NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1653
Seattle
(BfUtr «f tlir frrfrrtarp
23 MU P6-35
MMVEDfr:
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL EDUCATION BOARD, THEREBY AMENDING 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7662, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "LEGAL 
EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 1993", AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Legal education is a critical foundation relevant to the vital areas of our society. 
It affects the practice of law in courts, legal teaching, legal research, administration, 
law-making, and all other activities which postulate and require the use of legal 
knowledge and skill. To ensure the quality and competency of our legal institutions 
and educators, as well as uplift the standard of legal education in the Philippines, the 
Legal Education Board (LEB) was established pursuant to Republic Act No. 7662 or 
the Legal Education Reform Act of 1993.
The LEB was constituted as the independent agency that would govern both 
the legal education system and law schools. It was mandated to accredit and set 
standards for law schools and promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the 
attainment of the objectives of the Legal Education Reform Act. In the recent years, 
the flaws of Legal Education Reform Act have become apparent. Despite being an 
independent government agency with its own charter, the LEB is attached for


budgetary purposes and administrative support to the Commission on Higher 
Education (CHED). As a result, the financial and administrative operations of the LEB 
and the CHED were intertwined. Moreover, in 2019, some provisions of the Legal 
Education Reform Act were declared unconstitutional for intruding into areas which 
fell within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
In order to allow the LEB to fully administer its duties and functions as provided 
by statutory law and highlighted by jurisprudence, amendments to the Legal Education 
Reform Act are necessary. This bill seeks to strengthen the authority of the LEB and 
establish clear parameters of its powers and to enable itself to operate at its highest 
potential, while pursuing and honoring every cornerstone of academic freedom.
In view of the foregoing, and the desire for a smooth transaction towards a
more empowered legal regulatory agen^yy'tReappTov^of this measure is earnestly 
sought. 
/
RaflyT.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1653
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
o( tlif i (>lar;>
23 JAN 11 P6:35
RKBVeOBY:
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL EDUCATION BOARD, THEREBY AMENDING 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7662, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "LEGAL 
EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 1993", AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Revised Legal
2 
Education Reform Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Section 2 of Republic No. 7662, otherwise known as the "Legal
4 
Education Reform Act of 1993," is hereby amended to read as follows:
5 
"Section 2. Declaration of Policies. - It is hereby declared the policy
6 
of the State to uplift the standards of legal education in order to prepare law
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students for advocacy, counselling, problem-solving and decision-making, so
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as to infuse in them the ethics of the legal profession [te] AND impress upon
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them the importance, nobility and dignity of the legal profession as an equal
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and indispensable partner of the Bench in the administration of justice and
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to develop social competence.


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Towards this end, the State shall undertake appropriate reforms in 
the legal education system, [r-epulre-proper seleetien-ef-taw studcntST- 
maintain] THAT WOULD ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF quality 
STANDARDS among [low-schools, and require legal-apprenticeship and 
continuing] LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS."
Sec. 3. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby amended to read as 
follows:
"Section 3. General and Specific Objectives of Legal Education. - 
(a) Legal education in the Philippines is geared to attain the following
to prepare students for the practice of law OR WORK IN 
THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE LEGAL SERVICES SECTOR; 
to increase awareness among [members of the legal 
profession] STUDENTS of the needs of the poor, deprived 
and oppressed sectors of society; 
to train [persons] STUDENTS OF LAW for leadership; 
to contribute towards the promotion and advancement of 
justice and the improvement of [Its] THE administration[7-the 
legal system and legal institutions] OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM 
AND LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF THE 
COUNTRY in the light of the historical and contemporary 
developments of law [in the Philippines and in other 
countries] WORLDWIDE; AND
TO GENERATE LEGAL RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP 
THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE EXPANSION OF LEGAL 
KNOWLEDGE.
