NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S. No.
SENATE
S76
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72 JUL18 A 9 38
RECtIVED ilV.
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, REPEALING 
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7722, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1994", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides promotes the right of all citizens to quality and 
accessible education. Article XIV, Section 2 (1) specifically provides that, "The State 
shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of 
education relevant to the needs of the people and society."
Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994", 
created the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to pursue the policies of the 
State for education, especially to ensure that state-supported institutions of higher 
learning will gear their programs to national, regional or local development plans, and 
that all institutions of higher learning shall exemplify through their physical and natural 
surroundings the dignity and beauty of, as well as their pride In, the intellectual and 
scholarly life.
In the ensuing years after the passage of R.A. No. 7722, several laws were 
enacted related to higher education, most of which gave additional mandates to CHED 
without creating the necessary structures and systems to properly implement them.


Hence, the need to amend the law to strengthen CHED and enable it to effectively 
fulfill its mandate.
The "Revised Higher Education Act of 2022" seeks to strengthen CHED by 
incorporating all its mandated in one law and to expand its mandate to cover sports 
development, supervision and regulation of higher education programs offered by 
local universities and colleges (LUCs), developing common standards for accrediting 
agencies, internationalization of higher education institutions, establishment of a 
national registry for academic information and mobility, and strengthening quality 
assurance. It creates the necessary offices in CHED that will enable it to fulfill its
added mandates and the increases the personnel that will ensure their effective and 
efficient implementation.
This measure was previously endorsed by the CHED and was reported out by 
the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education in the 18th Congress.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is highly 
recommended.
1
OY E3ERCITO ESTRADA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
el n>b
of tl,if iTTrctarp
*22 JUL 18 A9 *38
RtCEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, REPEALING 
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7722, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1994", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
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Section 1. Short Tide. - This Act shail be known as the Revised Higher 
Education Act of2022'.
Sec. 2. Deciaration of Poiicy. — The State shall protect, foster, and promote the 
right of all citizens to quality education at ail levels and shall take appropriate steps to 
ensure that education shall be accessible to all. The State shall likewise ensure and 
protect academic freedom and shall promote its exercise and observance for the 
continuing intellectual growth, the advancement of learning and research, the 
development of responsible and effective leadership, the education of high-level 
professionals, and the enrichment of our historical and cultural heritage.
State-supported institutions of higher learning shall design their programs to 
support national, regional, and local development plans.
All Institutions of higher learning shall exemplify, through their physical and 
natural surroundings, the dignity and beauty of, as well as their pride in, the 
intellectual and scholarly life.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:


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(a) Commission en bancrefers to the policy-making body of the Commission on
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Higher Education (CHED) composed of the Chairperson and Commissioners
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sitting as a collegial body, which shall exercise the powers and discharge
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the functions mandated under this Act;
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(b)Higher education institution/s (HEI) refers to universities and colleges,
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whether private or public, undertaking operations of higher education
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program/s recognized by the CHED;
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(c) Private HEIs refer to universities and colleges that have been duly
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incorporated, organized, and established In accordance with the provisions
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of Republic Act No. 11232, otherwise known as the "Revised Corporation
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Code of the Philippines";
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(d) Pubiic HEIs refer to state and local universities and colleges established by
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law or ordinance that offer higher educations programs recognized by the
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CHED.
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Sec. 4. Commission on Higher Education. — The Commission on Higher
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Education, hereinafter referred to as the Commission or CHED, created under Republic
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Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994", shall continue
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in the exercise of its powers and functions in accordance with the provisions of this
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Act.
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The Commission shall be independent and separate from the Department of
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Education (DepEd) and attached to the Office of the President for administrative
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purposes only. It shall exercise oversight powers and reasonable supervision over ail
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public and private HEIs, degree-granting programs in all public and private post-
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secondary educational institutions, and foreign HEIs, where applicable, except those
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to which the law has given the status of National University, those which are under
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the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
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as provided under Republic Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the "Organic Law for
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the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao", and those expressly
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removed by Congress from its jurisdiction: Provided, That the passage of this Act shall
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not diminish, reduce, or prejudice the support and funding from the national
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government enjoyed by all public HEIs in the BARMM prior to the passage of this Act.


