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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
9 FEB 19 AIC32 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 2 (I), Article XIV of the Constitution provides in part that "The 
State shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system 
of education relevant to t l ~  
needs of the people and society. 
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Moreover, in the same above cited Article of the Constitution, specifically 
Section 1 thereof, there exists the mandate of promoting and protecting the right 
of every Filipino to quality education at all levels and ensuring its accessibility to 
all. 
This bill seeks to convert the Romblon State College in the Municipality of 
Odiongan, Province of Romblon into a state university to be known as the 
Romblon State University. 
The Romblon State College is the only tertiary educational institution in 
the province. This state college provides higher professional and technical 
instruction and training in the area. The local officials of the Province of Romblon 
in its review of the curriculum of the Romblon State College found it fitting to 
reform and refocus the educational thrusts of the Romblon State College in order 
to suit the prevailing clamor of the people in their pursuit for a quality higher 
education equal to the standards of a university. 
The conversion of the Romblon State College in the Province of Romblon 
into a state university will provide an advanced education and professional 
training in the students' chosen fields of education. It will also promote research 
and extension services, advanced studies and progressive leadership in 
agriculture, education, forestry, engineering, arts and sciences and other relevant 
fields. The knowledge and skills derived therefrom will spur the development of 
Romblon and surrounding provinces and consequently generate employment 
that will promote and improve the standard of living of the people of Romblon. 
Hence, the approval of this bill is earnestly recommended. 


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{JFiqC"E {J;: 
~ ! ? + $ ,  ,;:c:\:, !''.EW 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
9 FER I9 1X :1% 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CONVERTING THE ROMBLON STATE COLLEGE IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF ODIONGAN, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON 
INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY, TO BE KNOWN AS THE 
ROMBLON STATE UNIVERSITY, AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Conversion. - The Romblon State College in the 
Municipality of Odiongan, Province of Romblon is hereby converted into a 
state university to be known as the Romblon State University, hereinafter 
referred to as the University. 
SEC. 2. General Mandate. - The University shall primarily provide 
advanced education and professional training in agriculture and fishery, 
forestry, science and technology education and other related fields, undertake 
research and extension services, and provide progressive leadership in these 
areas. 
SEC. 3. Cuuriculum Ofserings. - The University shall offer 
undergraduate, graduate and short-term technical courses as its Board of 
Regents 
deem necessary to carry out its objectives, particularly in order 
to meet the needs of the province and the region. 
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The existing high school shall be transferred to the jurisdiction and 
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supervision of the Department of Education (DepEd): Provided, That the 
secondary schools shall be allowed to remain and operate within the campus 
of the University until the present students shall have graduated Provided, 
further, That the University shall operate a reasonably-sized school laboratory. 
SEC. 4. Administrution. - The University shall have the general powers 
of a Corporation set forth in Bafas Pambansa Blg. 68 as amended, otherwise 
known as the Corporation Code of the Philippines. The administration of the 
University and the exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively 
in the Board of Regents and the President of the University insofar as 
authorized by the board. 
SEC. 5. The Governing Board. - The governing body of the University 
shall be the Board of Regents, herein referred to as the Board, which shall be 
composed of the following: 
a) Head of the Commission on Higher Education, as chairman; 
b) President of the University, as vice-chairman; 
c) Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Senate; 
d) Chairman of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of 
the House of Representatives; 
e) Regional Director of the National Economic and Development 
Authority; 
f )  President of the federation of faculty associations of the University; 
g) President of the federation of student councils of the University; 
h) President of the federation of alumni associations of the University; 
and 
i) Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have 
distinguished themselves in their professions or fields of specialization of the 


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University, chosen from among a list of at least five (5) persons qualified in 
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the province of Romblon, as recommended by the search committee 
constituted by the University President, in consultation with the Chairman of 
the CHED, based on the normal standards and qualifications for the position, 
as members. 
The term of office of the president of the federation of faculty 
associations, the president of the federation of student councils, and the 
president of the federation of alumni associations shall be co-terminous with 
their respective terms of office, as set forth in their respective constitutions 
and by-laws. 
The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years 
from the date of appointment. 
In case of vacancy in the office of the president, the officer-in-charge of 
the University designated by the Board shall serve for the unexpired term 
only. 
The president of the University, whose term may be terminated, 
according to this Act, shall be entitled to full retirement benefits under 
existing laws. 
SEC. 6. Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. - The Board 
shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared 
state policies on education 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, ”Higher Education Act of 1994.” 
SEC. 7. Powers and Duties of tlre Board of Regents. - The Board shall 
have the following specific powers and duties, in addition to its general 
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powers of administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the 
board of directors of a corporation under existing laws: 
a. Promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be 
necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of the University; 
b. Receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided, for the 
support of the University in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, in 
order to carry out the purposes and functions of the University; 
C. Import duty-free economic, technical and cultural books and 
publications; upon certification by the CHED that such imported books and 
publications are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, 
historical or cultural purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff 
and Customs Code, as amended and are essential commodities, materials and 
equipment for educational or technological programs as an exception to 
existing laws, provided such commodities, materials and equipment are not 
available locally; 
d. Receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
properties of all kinds and to administer and dispose of the same when 
necessary for the benefit of the University and subject to limitations, 
directions and instructions of the donor, if any. 