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objectives:
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(1)
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(2)
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(3)
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(4)
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(5)
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(b)
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objectives:
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(1) to impart among law students a broad knowledge of THE law
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and its various fields and of legal PHILOSOPHIES,
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SYSTEMS AND institutions;
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(2) to enhance their legal research abilities to enable [them] THE
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STUDENTS to analyze, articulate and apply the law
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effectively, as well as to allow them to have a holistic
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approach to legal problems and issues;
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(3) to prepare law students for advocacy, counselling, problem-
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solving and decision-making, and to develop their ability to
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deal with recognized legal problems of the present and the
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future;
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(4) to develop competence in any field of law as is necessary for
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gainful employment or sufficient as a foundation for future
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training beyond the basic professional degree, and to develop
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in [them] THE STUDENTS the desire and capacity for
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continuing study and self-improvement THROUGH THE
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DIFFERENT LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS;
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(5) to [inculcate in them] INSTILL in THE STUDENTS the
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ethics and responsibilities of the legal profession; and
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(6) to [preduce] CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE
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TO THE TRAINING OF PROSPECTIVE lawyers AND
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ALLIED PROFESSIONALS who conscientiously pursue the
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lofty goals of their profession [and—to fully adhere]
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THROUGH STRICT ADHERENCE TO ITS ETHICAL
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NORMS."
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Sec. 4. A new Section 4 is hereby inserted after Section 3 of Republic Act No.
27 
7662, to read as follows:
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"Section 4. DEFINITION OF TERMS. AS USED IN THIS ACT.
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A. ALLIED LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAMS ~ ACADEMIC
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PROGRAMS INTENDED TO PROVIDE PARALEGALS AND OTHER
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PROFESSIONALS WITH LEGAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS THAT
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WOULD MEET THE EXPANDING NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC AND 
PRIVATE SECTORS OUTSIDE THE PRACTICE OF LAW. THE 
PROGRAM MAY ALSO INCLUDE A PREPARATORY LAW 
PROGRAM THAT MAY QUALIFY THE ENTRY OF STUDENTS TO 
THE BASIC LAW PROGRAM IN CONFORMITY WITH THE 
ADMISSION TO LEGAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
SUPREME COURT UNDER THE RULES OF COURT.
B. BASIC LAW PROGRAM - AN ACADEMIC PROGRAM 
LEADING TO A PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE DEGREE 
PRIMARILY DESIGNED FOR THE TRAINING AND FORMATION 
OF PROSPECTIVE LAWYERS TO QUALIFY THEM TO TAKE THE 
BAR EXAMINATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUPREME COURT 
RULES;
C. 
GRADUATE LAW PROGRAMS - ADVANCED 
ACADEMIC STUDIES AFTER COMPLETION OF THE BASIC LAW 
PROGRAM TO FURTHER LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP AND 
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS; SUCH AS MASTER AND DOCTOR OF 
LAWS, AND OTHER EQUIVALENTS;
D. 
LEGAL EDUCATION - THE TOTALITY OF VARIOUS 
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION DESIGNED 
FOR THE TRAINING OF PROSPECTIVE LAWYERS, ALLIED 
PROFESSIONALS AND LEGAL SCHOLARS. IT SHALL 
ENCOMPASS THE BASIC AND GRADUATE LAW PROGRAMS 
AND OTHER LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAMS; AND
E. 
LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS - ALL HIGHER 
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS RECOGNIZED BY THE 
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) AND 
AUTHORIZED OR ACCREDITED UNDER THIS ACT TO OFFER 
BASIC AND/OR GRADUATE LAW PROGRAMS, ALLIED LEGAL 
STUDIES PROGRAMS AND/OR OTHER LEGAL STUDIES 
PROGRAMS.


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Sec. 5. A new Section 5 is hereby inserted after Section 4 of this Act, to read
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as follows;
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"Section 5. COVERAGE. - THIS ACT SHALL APPLY TO ALL
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EXISTING LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES,
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INCLUDING THE LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE
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BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO.