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laws.
All public HEIs shall remain to be governed by their own charters and existing
Sec. 5. Composition of the Commission en banc. — The Commission en banc 
shall be composed of five (5) full-time members consisting of the Chairperson and the 
four (4) Commissioners, sitting as a collegial body, and who shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines.
The Chairperson and the Commissioners shall have the following qualifications:
(a) Holders of earned doctorate degrees, defined as Level 8 in the Philippine 
Qualifications Framework (PQF);
(b) Actively engaged in higher education for at least ten (10) years, with at least 
five (5) years of managerial experience;
(c) Must not have been candidates for any elective positions in the national or local 
election immediately preceding their appointment;
(d) Known to possess the highest degree of professionalism and integrity; and,
(e) Have distinguished themselves as authorities in their chosen fields of learning 
as professors, researchers, managers, administrators, professional 
practitioners, or other similar undertakings that can contribute to efficient and 
effective higher education governance.
The members of the Commission shall belong to different academic 
specializations.
Except as provided by law or otherwise herein provided, in no case shall the 
Chairperson or any or ail of the Commissioners appoint representatives to act on their 
behalf.
Sec. 6. Term of Office. — The Chairperson and Commissioners shall serve for 
a term of four (4) years, without prejudice to one (1) reappointment.
They shall hold office until their successors shall have been appointed and 
qualified. In case a member of the Commission fails to complete a term, the successor 
shall be appointed by the President for a full four (4) year term without prejudice to 
one (1) reappointment. In case of a re-appointee, time served in an acting or holdover 
capacity shall be counter as part of the new four (4)-year term.
The reappointment of the Chairperson and Commissioners shall be based on 
merit and track record of performance during his or her term of office.


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Sec. 7. Rank and Emoluments. - The Chairperson shall have the equivalent 
rank of a Department Secretary and shall be a regular member of the Cabinet. The 
Commissioners shall have the rank of Undersecretaries. They shall be entitled to 
receive the corresponding compensation and other emoluments and shall be subject 
to the same conditions or disqualifications. Consistent with the provisions of Executive 
Order No. 292, otherwise known as the "Revised Administrative Code of 1987", they 
shall be allowed to receive honoraria and other benefits, subject to existing rules and 
regulations prescribed by the Commission on Audit.
Sec. 8. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chairperson. - Subject to pertinent 
laws and the policies and rules adopted by the Commission, the Chairperson shall:
(a) Act as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission;
(b) Act as the Presiding Officer of the Commission en banc,
(c) Submit to the Office of the President the rules and regulations adopted by 
the Commission which require Presidential attention or action, including 
annual or other periodic reports;
(d) Direct the Executive Director, the Secretariat, and the Regional Directors in 
the performance or execution of the decisions and policies of the 
Commission en banc,
(e) Appoint focal persons and representatives of the Commission to advisory 
boards, councils, and similar bodies where the Commission is identified by 
law as an ex officio member; and,
(f) Subject to the approval of the Commission en banc, appoint advisers and 
cerate advisory bodies to advise and provide support to the office of the 
Chairperson and the Commission as a whole.
