Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT REGULATING THE LEARNER CLASS SIZE IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY, JUNIOR 
HIGH, AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 
Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics, classrooms in the Philippines are among the 
most crowded in Asia, with some classrooms reaching a ratio of 1 teacher per 77 students. 
This alarming situation stems from the rapid increase in the number of students coupled with 
a persistent shortage of teachers in public schools. Overcrowded classrooms have been 
consistently shown to hinder effective learning, as they make it difficult for students to 
concentrate and place excessive demands on teachers, preventing them from providing 
adequate attention to each student. 
The issue of overcrowded classrooms is not merely a logistical challenge but a 
violation of fundamental rights. Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution 
guarantees the right of every Filipino to quality education at all levels, which overcrowded 
classrooms directly undermine. Furthermore, the Constitution, under Article XIII, Section 3, 
ensures the rights of workers, including teachers, to a just and humane working environment. 
The current classroom conditions fail to meet these constitutional mandates, adversely 
affecting both students' right to quality education and teachers' right to a fair working 
environment. 
In conclusion, addressing the issue of overcrowded classrooms through the 
implementation of policies that regulate teacher-student ratios is critical for upholding the 
constitutional rights of students and teachers. It is a necessary step towards fostering a 
learning environment that maximizes educational outcomes and ensures the well-being of 
both students and teachers. By committing to these reforms, we can move closer to realizing 
the constitutional mandate of providing quality education for all. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of the Bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
June 6, 2024
5:02 pm


 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT REGULATING THE LEARNER CLASS SIZE IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY, JUNIOR 
HIGH, AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS 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 “Public School Class Size Law” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy — It is the declared policy of the State to protect and promote 
the right of all citizens to quality education. It is likewise declared that the State shall provide 
just compensation and humane working conditions for public school teachers. 
SEC. 3. Coverage — This law shall apply to all public schools under the Department of 
Education. It covers all classroom teachers, irrespective of whether their salaries are paid by 
the national or local government. This comprehensive scope ensures uniform standards and 
benefits across the entire public education system. 
SEC. 4. Standard Class Size — Each class handled by a single teacher shall have a 
maximum size of thirty five (35) students for elementary, junior high school, and senior high 
school. A class with thirty five (35) students shall be deemed a standard class. This standard 
is based on educational best practices that indicate smaller class sizes enhance learning 
outcomes and allow teachers to provide more individualized attention. 
SEC. 5. Large Class Size — Any class exceeding thirty five (35) students up to a maximum 
of fifty (50) students shall be considered a large class. Under no circumstances shall a class 
size exceed fifty (50) students. This provision aims to prevent excessively crowded 
classrooms, which can detract from the quality of education and place undue stress on 
teachers. 
SEC. 6. Transition Period — Schools will have a three-year transition period to adjust their 
class structures to comply with the standard class size. During this period, schools may hire 
additional teachers, split existing classes, or employ other mechanisms to meet the required 
ratios. Importantly, schools shall not dismiss students in order to comply with the standard 
class size. 


SEC. 7. Reportorial Requirement — The Department of Education shall submit an annual 
compliance report to Congress, through the House Committee on Basic Education and 
Culture and the Senate Committee, by April 30 each year. This report will detail the progress 
and compliance with the Act, ensuring transparency and accountability in its implementation. 
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations — The Department of Education shall 
promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act within a 
period of thirty (30) days after its effectivity. 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause — If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional, all other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force 
and effect. 
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 11. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or one (1) newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,