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ALL LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS WHICH SHALL BE
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ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL OF THIS ACT SHALL
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LIKEWISE BE COVERED, INCLUDING LEGAL EDUCATION
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INSTITUTIONS WHICH SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN AUTONOMOUS
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REGIONS."
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Sec. 6. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby amended and renumbered
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as Section 6, to read as follows:
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"Section {4^ 6. [Legal Education Boord;] COMMISSION ON LEGAL
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EDUCATION; Creation and Composition. - To carry out the purpose of this
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Act, there is hereby created the [Legal Education Board] COMMISSION ON
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LEGAL EDUCATION, hereinafter referred to as the [Board, attached solely for
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budgetary purposes and administrative support to the Department of
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Education,-€ulture and Sports] COMMISSION OR CLED.
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The [Beard] COMMISSION shall be composed of a [Chairman]
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CHAIRPERSON and the following as regular members; a representative of
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the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP); a representative of the Philippine
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Association of Law Schools (PALS); a representative from the ranks of active
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law practitioners; [and] a representative from the law students' sector; AND
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A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE RANKS OF THE LAW PROFESSORS.
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[The Secretary of tho Department of Education, Culture, and Sports, or-his
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roprosontativo, shall bo an ex officio mombcr of the Board.]
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With the exception of the representative of the law students' sector, the
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[Chairman] CHAIRPERSON and regular members of the [Board]
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COMMISSION must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and members
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of the Philippine Bar, who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least
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ten (10) years, as well as [in the teaching of law] ACTIVELY ENGAGED in
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[a duly -autherizecl-or- -recognized law school] LEGAL EDUCATION IN AN
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ACCREDITED LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTION ALSO FOR AT LEAST
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TEN (10) YEARS. RETIRED OR RESIGNED JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME
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COURT AND COURT OF APPEALS, OR ELECTED OR APPOINTED
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GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHOSE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
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PROHIBIT THEM FROM ENGAGING IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW
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AND/OR ACTIVELY ENGAGING IN LEGAL EDUCATION DURING THEIR
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TERM OF OFFICE, MUST HAVE BEEN ENAGAGED IN THE PRACTICE OF
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LAW OR LEGAL EDUCATION FOR AT LEAST FIVE (5) YEARS PRIOR TO
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OR AFTER THEIR ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT AS SUCH.
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THE CHAIRPERSON AND REGULAR MEMBERS, EXCEPT THE
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REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LAW STUDENTS' SECTOR, MUST
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PREFERABLY BE HOLDERS OF A MASTER OF LAWS DEGREE OR A
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MASTERS DEGREE IN AN EDUCATION-RELATED FIELD, AND MUST
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NOT HAVE BEEN CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE POSITIONS IN THE
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ELECTIONS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THEIR APPOINTMENT. THEY
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SHALL BE ACADEMICIANS KNOWN FOR THEIR HIGH DEGREE OF
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PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY, WHO HAVE DISTINGUISHED
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THEMSELVES AS AUTHORITIES IN THE FIELD OF LEGAL EDUCATION.
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Sec. 7, Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby amended and renumbered
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as Section 7, to read as follows:
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"Section [S] 7. Term of Office; Compensation. - The [Chairman]
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CHAIRPERSON and regular members of the [Beard] COMMISSION shall
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be appointed by the President for a term of five (5) years, without PREJUDICE
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TO ONE reappointment, from a list of at least three (3) nominees prepared,
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with prior authorization from the Supreme Court, by the Judicial and Bar
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Council, for every position or vacancy, and no such appointment shall need
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confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. [Of these first appointed;
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the Chairman and the roprcscntotivc of the IBP shati hold office for five-(5)
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ycors,- the rcprescntotivos of the PALS ond the PALP, for throe (3) ycors; and
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the representative from the ranks of octive law practitioners and-the
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representative of the law students—sector, for one (1) yeor, without
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reappointment. Appointments to any vacancy shall be oniy-for the unexpired
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portion of the term of the predecessor] IF THE APPOINTMENT IS MADE TO
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FILL UP A VACANCY CAUSED BY DEATH, DISQUALIFICATION,
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INCAPACITY, OR RESIGNATION, THE TERM OF OFFICE SHALL BE FOR
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THE UNEXPIRED PORTION OF THE TERM OF THE PREDECESSOR. THE
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CHAIRPERSON OR ANY REGULAR MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION,
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WHOSE TERM HAS ENDED, SHALL SERVE IN A HOLDOVER CAPACITY,
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IN CONSONANCE WITH JURISPRUDENTIAL DOCTRINES.