Sec. 9. Powers and Functions of the Commission. - The Commission shall 
exercise the following powers and functions:
(a) Formulate a roadmap for Philippine higher education that sets the general 
direction for its development, including the formulation of educational policies 
and standards that ensure the accessibility and continuing improvement of 
tertiary education services, thereby ensuring the creation and development of 
locally responsive, innovative, and globally competitive graduates and lifelong 
learners;


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(b) Engage in active coordination and dialogues with the DepEd and the Technical 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) with the aim of ensuring 
the consistency of policies, plans, and programs of each education subsector 
for the progressive and coherent development and improvement of the entire 
Philippine education system;
(c) Prepare and Implement development plans, policies, priorities, and programs 
on higher education and research consistent with national and regional 
development goals and international human resource requirements to address 
job skills mismatch between education and industry requirements;
(d) Broaden access to quality higher education through programs and services, 
particularly for the disadvantaged students, such as but not limited to, 
indigenous peoples, poor and deserving students, and students from depressed 
areas, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10931, or the "Universal Access to Quality 
Tertiary Education Act", and other related laws on student financial assistance;
(e) Direct the development and reform of higher education towards world-class 
standards, harmonization with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 
(ASEAN) education plan, and international conventions and agreements;
(0 Enable the development of non-traditional higher education programs and 
delivery modes, including, but not limited to, flexible learning modalities, 
ladderized education, the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and 
Accreditation Program, and other programs and modes of delivery as may be 
subsequently developed;
(g) Facilitate the development of sports and wellness programs in HEIs to produce 
globally competitive student-athletes, in coordination with the Philippine Sports 
Commission;
(h) Set the minimum standards and guidelines for programs and institutions for 
HEIs as recommended by panels of experts in their respective fields and subject 
to public hearing, and enforce the same;
(i) Review, monitor and evaluate the curricula and other academic programs of 
HEIs vis-a-vis their performance in various government licensure examinations 
and certifications;


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(j) Identify, support, and develop centers of excellence in program areas needed 
for the development of world-class scholarships, including provision for faculty 
academic development in HEIs, nation-building, and national development;
(k) Accelerate the establishment of transnational higher education programs, the 
internationalization of higher education in the country, and the development of 
transnational higher education sector, consistent with Republic Act No. 11448, 
otherwise known as the "Transnational Higher Education Act";
(l) Exercise quasi-judicial powers in the pursuit of the mandate of the Commission;
(m) 
Develop and enforce a system of program compliance and impose 
necessary sanctions for cause provided by law and only after due process, such 
as imposition of fines or penalties, downgrading to permit status, non­
recognition of accreditation, termination by closure or phase-out of higher 
education programs, or cessation of operations of HEIs which are not in 
compliance with the prescribed minimum policies, standards and guidelines 
(PSGs) set by the Commission or international conventions, whenever 
applicable: Provided, That no restraining orders or injunctions shall be issued 
upon Commission actions in the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions, except 
by the appellate courts after proper proceedings: Provided, further, That the 
welfare of students, faculty, and employees are given due consideration: 
Provided, finaiiy, That the exercise of quasi-judicial power shall include the 
issuance of subpoena, summons, and initiation of contempt proceedings 
against recalcitrant parties under this jurisdiction;
(n) Upon consultation with the SUCs, coordinate with the Department of Budget 
and Management (DBM) the issuance of general guidelines on the use of their 
income;
(o) Set standards, policies, and guidelines for the creation of new HEIs as well as 
the conversion or elevation of schools to institutions of higher learning;
(p) Develop and implement standards and systems on reclassification, promotion, 
and professional development of personnel in public HEIs, In coordination with 
the DBM and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and in consultation with the 
Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), the 
Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU), and the Coordinating


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Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA), or 
equivalent institutions that may be formed in lieu of these organizations;
(q) Support HEIs in the implementation of the PQF for higher education, in 
coordination with the DepEd, TESDA, and other appropriate government 
agencies consistent with Republic Act No. 10968, otherwise known as the "PQF 
Act";
(r) Set guidelines for reasonable increases in tuition and other fees in private HEIs: 
Provided, That the Commission, through its regional offices, shall strictly 
monitor their compliance with the guidelines set for this purpose;
(s) Provide directions and common standards for accrediting agencies;
(t) Conduct mediation, conciliation, settlement meeting, or conferences between 
HEIs and students, teachers and staff involving academic issues, consistent 
with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9285, or the "Alternative Dispute 
Resolution Act of 2004", and applicable rules and regulations;
(u) Administer the Higher Education Development Fund, as described in Section 15 
hereunder, and based on guidelines to be set by the Commission, approve 
projects funded thereby which will promote the development of public and 
private HEIs;
(v) Chair the governing boards of state universities and colleges, as provided by 
law, and provide recommendations to ensure that the Commission's PSGs are 
complied with and fully implement by them;
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Establish a national registry for academic information and mobility, in 
conjunction with the Philippine Qualifications Register, and other relevant 
mechanisms for information sharing and dissemination locally or internationally, 
in coordination with other concerned government agencies;
(x) Develop criteria for allocating additional resources such as research and 
program development grants, scholarships, and other similar programs sourced 
from the Higher Education Development Fund of the Commission and other 
sources of funds;
(y) Authorize the periodic review of the organization, functions, mission, and 
structure of the Commission in light of social, economic, and technological


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changes, and propose the necessary interventions, including appropriate 
legislation; and,
(z) Promulgate such rules and regulations and exercise such other powers and 
functions as may be necessary to carry out effectively the purpose and 
objectives of this Act and the Commission, with a view to the effective 
operations and continued enhancement, growth, or development of higher 
education.