Such donations shall be exempt from all taxes and shall be considered 
as deductible items from the income tax of the donor in accordance with the 
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, 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 
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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 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. 
Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary 
notwithstanding, any incomes generated by the University from tuition fees 
and other charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary services and land 
grants, shall be retained by the University, and may be disbursed by the 
Board for instruction, research, extension, or other programs and projects of 
the University: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the 
specific purpose for which they are collected. 
If, for reason beyond its control, the University, shall not be able to 
pursue any projects for which 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 
University; 
f) Adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees 
for greater access to poor but deserving students; 
g) Authorize the construction or repair of buildings, machineries, 
equipment and other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real and 
personal properties, including necessary supplies, materials and equipment. 
Purchases and other transactions entered into by the University through the 
Board shall be exempt from all taxes and duties; 
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h). Appoint, upon recommendation of the President of the University, 
vice Presidents, deans, directors, heads of departments; faculty members and 
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other officials and employees of the University; 
i) 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; approve leaves of absence under such 
regulations as it may promulgate, any provisions of existing laws to the 
contrary notwithstanding; and remove for cause in accordance with the 
requirements of due process of law; 
j. Approve the curricula, institutional programs and rules of 
discipline drawn by the administrative and academic councils as herein 
provided; 
k. Set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
1. Award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of 
outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture or any field of 
specialization within the academic competence of the University and 
authorize the award of certificate of completion of non-degree and non- 
traditional courses; 
m. Establish and absorb tertiary institutions within the Province of 
Romblon as branches, centers, stations, etc., 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 and carry out equal 
access to educational opportunities mandated by the Constitution; 
n. Establish research and extension centers of the University where 
such will promote the development of the latter; 
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0. Establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for 
qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students; 
p. Delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to 
the President and other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate, 
so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of the University; 
q. Authorize an external management audit of the University to be 
financed by the CHED subject to the Commission on Audit (COA) rules and 
regulations and to institute reforms, including academic and structural 
changes, on the basis of audit results and recommendations; 
r. Enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the 
profitable development and management of the economic assets of the 
University, the proceeds from which shall be used for the development and 
strengthening of the University; 
s. Develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local 
government unit (LGU), institutions and agencies, both public and private, 
local and foreign, in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the 
University; 
t. 
Enter into academic agreements for institutional capability 
building with appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local 
and foreign, 
appoint experts and specialists as consultants, partime or 
visiting or exchange professors, scholars, researchers, as the case may be; 
u. Set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of 
transmitting knowledge such as the use of information technology, the dual 
system, open or distance education and community laboratory for the 
promotion of greater access to higher education; 
v. 
Establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative 
decision-making and transparency within the University; 


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w. Privatize, where most 
advantageous to the University, 
management of non-academic services such as health, food, building or 
grounds or property maintenance and such other similar activities; and 
x. 
Extend the term of the president of the University beyond the age 
of retirement but not beyond the age of seventy (70), whose performance has 
been 
unanimously 
rated 
as 
outstanding and 
upon 
unanimous 
recommendation by the search committee. 
SEC. 8. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall regularly convene at 
least once every quarter. However, the Chairperson of the Board of Regents 
may, upon three (3) days prior written notice, call a maximum of two (2) 
special meetings whenever necessary. 
A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all its members 
holding office at the time of the meeting: Provided, That the Chairperson of the 
Board or the President of the University is among those present in the 
meeting. 
In the absence of the chairperson of the CHED, a Commissioner of the 
CHED, duly designated by him, shall represent him in the meeting with all 
the rights and responsibilities of a regular member: Provided, however, That 
during this meeting the president of the University as vice chairperson shall 
be the presiding officer: Provided, firfher, That this proviso notwithstanding, 
the chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a CHED 
Commissioner as the regular chairperson 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 Board Meeting, they may duly 
designate to attend the said meeting, their respective representatives who 
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shall have the same rights and responsibilities as a regular member of the 
Board. 
The members of the Board shall not receive salary but shall be entitled 
for reimbursement 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 pertinent existing 
laws and regulations. 
SEC. 9. University President. - The University shall be headed by a 
president, who shall render full-time service. He shall be appointed by the 
Board, subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards set by the Board, 
upon the recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. 
The president shall have a term of four years and shall be eligible for 
reappointment for another term: Provided, That in order to effect a smooth 
transition to a state university, the incumbent president of the Romblon State 
College (RSC), if qualified, shall serve as the fist president of the University. 
Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office of the 
incumbent president of the Romblon State College, the Board shall constitute 
the Search Committee for the Presidency (SCP). 
In case of vacancy in the office of the president by reason of death, 
compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the 
president to perform the functions of his or her office, the Board shall have the 
authority to designate an officer-in-charge of the University pending the 
appointment of a new president. 
In case of vacancy in the office of the president as mentioned in the 
immediately preceding paragraph, the successor or the officer-in-charge shall 
serve only the unexpired portion of the term. 