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The [Chairman] CHAIRPERSON and regular members of the Board
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COMMISSION shall have the same [salary and rank] RANKS, SALARIES,
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PRIVILEGES, RETIREMENT, AND OTHER BENEFITS as the [Chair-man]
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CHAIRPERSON and members, respectively, of the Constitutional
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Commissions; Provided, That their salaries shall not be diminished during their
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term of office."
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Sec. 8. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby repealed and a new Section
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8 is hereby inserted after Section 7, to read as follows:
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"Section 8. Secretariat. - The COMMISSION SHALL ORGANIZE A
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SECRETARIAT WHICH SHALL BE HEADED BY AN EXECUTIVE
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DIRECTOR WHO SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION AND
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WHO SHALL REPORT TO, AND BE UNDER THE CHAIRPERSON'S
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GENERAL SUPERVISION AND CONTROL. THE SECRETARIAT SHALL
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CONSIST OF OFFICES FOR ACCREDITATION AND ADMISSION
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STANDARDS, PROGRAMS, RESEARCH, LEGAL, FINANCE,
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ACCOUNTING, HUMAN RESOURCES, AND OTHERS NECESSARY FOR
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THE EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMMISSION'S POWERS AND
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FUNCTIONS, SUBJECT TO THE NATIONAL COMPENSATION AND
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POSITION CLASSIFICATION PLAN. THE COMMISSION, UPON THE
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RECOMMENDATION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHALL FIX THE
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SECRETARIAT'S STAFFING PATTERN, DETERMINE THE DUTIES,
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QUALIFICATIONS, RESPONSIBILITES AND FUNCTIONS, AS WELL AS
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THE COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR THE POSITIONS TO BE CREATED.
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THE COMMISSION SHALL ALSO PREPARE ITS BUDGETARY
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SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.
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THE COMMISSION, UPON THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S
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RECOMMENDATION, MAY APPOINT SUCH OFFICERS AND
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EMPLOYEES AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF
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ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS.
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THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTABLISH A FIELD OFFICE OR
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OFFICES IN THE LUZON, VISAYAS AND IN MINDANAO REGIONS AS
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IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY."
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Sec. 9. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby amended and renumbered
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as Section 9, to read as follows:
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"Section [?] 9. Powers and Functions. - For the purpose of achieving the
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objectives of this Act, the [Board] COMMISSION shall have the following
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powers and functions:
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(a) [to administer the legal education- system in the country in a
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manner consistont with the provisions of this Act.] TO FORMULATE
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DEVELOPMENT PLANS, POLICIES, PRIORHIES AND
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PROGRAMS ON LEGAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, AND
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IMPLEMENT THE SAME UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT,
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OR IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH PROVISIONS, TO RECOMMEND
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TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL
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LEGISLATION;
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(b) [to] WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF ITS POWERS AND
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FUNCnONS AS HEREIN ENUMERATED, TO ADMINISTER THE
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LEGAL EDUCATION SYSTEM AND supervise [the law -schools]
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LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS in the country, BOTH PUBLIC
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AND PRIVATE, IN RELATION 
TO THEIR LEGAL EDUCATION
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PROGRAMS;
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(c) 
