SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
SENATE 
s. B. NO. 1358
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*17 FEB 27 ,P6 ^2
RECtiiVLL' B V ;
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
FREE 
DORMITORIES 
FOR 
STUDENTS 
ENROLLED IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS), 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As guaranteed under our Constitution, the State shall protect and 
promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take 
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. Accessibility covers 
not only academic policies but also facilities such as school building, equipment 
and dormitory.
With the issuance of Free Tuition Policy in all State Universities and 
Colleges for SY2017-2018, we are supporting everyone's dream to finish their 
education and be able to have a decent life ahead. The additional 8 Billion for 
Free Tuition Fee of all students enrolled in all SUCs does not cover 
miscellaneous and other school expenses such as dormitory fees of students 
residing in different province or municipality. In making their tuition fees free, 
statistics showed that the same is not a guarantee for student's retention in State 
Universities and Colleges. Miscellaneous and other school fee are more


expensive than the tuition fee itself. Tuition fee is only 30-40% of the total 
expenses of students enrolled in SUCs.
Some students will not go to school despite making their tuition fees free 
due to other expenses. By means of providing free dormitory to those qualified 
students, the constitutional mandate that education shall be free and accessible 
to all will be served.
In view thereof the passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
'
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF TFIE PHILIPPINES
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
SENATE
S. B. NO. 
1
' W - ) > i i f  l!if iiiiU iirtr'J
*17 FEB 27 P 6-41
RECtlVhl.'
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPFI VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
FREE 
DORMITORIES 
FOR 
STUDENTS 
ENROLLED IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS), 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF
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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 "Free Dormitory Act of 
2017. "  
■
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - As guaranteed under our Constitution, the State 
shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all 
levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. 
The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education.
It is hereby declared that accessible and quality education is an inalienable right 
of every Filipino. Access to education covers not only academic policies but also 
facilities such as school building, equipment and dormitory. By means of 
providing free dormitoiy to those qualified students, the constitutional 
mandate that the state must make education free and accessible to all will be 
served.
SEC. 3. Coverage. - All Filipino citizens who are either currently enrolled at the 
time of effectivity of this Act, or shall enroll at any time thereafter, in courses in 
pursuance of a bachelor's degree, certificate degree, or any comparable 
undergraduate degree in any State Universities or Colleges subject to the 
qualifications herein provided.


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Sec. 3.1. Qualifications- Student must be enrolled in SUC with residence 
address located at least twenty (20) kilometers away from the school and 
without sufficient means to pay for monthly rentals for a place near the 
University or College during the enrolled semesters.
SEC. 4. Establishment and Administration of Dormitories - SUCs in 
coordination with the Local Government Unit concerned are tasked to identify 
idle land within or outside the school premises to be used for the establishment
of dormitories. SUC officers will manage and administer the operation of the 
dormitories.
SEC. 10. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the 
implementation of this Act shall be initially charged against the fifty percent 
(50%) share of the National Government from the annual gross income of the 
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Thereafter, such 
amounts necessary to effectively carry out the provisions of this Act shall be 
included in the amiual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the CHED together with SUC Officials shall promulgate 
the implementing rules and regulations necessary to ensure the efficient and 
effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. - The provisions of other laws, decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette and/or in at least two (2) national 
newspapers in general circulation.
Approved,