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The powers and duties of the president of the University, in addition to 
those specifically provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the 
office of the president of similar universities, and those delegated by the 
Board. 
The salary of the president of the University 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. 
The president of the University shall be assisted by a vice president for 
academic affairs, a vice president for administration, a vice president for 
research and development, and a vice president for external affairs, all of 
whom shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the 
president. 
SEC. 10. Heads of University Campuses. - Campus directors shall head 
the University campuses and they shall render full-time service. They shall be 
appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the search committee 
and the University president, subject to the guidelines, qualifications. The 
President of the University, whose term may be terminated according to this 
Act, shall be entitled to full retirement benefits under existing laws. 
SEC. 11. Administrative Council. - There shall be an Administrative 
Council consisting of the president of the University, as chairman, the vice- 
presidents, deans, directors and other officials of equal rank, as members, 
whose duty is to review and recommend to the Board policies governing the 
administration, management and development planning of the University. 
SEC. 12. Academic Council. - There shall be an Academic Council with 
the President of the University as Chairman and all members of the academic 
staff with the rank not lower than assistant professor as members. 
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The Academic Council shall have the power to prescribe curricular 
offerings subject to the approval of the Board. It shall fix the requirements for 
admission of the students to the University as well as for their graduation and 
the conferment of degrees subject to review and approval by the Board 
through the President of the University. It shall also have disciplinary power 
over the students and shall formulate academic policies and rules and 
regulations on discipline. Such policies, rules and regulations shall be 
approved by the Board. 
SEC. 13. Secretary of the University. - The Board shall appoint a 
secretary, who shall serve as such for both the Board and the University and 
shaII keep all records and proceedings of the meetings of the Board. He shall 
serve upon each member of the Board the appropriate notices of the Board’s 
meetings. 
SEC. 14. Treasurer of the University. - The Treasurer of the Philippines 
shall be the ex-officio treasurer of the University. 
SEC. 15. Faculty. - No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or 
community affiliation or other ethnic origin and religious opinion or 
affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty members 
of the University: Provided, That said appointment shall be subject to the 
guidelines, qualifications and standards set for by the Board Provided, further, 
That no member of the faculty shall teach for or against any particular church 
or religious sect. 
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SEC. 16. Scholarship Program and Admission. - The University shall 
provide a scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist 
poor but deserving students who qualify for admission to the University. 
No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of 
sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin. 
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SEC. 17. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus, Equipment, 
Supplies and Detail of Personnel. - The heads of bureaus and offices of the 
national government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon request 
of the president of the University, such apparatus, equipment or supplies as 
may be needed by the University, and detail employees for duty therein 
when, in the judgment of the bureau or office, such apparatus, equipment, 
supplies or services of such employees can be spared without serious 
detriment to the public service. Employees so detailed shall perform such 
duties as required of them by the president of the University, and the time so 
employed shall be counted as part of their regular services. 
SEC. 18. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. - All assets, real and 
personnel records of the Romblon State University and except those 
belonging to or to be used by the high schools, as well as liabilities or 
obligations, are hereby transferred to the University. The positions, rights, 
and security of tenure of personnel therein employed under existing laws 
prior to absorption by the University are to be respected Provided, further, 
That the incumbents of the positions shall remain in the same status until 
otherwise provided for by the Board. 
All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by the 
Romblon State College are hereby declared to be the property of Romblon 
State University and shall be registered under its name: Provided, That should 
the University cease to exist or be abolished or should such parcels of land 
aforementioned be no longer needed, by the University, the same shall revert 
to the Municipality of Odiongan, Province of Romblon. 
SEC. 19. 
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy.- The 
University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy 
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pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution of the 
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Republic of the Philippines. 
SEC. 20. Appropuiations. - The appropriations for the Romblon State 
College except the sum necessary to continue the operations of the existing 
high school, are hereby transferred to the University. Such additional amount 
as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be 
funded from the appropriations for the Commission on Higher Education 
under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as 
may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the 
University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 21. 
Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational, 
Administrative, and Academic Structure. - Within the period of one hundred 
twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act, the University shall 
accomplish the following: 
(a) Submit a five-year development plan, including its corresponding 
program budget to the CHED, for corresponding recommendation to the 
DBM; 
(b) Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; and 
(c) Accordingly, set up its organizational, administrative as well as 
academic structure, including the appointment of the University key officials. 
SEC. 22. Filing of Report. - On or before the fifteenth (15”’) day of the 
second month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board 
shall file with the Office of the President of the Philippines through the 
chairperson of the CHED, and with both Houses of Congress a detailed report 
on the progress, conditions and needs of the University. 
SEC. 23. Suppleto y Application. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 
8292, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997,” 
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shall be an integral part of this Act and shall serve as part of the governing 
charter of the University. 
SEC. 24. Parity Clause. - All other powers, functions and privileges, 
responsibilities and limitations to state universities and their officials under 
existing laws shall be deemed granted to or imposed upon the University and 
its officials whenever appropriate. 
SEC. 25. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, in 
consultations with the CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 26. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part 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. 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 28. Efectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in two local (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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