to set the standards of accreditation for [low schools] LEGAL 
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER LEGAL EDUCATION 
PROGRAMS, taking into account, among others, THE NEED FOR 
SUCH QUALITY PROGRAMS AS WELL AS THE NUMBER OF 
EXISTING LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER 
LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY, the size of 
enrollment, the qualifications, AND AVAILABILITY of the members of 
the faculty, library AND other PHYSICAL facilities, INCLUDING THE 
CAPACITY TO INSTALL AND PROVIDE HARDWARE/SOFTWARE 
FOR THE VIRTUAL TRANSMISSION OF KNOWLEDGE, AND SUCH 
OTHER REASONABLE STANDARDS, without encroaching upon the 
academic freedom of institutions of higher learning;
(d) 
to accredit [law schools] LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS 
that meet the standards of accreditation, AND PROVIDE 
INCENTIVES, INCLUDING SUBSIDIES, TO ACCREDITED LEGAL 
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, AND TO 
THEIR STUDENTS AND FACULTY MEMBERS;
(e) 
to prescribe minimum standards for law admission TO THE 
BASIC LAW PROGRAM AND THE ALLIED LEGAL STUDIES 
PROGRAMS and the minimum qualifications of faculty members 
WITHOUT ENCROACHING UPON THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM OF 
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING;
(f) 
to prescribe the basic curricula [for the course of study aligned to 
the-requlrements-for-admission to the Bar, ^aw practice,-and social
consciousness] AND OTHER MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE 
DIFFERENT LAW PROGRAMS ALIGNED TO THE PREPARATION 
FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, 
and such other courses of study as may be prescribed by the [law 
schools] LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS under the different 
levels of accreditation status. NOTHING IN THIS ACT SHALL BE 
CONSTRUED AS LIMITING THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM OF LEGAL
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EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS. IN PARTICULAR, NO 
ABRIDGMENT BY THE COMMISSION OF CURRICULAR 
FREEDOM OF ANY LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTION SHALL BE 
MADE, EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:
i. 
MINIMUM UNIT REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL 
LEGAL EDUCATION AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE 
COMMISSION;
ii. MINIMUM UNIT REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC 
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS; AND
iii. SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS AS MAY BE 
MANDATED BY RULES PROMULGATED BY THE SUPREME 
COURT.
ACADEMIC CURRICULAR RESTRICTIONS SHALL BE THE SAME 
FOR ALL LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, PUBLIC OR 
PRIVATE, COVERED BY THIS ACT.
(g) to [cstoblish a low procticG internship as o requirement for taking the 
Bor which o low student shall undergo with any duly occrcditcd private or public
low offi€C■e^■f^rf^>■or^egol■-a5sistonco group anytime during the law course-fe^e
spedfie-per4od--that-the Board may decide, but not to exceed a total of twelve
(12) months. For this purpose, ■ the- Board shall prescribe the necessary
guidelines for such accreditation and the specifications of such internship which
shall include the actual work of a new member of tbe-Bar] MONITOR AND 
EVALUATE THE PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY OF LEGAL EDUCATION 
PROGRAMS AND LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR 
APPROPRIATE INCENTIVES, INCLUDING SUBSIDIES, AND TO 
IMPOSE ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED 
TO, THE DIMINUTION OR WITHDRAWAL OF SUBSIDY OR 
INCENTIVES, WITHDRAWAL OF ACCREDITATION, PROGRAM 
TERMINATION OR CLOSURE OF THE LEGAL EDUCATION 
INSTITUTION;
(h) to [-adept-e-system-ef-eentinuing legal education. For this purposc,-t-he 
Board may- provideler-tbe-mandatory attendance of practicing lawyers in sucb
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courses ond for such durotion os the Board may deem-neecGsory and;]
IDENTIFY, SUPPORT AND DEVELOP POTENTIAL AREAS OF 
EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS NEEDED FOR 
THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD-CLASS SCHOLARSHIPS, 
PROMOTION OF THE RULE OF LAW AND ATTAINMENT OF THE 
GOALS OF NATION BUILDING;
(i) TO RESOLVE ALL MATTERS INVOLVING ACTS OR 
OMISSIONS IN RELATION TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7662 AND ITS 
AMENDMENTS, AS WELL AS ORDERS, MEMORANDA AND 
CIRCULARS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION IN THE 
PERFORMANCE OF ITS REGULATORY AND QUASI-JUDICIAL 
FUNCTIONS;
0) TO HOLD HEARINGS, CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS AND 
OTHER APPROPRIATE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS TO ENSURE 
SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CASES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS 
QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS;
(k) 
TO HAVE APPELLATE JURISDICTION IN THE 
RESOLUTION OF CONTROVERSIES BETWEEN AND AMONG 
LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR STUDENTS OR 
FACULTY MEMBERS IN MATTERS INVOLVING LEGAL 
EDUCATION, AND IMPOSE ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES 
INCLUDING FINES, PROVIDED THAT THIS POWER DOES NOT 
ENCROACH UPON THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM OF THE 
INSTITUTION OR INTRUDE INTO THE JURISDICTION OF 
REGULAR AND SPECIAL COURTS, LABOR AND OTHER QUASI­
JUDICIAL TRIBUNALS;
(l) 
TO COLLECT FEES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GOVERNMENT 
PERMIT OR GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION, AND OFFICIAL 
CERTIFICATIONS, AND FOR THE HOLDING OF SEMINARS AND 