Sec. 10. Quasi-Judicial Powers of the Commission. — The Commission shall 
exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over the following:
(a) Fraud or deceit committed in connection with the application for and grant by 
the Commission of government permits or recognition and other incentives and 
qualifying procedures;
(b) Failure to comply with conditions or obligations prescribed by the Commission 
as minimum standards in operating academic courses and programs;
(c) Unauthorized operation of a school or course, or any component thereof, or 
any violation of the requirement governing advertisements or announcements 
of educational institutions; and,
(d) Expulsion of a student, which results in the total disqualification of a student 
from enrolling in any HEI.
Pursuant to its quasi-judicial powers, the Commission shall have the power and 
authority to:
(a) Promulgate rules and regulations governing the hearing and disposition of 
cases before it and its regional offices;
(b) To administer oaths, summon parties to a controversy, issue subpoenas 
requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses, or the production of such 
books, papers, contracts, records, statements of accounts, agreements, and 
other documents as may be material to a just determination of the matter under 
investigation or hearing;
(c) To hold any person in contempt, directly or indirectly, and impose appropriate 
penalties therefor; and,
(d) To enjoin any or all acts involving or arising from any case pending before it 
which, if not restrained forthwith, may cause grave or Irreparable damage.


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The finding of a violation committed by an HEI shall not be taken against its 
students, teachers, and employees who believe in good faith that the HEI acted in 
conformity with the standards and guidelines set by the Commission: Provided, 
however, That upon issuance by the Commission of a notice to the public regarding 
the HETs noncompliance with policies and standards of the Commission, including the 
sanctions imposed on HEIs, the general public shall be bound thereby, and no 
presumption of good faith shall be enjoyed thereafter by existing or new students, 
faculty, and employees.
Sec. 11. Secretariat and the Executive Director. - The Commission shall have 
a Secretariat, which shall be headed by an Executive Director. The Commission shall 
fix the Secretariat's staffing pattern, determine the duties, qualifications, 
responsibilities, and functions, as well as the compensation scheme for the positions 
to be created, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director and subject to the 
evaluation and approval of the DBM. It shall also prepare and approve its budget.
The Executive Director shall have at least five (5) years of administrative or 
technical experience in the areas of policies and standards development, 
management, public or private administration and policy, and human resource 
development, among others. He/she shall have the rank and emoluments of an 
Assistant Secretary. He/she shall be appointed by the President upon the 
recommendation of the Commission en banc.
Sec. 12. Centrai Office Operation.- Ihe Commission shall have a central office, 
in accordance with the Revised Administrative Code of 1987 and other pertinent laws 
and issuances, to support the fulfillment of the powers and functions of the 
Commission at the national level. The office shall be headed by a qualified Director 
and Assistant Director, subject to the evaluation and approval by the DBM.
Sec. 13. Regionai Operations. - The Regional Offices of the Commission are 
headed by Regional Directors with the rank and emoluments of Director IV to be 
appointed by the President.
