention Strategy shall include,
but not be limited, to the following:

1) A statement of current campus policies regarding procedures and facilities for
students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on
campus and policies concerning the institution’s response to such reports;

2) A statement of current policies concerning security and access to campus facilities,
including campus residences, and security considerations used in the maintenance of
campus facilities;

3) A statement of current policies concerning campus law enforcement including but
not limited to:

a) The enforcement authority of security personnel, including their
working relationship with national and local police agencies, and

b). Policies which encourage accurate and prompt reporting of all crimeg
to the campus police and the appropriate police agencies;

4) A description of the type and frequency of programs designed to inform students
and employees about campus security procedures and practices and to encourage
students and employees to be responsible for their own security and security of others;

5) A description of programs designed to inform students and employees about the
prevention of crimes;

6) Statistics concerning the occurrence on campus, during the most recent school year,
and during the two (2) preceding school years for which daia are available, including,
but not limited to the following criminal offenses reported to campus security
authorities or local police agencies: homicide, murder, physical injuries, rape, robbery,
theft and sexual harassment;


7) A statement of policy concerning the monitoring and recoding through local police
agencies of criminal activity at off-campus student organizations which are recognized
by the institution and that are engaged in by students attending the institution,
including those student organizations with off campus housing facilities;

8) Statistics concerning the number of arrests for the follov
campus: liquor law violations; drug abuse violations; and po:

ing crimes occurring on
.ssion of weapons; and

9) Statement of policy regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and
enforcement of underage drinking laws and a statement of policy regarding thé
possession, use and sale of illegal drugs and enforcement of drug laws and a
description of any drug or alcohol abuse education programs;

B, To formulate crime prevention programs for the implementation of the
Committee;

C. To coordinate with college/school principals or deans, as the case may be, in
the maintenance of peace and order within the school/college/university premises;

D. To recommend to the school/college/university the conduct of seminars or
trainings on the crime and drug prevention and control in coordination with the
National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) regional office, local police station or
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Patrol 117;

E. To conduct intensive information drive on the Crime Prevention Strategy
which includes its semestral distribution of copies and orientation thereon; and

F. To submit to Commission on Higher Education (CHED),' through its CHED
Regional Offices (CHEDROs), the composition of CPC and the Crime Prevention
Strategy, as well as its program of activities and projects for the Academic Year two (2)
months after the closing of enrolment in the First Semester and accomplishment report
within two (2) months after finishing the second semester or trimester of the academic
year.

See. 7. Non-Interference in Peaceful Student Demonstrations. The CPC shall not, in
any way, interfere or prevent students from holding peaceful rallies, demonstrations and
protest actions if such were held in connection with the exercise of their constitutionally
guaranteed freedom of expression, except if violence erupts during the said mass actions.

Sec. 8. Duty of the College or University President. The Office of the College or
University President shall submit to the CHEDRO the following:

a. Size of the college or university;
b. Crime prevention strategy; and
c. Accomplishment Report of the Committee. ‘

Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The CHED, in coordination with
the Department of Education (DepED), Philippine Association of State Universities and.
Colleges (PASUC), the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations
(COCOPEA), and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU), shall
issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.



Sec. 10. Approval and Review of the Crime Prevention Strategy. The Crime
Prevention Strategy, after approval of the Board of Trustees/Regents, shall be
submitted to the CHED and shall be subject to its review. If found unsatisfactory by the
CHED, taking into consideration the circumstances of each college or university, it shall
be returned to the Board for appropriate action: Provided, That pending its review, the
Plan shall be implemented by the college or university concerned.

The Crime Prevention Strategy shall be subject to review or reassessment
annually by the Board or as often as required by the circumstances.

Sec. 11. Duties of the CHEDROs. The CHEDROs shall coordinate, supervise and
monitor the implementation of the crime prevention strategy, as approved, and projects
of CPCs, jointly with the NAPOLCOM in the region. The Office of Student Services of
the CHED shail consolidate regional reports for submission to the Office of the CHER
chairperson through the Office of the Executive Director.

Sec. 12. Administrative Liability. Any HEL, its Board of Trustees or Regents, and
other officers/ persons responsible for the failure to comply with the provisions of this
Act shall be subject to administrative sanctions to be imposed by the CHED.

Sec. 13. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not otherwise affected shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions, rules
and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby
amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 15. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,

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