Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 1788

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

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

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

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

The increase in the number of state universities and colleges (SUCs)
as well as the imminent and problematic creation of locally-founded
universities and colleges (LUCs), and the concomitant offering by these SUCs
and LUCs of numerous degree programs without a CHED evaluation, the
rational allocation of state support to these SUCs, the absence of a grievance
and conciliation mechanism on academic issues, and the limitation on the
number of educational institutions that may be created, are all being
addressed in this Bill.

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


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

7

JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1788

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

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

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

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act (R.A) No. 772 is hereby
amended to read as follows.

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

XXXX
SEC. 2 Section 3 of R.A. 77222 is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 3. Creation of the Commission of Higher Education - In
pursuance of the abovementioned policies, the Commission on Higher
Education is hereby created, hereinafter referred to as the Commission. The
Commission shall be collegial body independent and separate from the
Department of Education, [Cultural and Sports (DECS)] (DEPED), and
attached to the office of the President for administrative purposes only. Its
coverage shail be both public and private institutions of higher education [as


well as degree-granting] OFFERING DEGREE programs [in all post-
secondary educational institutions, public and private].

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

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

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

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

THE COMMISSION SHALL BE AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY
INSTRUMENTALITY AND SHALL STRICLY ADHERE TO THE TENETS OF
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO DEMOCRATIZE THE SELECTION
AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS IN THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND
SECRETARIAT, ALL VACANCIES IN THE COMMISSION AND THE
SECRETARIAT SHALL BE WELL-PUBLICISED AND TO WHICH APPLICATION
BY INDIVIDUALS OF MOST SUITABLE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND
MORAL PROBITY SHALL BE ENCOURAGE. To PRESERVE ACADEMIC AND
FISCAL AUTONOMY, THE COMMISSIONERS SHALL ELECT FROM AMONG
THEMSELVES THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION.

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

“SEC. [8] 10. Powers and Functions of the Commission.- The Commission
shall have the following COLLEGIAL powers and functions OVER THE
SECRETARIAT AND THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: a)Formulate
and [recommend] IMPLEMENT development plans, policies, priorities and
programs on higher education and research; AND RECOMMEND TO THE
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES, PRIORITIES AND GRANTS ON

HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH;
[b) formulate and recommend development plans, policies, priorities and
programs on research;] c) recommend to the executive and

legislative branches, priorities and grants on higher education and research; ]
B) APPROVE THE CHANGES IN THE INSTITUTIONAL STATUS OF PRIVATE
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND RECOMMEND TO THE LEGISLATURE THE
CREATION, DISSOLUTION AND MERGER OF STATE COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER PUBLICLY FUNDED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ON
THE BASIS OF NATIONAL AND SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS; [d] C) set
minimum standards for programs and institutions of higher learning
recommended by panel of experts in the field and subject to public hearing,
and enforce the same. LIKEWISE, IT SHALL HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE
AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR FACULTY
WHO CAN TEACH IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS; [e] D) monitor
and evaluate the performance of programs and institutions of higher
learning, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, INCLUDING LOCALLY FUNDED
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, for appropriate incentives as well as the
imposition of sanctions such as, but not limited to, [diminution or]
withdrawal of subsidy, [recommendation on the] downgrading [or] AND
withdrawal [of accreditation, program termination] GOVERNMENT
RECOGNITION AND AUTHORITY TO OPERATE PROGRAMS or school
closure[;] PROVIDED,THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE
EXCLUSIVEISOLE AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT VISITATIONS TO HIGHER
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIS) FOR ISSUANCE OF GOVERNMENT
AUTHORITY TO OPERATE PROGRAMS OR COURSES FOR MONITORING AND
EVALUATION PURPOSES;  [f] E) Identify, support and develop potential
centers of excellence in program areas needed for the development of world-
class scholarship, nation building and national development;

