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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
len,: •• r IIT'~'~' ' 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
·15 .n. 28,,;P3':31 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2870 
~, ' 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE OPENING OF NIGHT CLASSES USING EXISTING 
HIGH SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACILITIES ALL OVER THE 
COUNTRY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
According to the latest Fact Sheet released by the Department of Education 
(DepEd), the data for Secondary Education for the School Year 2012-2013 
reveals that the Gross Enrolment Rate1 is 85.30% while the Participation Rate or 
the Net Enrolment Rate2 is only 64.61%. 
The Dropout Rate or School Leavers 
Rate3 for that specific school year is not available but was at 7.79% in SY 2010-
2011 and rose to 7.82% in SY 2011-2012. 
These statistics reflect that secondary education or high school is not as 
accessible to our youth as it should be. Apart from scholarships, educational 
programs for out-of-school youths, Alternative Learning System of DepEd, and 
other similar programs, the government should provide more options for those 
who want to study in high school. 
Night schools are one of the most practical options for our youth who want to 
continue their studies but are constrained by other activities, mostly by helping 
their families earn a living during daytime. 
There are already a good number of night schools or night classes in various 
parts of the country and they have given valuable service to promoting education 
among our youth. But the opening of more night schools in various areas will 
give opportunities to more students who desire to finish high school. 
1 Gross Enrolment Rate refers to the total enrolment in a given level of education as a percentage of the 
population which according to national regulations should be enrolled at this level, i.e., age 6-11 for 
elementary and 12-15 for secondary. It is a measure of the "capacity" ofa region's elementary and 
secondary schools. 
2 Participation Rate or Net Enrolment Rate is the ratio between the enrolment in the school-age range to the 
total population of that age range. 
3 Dropout Rate or School Leavers Rate is the proportion of pupils / students who leave school dnring the 
year as well as those who complete the grade / year level but fail to enrol in the next grade / year level the 
following school year to the total number of pupils / students enrolled dnring the previous school year. 


This measure seeks to institutionalize the opening of night classes. 
Existing 
elementary and high schools facilities will be used for the classes which shall 
also be based on curriculum approved by the Department of Education (DepEd). 
This bill was filed in the Fifteenth Congress by Senator Manny Villar but was not 
passed into law. 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
GOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
287 0 
15 .11.28 '·J~l 
RECEIVED BY:~ , 
, -" 
" 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE OPENING OF NIGHT CLASSES USING EXISTING 
HIGH SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACILITIES ALL OVER THE 
COUNTRY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. There shall be established night school classes using the existing 
2 
elementary and high school facilities all over the country. Initially, at least one (1) 
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night high school shall be established in each Congressional District. 
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SEC. 2. All public elementary and high schools shall open their school facilities 
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to be used for the establishment of night high school classes. 
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SEC. 3. The night high school shall offer general secondary education proper 
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based on the Department of Education (DepEd) approved curriculum. 
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SEC. 4. The night high school shall be open to all qualified students. 
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SEC. 5. The teachers of the night high school shall be paid compensation not 
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less than that provided in Republic Act No. 4670, otherwise known as "The 
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Magna Carta for Public School Teachers", and other existing laws, computed on 
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an hourly basis and taking into account such premium compensation rates 
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provided by law for night time service and overtime work. 
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SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd shall issue such 
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rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 7. Funding. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act 
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shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its 
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enactment into law and thereafter. 
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SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
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declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby 
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shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree, executive order, or 
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issuance, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act is hereby repealed or 
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modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
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following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers 
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of general circulation. 
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Approved,