The Regional Offices of the Commission shall be under the direct control and 
supervision of the Chairperson and shall have the following functions:
(a) Implement the programs of the Commission in the regional level, as well as in
highly urbanized cities, which are under their jurisdiction;


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(b) Develop and recommend programs for regional and local-level implementation
within the policies set by the Commission;
(c) Facilitate the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary
Education Act, including disbursement of checks; and,
(d) Perform such other duties and functions as may be deemed necessary.
The Regional Director, or his/her duly authorized representative, shall, upon 
invitation by the Board of Regents of a public HEIs, sit as a resource person in the 
board meetings of the concerned public HEI in the region where the Regional Office 
has jurisdiction, to keep the Regional Director attuned and updated on the official 
activities and needs of the concerned public HEI.
There shall be a legal division in each Regional Office to ensure the effective 
discharge of its quasi-judicial powers and ensure action on legal matters within its 
jurisdiction, with corresponding additional staffing pattern, subject to review and 
approval by the DBM.
Sec. 14. Provincial Offices. — The Commission shall establish Provincial Offices 
to ensure the implementation of policies and programs across island groups and In 
remote areas. The Provincial Offices shall be headed by Provincial Directors, who shall 
have the rank and emoluments of a Director III. The Provincial Offices shall be under 
the direct control and supervision of their respective Regional Directors and shall have 
the following functions:
(a) 
Implement the policies and programs of the Commission in the province 
which is under their respective jurisdiction;
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Review and recommend programs for implementation within their 
localities;
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Provide technical assistance to local government units in the governance 
of LUCs and the implementation of local government-initiated programs 
within their localities;
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Provide assistance in the implementation of the Universal Access to 
Quality Tertiary Education Act, including disbursement of checks for HEIs 
which are under their respective jurisdiction; and,
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Perform such other duties and functions as may be authorized.
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Sec. 15. Higher Education Development Fund. - The Higher Education 
Development Fund established under the Higher Education Act of 1994, hereinafter 
referred to as the Fund, shall be used exclusively to strengthen higher education in all 
regions of the country.
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The government shall continue to contribute to the Fund, as follows:
(1) The equivalent of forty percent (40%) annual share on the total gross 
collections of the travel tax;
(2) The equivalent of thirty percent (30%) share of the annual collections 
from the Professional Registration Fee; and,
(3) The equivalent of one percent (1%) of the gross sales
(b) 
Government financing institutions identified and requested by the 
Commission may contribute to the Fund an amount equivalent to not less 
than three percent (3%) but not more than five percent (5%) of their 
unimpaired surplus realized during the immediately preceding year; and,
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The Fund shall have a private portion to be raised from donation, gifts, and 
other conveyances, including materials, equipment, properties, and services 
by gratuitous title, which shall be tax-exempt, as provided in Section 21 of 
this Act.
Sec. 16. Management and Administration of the Higher Education Development 
Fund. — The Fund shall be administered by the Commission. For sound and judicious 
management of the Fund, the Bureau of Treasury under the Department of Finance 
shall be the portfolio manager of the Fund.
As administrator of the Fund, the Commission shall prepare the necessary 
guidelines for its use, subject to the following conditions:
(a) No part of the seed capital of the Fund, including earnings thereof, shall be 
used to underwrite overhead expenses for administration;
(b) Unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only earnings of private 
contributions shall be used for administrative expenses;
(c) The Commission shall appoint and organize a separate Fund Office to be 
headed by a Director and to be composed of units responsible for resource 
mobilization, planning and programs, monitoring and evaluation, and finance 
and administration, among others, subject to evaluations and approval of the
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DBM. Since the Fund comes from contributions from government and private 
sector, the Fund Office shaii be independent administrativeiy and budgetariiy 
separate from the Commission Secretariat; and,
(d)The Fund shaii be utilized equitably according to regions to strengthen higher 
education institutions and support priority programs. In no case shall the Fund 
be utilized for purposes benefitting individuals other than those earmarked for 
developmental purposes under the guidelines set by the Commission.