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSION;
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(m) TO IMPOSE REASONABLE FINES NOT EXCEEDING ONE
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HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P100f000.00)f AND OTHER
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ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT
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OR THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION
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ADOPTED PURSUANT TO THIS ACT: PROVIDED, THAT THE
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AMOUNT OF FINES SHALL BE AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTED TO
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THE VALUE PREVAILING AT THE TIME OF ADJUSTMENT USING
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THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) AS PUBLISHED BY THE
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PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL AUTHORITY (PSA);
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(n) TO ACCEPT DONATIONS, GRANTS, AID, FUNDING AND
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ANY GRATUITOUS TRANSFERS, WHETHER IN CASH, REAL OR
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PERSONAL PROPERTY, TO BE USED FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE
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OBJECTIVES OF THIS ACT OR FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF
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LEGAL EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY; AND
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[(t)] (o) to perform such other ADMINISTRATIVE functions and
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prescribe such rules and regulations necessary for the attainment of the
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policies and objectives of this Act."
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Sec. 10. Sections 8 and 9 of Republic Act No. 7662 are hereby amended,
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integrated and renumbered as Section 10, to read as follows:
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"Section 10. Accreditation of [Law School] LEGAL EDUCATION
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INSTITUTIONS. - LEGAL [Educational] EDUCATION Institutions may not
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operate [a-law..school] AS SUCH OR OFFER LAW EDUCATION
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PROGRAMS unless accredited by the [Beard] COMMISSION. Accreditation
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of [law schools] LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS may be granted only
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to [educational institutions] THOSE recognized by the government AND
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WHOSE CHARTERS OR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION EXPRESSLY
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OR IMPLIEDLY AUTHORIZE THEM TO OFFER LAW COURSES.
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The [Beard] COMMISSION may withdraw or downgrade the
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accreditation status of a [law school] LEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTION
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WHICH if it fails to maintain the standards set for its accreditation status.
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Sec. 11. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby amended, to read as
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follows:
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"Section 10. Effectivity of Withdrawal or Downgrading of
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Accreditation. - The withdrawal or downgrading of accreditation status shall be
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effective after the lapse of the [semester or trimester] TERM following the
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receipt by the school of the notice of withdrawal or downgrading unless, in the
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meantime, the school meets and/or upgrades the standards or corrects the
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deficiencies upon which the withdrawal or downgrading of the accreditation
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status is based."
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Sec. 12. Section 11 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby amended, to read as
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follows:
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"Section 11. Legal Education Fund. - There is hereby created a special
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endowment fund, to be known as the Legal Education Fund or FUND, TO BE
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USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND STRENGTHENING
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OF LEGAL EDUCATION IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. THE FUND shall be
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under the control of the [Board] COMMISSION, and administered as a
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separate fund by the Social Security System (SSS) which shall invest the same
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with due and prudent regard to its solvency, safety, and liquidity.