{9] F) [recommend to] ALLOCATE AND SUBDIVIDE THE TOTAL BUDGET OF
STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN COORDINATION WITH the
Department of Budget and Management [the budget of public institutions of
higher learning as well as] AND RECOMMENDED general guidelines for the
use of their income, BASED ON A NORMATIVE AND MERIT-BASED FUNDING
FORMULA WHICH SHALL BE FORMULATED BY THE COMMISSION:
PROVIDED, ALSO, THAT THE USE OF THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
SOURCES OF DEVELOPMENT FINANCING SHALL BE ALLOCATED ON MERIT
AND EQUITY GROUNDS ACROSS REGIONS AND PROVINCES, PROGRAMS


AND INSTITUTIONS; [h] G)
rationalize programs and institutions of higher learning BASED ON LOCAL
AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPERATIVES AND set standards, policies
and guidelines for the creation of new ones as well as the conversion or
elevation of schools to institutions of higher learning, subject to budgetary
limitations and GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTIONS and the LIMITATION ON THE number of institutions of higher
learning in the province or region where creation, conversion or elevation Is
sought to be made;
[i] H) develop criteria for allocating additional resources such as research
and program development grants, scholarships, and other similar programs:
Provided, That these shall not detract from the fiscal autonomy already
enjoyed by colleges and universities;
[i] 1) direct or redirect purposive research by institutions of higher learning
to meet the needs of agro-industrialization and development AS WELL AS
OTHER STRATEGIC AREAS OF GLOBAL IMPORTANCE: J) AUTHORIZE THE
PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS, MISSION AND
STRUCTURE OF THE ENTIRE COMMISSION IN THE LIGHT OF THE
COUNTRY’S SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND
PROPOSE THE NECESSARY INTERVENTIONS INCLUDING APPROPRIATE
LEGISLATIONS; K) devise and implement resource development
schemes; , 1)
administer the Higher Education Development TRUST Fund, as described in
Section 10 hereunder, which will promote the purposes of higher education;
m) review the charters of institutions of higher learning and state
universities and colleges including the chairmanship and membership of their
governing bodies and recommend appropriate measures as basis of
necessary action;
N) CONDUCT MEADIATION, CONCILIATION, SETTLEMENT MEETINGS OR
CONFERENCES, EXERCISE APPELLATE JURISDICTION BETWEEN HIGHER
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND STAFF
INVOLVING ACADEMIC ISSUES ONLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES TO BE
ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE;
[nm] ©) promulgate such rules and regulations and exercise such other
powers and functions as may be necessary for its effective operations and
for the continued enhancement, growth or development of higher education.

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

“SEC. [9] 11. The Secretariat. - The commission shall organize a TECHNICAL
secretariat which shall be headed by [an executive officer] A DIRECTOR-
GENERAL, subject to the national compensation and position classification
plan. It shall fix the secretariat’s [staffing pattern, determine the duties,
qualifications, responsibilities and functions, as well as the compensation
scheme for the positions to be- created upon the recommendation of the


executive officer]. STRUCTURE BASED ON ALL ACCEPTABLE
ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION STUDY THAT WILL RECOMMEND SUITABLE
QUALIFICATION, RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS AS WELL AS THE
APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION SCHEME THAT BEFITS AN ORGANIZATION
OF SUCH HIGHLY TECHNICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL MANDATE. It shall also
prepare and approve its budget. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE
AUTHORITY TO APPOINT ITS OWN PERSONNEL AND DETERMINE THE
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE MANAGEMENT,
COORDINATION AND PLANNING FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD-CLASS HIGHER EDUCATION SUB-
SYSTEM.

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

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

“SEC. 12. THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. - THE COMMISSION SECRETARIAT
SHALL BE HEADED BY A DIRECTOR-GENERAL, ASSISTED BY THE TWO
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERALS WHO WILL ALTERNATELY SERVE AS
SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND WHOSE OTHER
RESPONSIBILITIES SHALL BE BASED ON THE RESPONSIVE STRUCTURE AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION. THE DIRECTOR
GENERAL SHALL ACT AS THE CHIEF OPERATING AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OF THE COMMISSION AND SHALL BE AN EX-OFFICIO NON VOTING MEMBER
OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. AS SUCH, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL,
WITH THE RANK OF UNDERSECRETARY, SHOULD HAVE WELL-BALANCED
EXPERIENCE AND EXPOSURE’ IN ORGANIZATIONAL AND FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SETTING AND HUMAN
RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT, AMONG OTHERS.
AS DIRECTOR-GENERAL HE SHALL:

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

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

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

4) SIGN/ISSUE APPOINTMENTS TO SUBORDINATE OFFICIALS AND
EMPLOYEES OF THE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW;

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


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

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

8) REPRESENT THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION IN
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND MEETINGS WHICH
EXCLUSIVELY DEAL WITH HIGHER EDUCATION; AND

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

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

“SEC. [1 01 13. The Higher Education Development TRUST Fund. - A
Higher Education Development TRUST Fund, herein after referred to as the
TRUST Fund, is hereby established exclusively for the strengthening of
higher education in the entire country. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE
COMMISSION SHALL EXERCISE COMPLETE AUTONOMY OVER THE
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF THE FUND.

XXXX

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

“SEC.{III 14. Management and Administration of the Higher Education
Development TRUST Fund. - The Fund shall be administered by the
Commission. For sound, PROFITABLE and judicious management of the
Fund, the Commission shall appoint a reputable government financial
institution as portfolio manager of the fund, subject to the following
conditions: AS
administrator of the Fund, the Commission shall prepare the necessary
guidelines for its use, subject to the following conditions:
a) No part of the seed capital of the Fund, including earnings thereof, shall
be used to underwrite overhead expenses for administration;
b) Unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only earnings of private
contributions shall be used for administrative expenses;
c)The Commission shall appoint and organize a separate staff, independent
administratively and budgetarily separate from the Commission Secretariat;
and d) The Fund shall
be utilized equitably according regions, HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
and programs. IN NO CASE SHALL THE FUND BE UTILIZED FOR THE
PURPOSES BENEFITING INDIVIDUALS OTHER THAN THOSE EARMARKED
FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL PURPOSES.


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

“SEC. [121 15. The Technical Panels. - The Commission shall reconstitute
and/or organize technical panels for different disciplines/program areas.
They shall assist the Commission is setting standards, PROGRAM
DEVELOPMENT and in program and institution monitoring and evaluation.
The technical panels shall be composed of senior specialists, PROFESSIONAL
PRACTITIONERS or academicians to be appointed by the Commission. THEY
SHALL BE DIRECTLY UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

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

“SEC. [131 16. Guarantee of Academic Freedom. - Nothing in this Act shall
be construed as limiting the academic freedom of universities and colleges.
In particular, no abridgment of curricular freedom of the individual
educational institutions by the Commission shall be made except for: (a)
minimum unit requirements for specific programs, (b) general education
distribution requirements as may be determined by the Commission; and (c)
specific professional subjects as may be stipulated by the various licensing
entities. No academic or curricular restriction shall be made upon private
educational institutions, which are not required for chartered state colleges
and universities: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT PROGRAM OFFERINGS OF
STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS) SHALL FOLLOW AND BE
APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MINIMUM STANDARDS AND
REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY COMMISSION.”

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

“SEC. [141 17. Accreditation. - The commission shall provide incentives to
institutions of higher learning, public and private, whose programs are
accredited or whose needs are for accreditation purpose. THE COMMISSION
SHALL LIKEWISE FORMULATE GUIDELINES FOR GRANTS FROM THE HEDF
AS INCENTIVES FOR ACCREDITATION.

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

“SEC. [151 18. Tax Exemptions. - Any donation, contribution, bequest and
grant’ which may be made to the Commission shall constitute as allowable
deduction from the income of the donor for income tax purposes and shall
be exempt from donor's tax, subject to such conditions as provided under
the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, AND CONSISTENT WITH
THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES PLAN IN COORDINATION WITH THE NATIONAL
ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.”

SEC. 18 Repeating Clause. All laws, republic acts, presidential decrees,
executive orders, rules and regulations of parts thereof which are


inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

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

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

Approved,