Sec. 17. Technical Panels. — The Commission shall reconstitute or organize 
technical panels for different disciplines and academic program areas, which shall 
include representatives from PASUC, COCOPEA, and ALCU, or equivalent institutions 
that may be formed in lieu of these organizations, as well as representatives from the 
industry. They shall assist the Commission in setting standards and evaluating 
academic programs for regulatory and development purposes. The technical panels 
are composed of Individuals highly recognized in their fields of expertise and who shall 
be tasked with the formulation of roadmaps for the development of disciplinal and 
degree programs, which shall be in line with the roadmap for Philippine higher 
education; review, revise, and update PSGs based on the policy direction set by the 
Commission; and serve as resource persons of the Commission in its various activities.
The technical panels shall serve as advisory or recommendatory bodies for a 
specific discipline or related program and whose recommendations are subject to the 
approval of the Commission en banc.
Sec. 18. Guarantee of Academic Freedom. - Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as limiting the academic freedom of HEIs. In particular, no abridgement of 
curricular freedom of the HEIs shall be made except for:
(a) Minimum unit requirements for specific academic programs;
(b) General education distribution requirements as may be determined by the 
Commission; and,
(c) Specific professional subjects as may be stipulated by various licensing entities. 
Academic or curricular restrictions not required from public HEIs shall likewise
not be imposed upon private HEIs.
Public and private HEIs must comply with the mandatory minimum institutional 
and program standards set by the Commission en banc.
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Sec. 19. Guarantee of Religious Freedom. — No higher education student, 
faculty, or other members of the academic community shall be prohibited from 
exercising their right to religious freedom in the HEI or any of its campuses.
Sec. 20. Incentives for Accreditation. — The Commission shall provide 
incentives to public and private HEIs whose proposed programs are accredited or 
whose needs are for accreditation purposes.
Sec. 21. Tax Exemptions. — Any donation, contribution, bequest, endowment, 
and grant which may be made to the Commission shall constitute as an allowable 
deduction from the income of the donor for income tax purposes and shall be exempt 
from donor's tax, subject to such conditions as provided under the National Internal 
Revenue Code, as amended.
Any subsidy received by HEIs from various government assistance programs. 
Including, but not limited to, the grants provided under the Universal Access to Quality 
Tertiary Education Act, shall be excluded from gross income.
Sec. 22. Authority. - The Commission shall exercise such authority as may be 
deemed necessary within its premises or areas of operation to effectively carry out its 
powers and functions and attain its objectives: Provided, That the Commission may 
seek the assistance of other government agencies for the proper implementation of 
this Act.
Sec. 23. Periodic Review. — The Commission shall undertake a periodic 
assessment of its accomplishment and review and update the roadmap of Philippine 
Higher Education every ten (10) years. The updated roadmap shall be submitted to 
Congress and the Office of the President for the formulation of new policies necessary 
for the continuous modernization of higher education.
Sec. 24. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the implementation of 
this Act shall be charged to the current year's appropriations of the Commission on 
Higher Education. Thereafter, such amount necessary for the continued 
implementation of this Act shall included In the annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 25. Transitory Provisions. — Upon the effectivity of this Act, the incumbent 
Chairperson and Commissioners of the Commission shall serve as the Chairperson and 
Commissioners, respectively, without the need of new appointments, subject to the 
following conditions:
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(a) The incumbent Chairperson and Commissioners serving their first terms upon 
the passage of this Act shall be deemed reappointed to serve a full term as 
provided under this Act, but shall not be qualified for reappointment; and,
(b) The incumbent Chairperson and Commissioners serving their second terms 
upon the passage of this Act shall continue to serve only the remaining duration 
of the term they are currently serving and shall not be eligible for 
reappointment.
The incumbent Executive Director shall likewise serve as such without the need 
for a new appointment.
All officers and personnel of the Commission shall continue to perform their 
duties and responsibilities and receive their corresponding salaries and benefits. The 
approval of this Act shall not cause any demotion in rank or diminution of salary, 
benefits, and other privileges of the incumbent personnel of the Commission.
Sec. 26. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
Sec. 27. Repealing Clause. -■ Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the 
"Higher Education Act of 1994", is hereby repealed. All laws, presidential decrees, 
executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with 
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Sec. 28. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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