20 
The [Legal Education Fund] FUND shall be established out of, and
21 
maintained from, [the-ameunts appropriated pursuant-to par-agraph -2> -5e€tien
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13 hereof, and from sixty percent (60%) of the privilege tax paid by every
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tawyer effective Fiscal Year 1904, -and from- such-donations,--legacies; gr-ant-ifv-
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aid and other forms of contributions received by-the Board for the purposes of
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this Act.] THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUND,
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CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING:
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1. 
THE AMOUNT OF FIVE HUNDRED MILLION PESOS
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(P500,000,000.00) AS SEED CAPITAL;
29 
2. 
THE COLLECTIONS OF FEES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF
30 
GOVERNMENT PERMITS OR GOVERNMENT
31 
RECOGNITIONS, FEES FOR OFFICIAL CERTIFICATIONS
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AND REGISTRATION FEES IN SEMINARS AND THE LIKE 
CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION; AND 
3. ADMINISTRATIVE FINES COLLECTED BY THE 
COMMISSION.
THE FUND SHALL HAVE A PRIVATE PORTION SOURCED FROM 
DONATIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS, BEQUESTS, AND GRANTS, IN CASH, 
MADE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE FUND.
THE EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE UTILIZED EQUITABLY 
ACCORDING TO REGIONS AND PROGRAMS.
Being a special endowment fund, only the interests earned on the [tegal 
Education Fund] FUND shall be used exclusively for the purposes of this Act, 
WHICH SHALL include support for faculty development grants, professorial 
chairs, library improvements, SUBSIDIES FOR STUDENTS' TUITION FEES, 
AND OTHER FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PROGRAMS for 
the advancement of [low teaching and education in accredited low scheeter] 
LEGAL EDUCATION IN ACCREDITED LEGAL EDUCATION 
INSTITUTIONS: PROVIDED, THAT IN THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, 
PREFERENCE SHALL BE GIVEN TO LOCAL AND STATE COLLEGES AND 
UNIVERSITIES; AND PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT NO PART OF ANY 
INCOME FROM THE FUND SHALL BE USED FOR THE OPERATIONAL 
EXPENSES OF THE COMMISSION SUCH AS PAYMENT OF STAFF 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS, CAPITAL OUTLAYS, MAINTENANCE 
AND OPERATING EXPENSES, ETC.
[The Fund Ghall also be-used for the operation of the Board;] For [this 
pwpose] THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THE AVAILABLE AMOUNT 
FOR EXPENDITURE, an amount not exceeding [ton percent (10%)] FIFTY 
PERCENT (50%) of the interest on the Fund shall be utilized.
THE FUND SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE, AND IN NO 
CASE LATER THAN TWO (2) YEARS FROM THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS 
ACT.
14


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The [Boord] COMMISSION, in consultation with the SSS, shall issue
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the necessary rules and regulations for the collection, administration and
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utilization of the Fund."
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Sec, 13. A new Section 13 is hereby inserted after Section 12 to read as follows:
5 
"SECTION 13. TAX EXEMPTIONS - ANY DONATION,
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CONTRIBUTION, BEQUEST, AND GRANT, IN CASH OR PROPERTY,
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REAL OR PERSONAL, DESTINED TO BE PART OF THE LEGAL
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EDUCATION FUND, WHICH MAY BE MADE TO THE COMMISSION,
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SHALL CONSTITUTE AS ALLOWABLE DEDUCTION FROM THE INCOME
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TAX DUE OF THE DONOR, AND SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM DONOR'S
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TAX, SUBJECT TO SUCH CONDITIONS AS PROVIDED UNDER THE
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NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED. VALUATION OF
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DONATIONS, IN OTHER THAN MONEY, SHALL BE BASED ON
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WHICHEVER IS LOWER BETWEEN THE ACQUISITION COST AND FAIR
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MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THE DONATION.
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IF THE DONOR PROVIDES THAT THE DONATION SHALL NOT
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FORM PART OF THE LEGAL EDUCATION FUND, THE DONATION IS
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EXEMPT FROM DONOR'S TAXES BUT THE AMOUNT DONATED SHALL
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BE ALLOWED ONLY AS A DEDUCTION FROM GROSS INCOME AS
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PROVIDED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL
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REVENUE CODE."
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Sec. 14. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby amended and
23 
renumbered as Section 14, to read as follows:
24 
"Section [45] 14. Appropriations. - The amount of [One Million-Pesos
25 
(P-4>000,000.00] THREE HUNDRED MILLION PESOS (P300,000,000.00)
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is hereby authorized to be charged against the current year's appropriation of
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the Contingent Fund for the initial expenses of the [Boord] REORGANIZED
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COMMISSION, EXCLUDING CAPITAL OUTLAY. THEREAFTER, THE
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BUDGET FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE
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INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT.
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[To form part of the Legol Educotion Fund; there sholl be oppropriotod
annually, under the budget of the Department of Edueation-Gulture and Sportsr
tho amount of Ten Million Pogos (PIO,000,000.00) for a period of tGn-(10)-years
effective Fiscol Year 199^1
Sec. 15. A new Section 15 is hereby inserted after Section 14, to read as
follows:
"SECTION 15. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - 
WITHIN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS FROM THE
EFFEcnvmr of this act, the commission, in coordination
WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES LAW CENTER, THE IBP, 
PALS, AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS, SHALL ISSUE THE 
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT: 
PROVIDED, THAT, THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PREVIOULY 
ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION IN THE FORM OF MEMORANDUM 
ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER ISSUANCES SHALL CONTINUE 
TO BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UNLESS THEY DIRECTLY 
CONTRAVENE ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT OR ARE AMENDED OR 
REPEALED BY SUBSEQUENT COMMISSION ISSUANCES."
Sec. 16. A new Section 16 is hereby inserted after Section 15, to read as follows:
"SECTION 16. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS. - UPON THE 
EFFECnVITY OF THIS ACT, THE INCUMBENT CHAIRPERSON AND 
COMMISSIONERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL CONTINUE TO 
PERFORM THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND 
RECEIVE THEIR CORRESPONDING SALARIES AND BENEFITS 
ACCORDINGLY. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF 
THE LAW STUDENTS' SECTOR, WHO SHALL SERVE UNTIL THE 
EXPIRATION OF HIS TERM AS INDICATED IN HIS APPOINTMENT, 
THE CHAIRPERSON AND OTHER COMMISSIONERS SHALL EACH 
SERVE A FRESH TERM OF FIVE (5) YEARS RECKONED FROM 
EFFECnVTTY OF THIS ACT TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH TRANSITION TO 
THE NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND STAFFING PATTERN
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OF THE COMMISSION. THE PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 
SAID NEW ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND STAFFING PATTERN 
SHALL, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, RESPECT AND ENSURE THE 
SECURITY OF TENURE AND SENIORITY RIGHTS OF AFFECTED 
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES. THOSE PERSONNEL, WHOSE POSITIONS 
ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE NEW STAFFING PATTERN AS APPROVED 
BY THE COMMISSION, OR WHO ARE NOT REAPPOINTED, OR WHO 
CHOOSE TO BE SEPARATED AS A RESULT OF THE REORGANIZATION, 
SHALL BE PAID THEIR SEPARATION OR RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
UNDER EXISTING LAWS.
WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE EFFECTTVITY OF THE 
ACT, THE COMMISSION SHALL APPOINT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
WHO WILL HEAD THE SECRETARIAT.
Sec. 17. Section 14 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby renumbered as Section
Sec. 18. Section 15 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby renumbered as Section 
Sec. 19. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7662 is hereby renumbered as Section
Sec. 20. Separability Clause. - Should any part or provision of this Act be 
determined to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions not affected 
thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
17