FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator LOREN LEGARDA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to establish a State University System in the province of Antique which will 
offer quality tertiary, graduate and vocational education to the Filipinos, most especially the 
Antiquefios. 
Article 14 Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that the State shall protect and 
promote the right of all citizens to quality education to all levels and shall take appropriate steps to 
make such education accessible to all. Section 2, Paragraph 1 of the same Article further assert that 
the State shall establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated system of 
education relevant to the needsof the people and society. 
The province of Antique is located in the Western Visayas Region. It is subdivided into 18 
municipalities and its capital is San Jose. According to the 2000 Census, it has a population of 
471,088 scattered over the provincial area of 2,522 square kilometers. The province iias several 
colleges and vocational schools such as the Polytechnic State College of Antique (PCSCA), Antique 
College of Agriculture (ACA) and the Tario-Lim Memorial Antique School of Fisheries (TLMASF). 
But it does not have a university to speak of. Most of the universities and colleges of the region can 
be found about 100 kilometers away in the province of Iloilo. A significant number of the students 
from Antique seek their higher educational needs in Iloilo. Since most of the studelits and their 
families cannot afford the tuition and school fes of private universities and colleges, there is a 
growing need to establish a university system in the province that will provide quality education to 
the residents and non-residents of the province. 
This measure seeks to integrate the state colleges and vocational schools in the area to a State 
University System. The University shall offer undergraduate graduate and short term courses within 
its areas of specialization. The main campus shall be located in what will become the former 
Polytechnic State College of Antique in the Municipality of Sibalom. 
To ensure the proper integration and operation of the University, it shall be governed by a 
Board of Trustees. The Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall serve as the 
Chairman of the Board. Some of the members of the Board include the President of the State 
University, the chairman of the Congressional Committees on Education and the Regional Director 
of the National Economic Development Authority. 
Because it is the State's responsibility to make education accessible to all, no student shall be 
denied admission to the State University by reason of sex, nationality, religion, political affiliation or 
physical disability. This will ensure that everyone shall have an equal chance to receive quality and 
affordable education in the province of Antique. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is sought. 
Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
AN ACT CREATING THE STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF ANTIQUE, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippine in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Conversion. - The present Polytechnic State College of Antique 
(PSCA) in the Municipality of Sibalom, the Antique College of Agriculture (ACA) in the 
Municipality of Hamtic. The Tario-Lim Memorial Antique School of Fisheries (TLMAF) 
in the Municipality of Tibiao, the Northern Antique Vocational School (NAVS) in the 
Municipality of Culasi, and the Libertad National Vocational School (LNVS) in the 
Municipality of libertad all in the province of Antique, are hereby integrated and 
converted into a state university to known as the State University System of Antique, 
hereinafter referred to as the University. 
SECTION 2. Purposes and Objectives. - The University shall primarily offer 
higher professional, technical instructions for special purposes and promotc research 
and extension services, advanced studies and progressive leadership in education, 
agriculture, fishery, engineering, philosophy and letters, arts and science, short term 
vocational-technical and other continuing courses as may be relevant. The University 
shall offer undergraduate, graduate and short-term courses within its areas of 
specialization and according to its capabilities, as the Board of Regents may deem 
necessary to carry out its objectives particularly in order meet the needs of the 
provinces and the country. 
SECTION 3. Main Campus and College. - The main campus, which shall serve 
as the seat of governance, shall be the former Polytechnic State College of Antique 
located in the Municipality of Sibalom. It shall be known as the College of Engineering, 
Business Administration, Education, Advanced Education and Arts and Sciences. The 
former Antique College of Agriculture shall be known as the College of Agriculture, 
Forestry and Ecology. 
The former Tario-Lim Memorial Antique School of Fisheries shall be known as 
College of Fisheries and Maritime Education. 
The former Northern Antique Vocational School and libertad National 
Vocational School shall be known as College of Vocational an Industrial Education. 
SECTION 4. Operation of Laboratory School. - The University shall continue to 
operate a laboratory school within its campus. 


SECTION 5. Governing Body. - The Governing body of the State University 
shall be the Board of trustees, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be 
composed of the following; 
a) Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) who shall be 
designated as the Chairman of the Board; 
b) President of the State University; 
c) Chairman of the Congressional Committees on Education; 
d) Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority; 
e) Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture; 
f) President of the Faculty Associations of the Sate College; 
g) President of the student councils or the student represendtive elected by the 
student council of the state college; 
h) President of the Alumni Association of the state college; and, 
i) Two (2) prominent citizens who have distinguished themselves in thei, 
professions or field of specialization of the institution concerned shall be 
chosen from among a list of at least five (5) persons qualified in the province of 
Antique, as recommended by the search committee constituted by the school 
president in consultation with the Chairman of CHED based on the normal 
standards and qualifications for the position. 
' SECTION 6. Term of Office. - The first five (5) members of the Board as 
mentioned above shall have an ex-officio term office. 
The presidents of the faculty and alumni association and the student regent shall 
sit in the Board until the expiration of their term of office in such capacities. 
The prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years. 
For the purpose of this section, the associations of faculty, aiumni and student 
councils in each branch of the University shall organize themselves to form their 
respective federations which in turn shall elect their respective officials. 
In case of vacancy in the office of the president, the members of the board shall 
elect an officer-in-charge who shall serve for the unexpired term only. 
SECTION 7. Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. - The Board shall 
promulgate and implement policies in accordance with declared policies on education 
and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on Education, science and 
technology, arts culture and sports as well as the policies, standards and thrusts of the 
CHED under R.A. 7722. 
SECTION 8. Board of Trustees. - The University shall have the general powers 
of a corporation set forth in the corporation law. The administration of the State 
University and the exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the 
Board of Trustees and the President if the State University in so far as authorized by the 
board. 
4 
SECTION 9. Powers and Duties of the Governing Board. - the Board shall have 
the following specific powers and duties in addition ton its general powers of 
administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the Board of Directors of a 
corporation under existing laws: 


a) to enact rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to carry 
ou,t the purpose and functions of the University; 
b) To I'eceive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the 
' 
University in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, to carry out the 
purposes and functions of the University; 
c) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal'properties 
of all kinds to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit 
of the University, subject to the 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; 
d) To fix tuition fees and other necessary school charges such as but not limited to, 
matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the 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 trusts funds and shall be deposited in 
any authorized government depository bank, and all interest that shall accrue 
there from shall form part of the same fund for the use of the University. 
Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary 
notwithstanding any income 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 programsjprojects 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 
project for which funds have been appropriated and, allocated under its approve2 
program of expenditures, the board may authorized the use of said funs for any 
reasonable purpose which in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for the 
attainment of the objectives and goals of the University. 
a) To adopt and implement socialized scheme of tuition and school fees for 
greater access to poor but deserving students; 
b) To authorize the construction or repair of its 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 hall be exempt from all taxes and duties; 
c) To appoint, upon the recommendation of the president, deans, directors, heads 
of the departments, faculty members and other officials and employees; 
d) To fix and adjust salaries of facultfmembers and administrative officials and 
employees subject to the provisions of the revised compensation and 
classification system and other pertinent budget and compensation laws 
governing the hours of services, and such other duties and conditions as it may 
~ 
deem proper; to grant them, at its discretion, leaves of absence under such 
regulations as existing law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove 
them for cause in accordance with the requirements of due process of law; 
e) To approve the curricula, institutional programs and rules of discipline drawn 
by the administrative and academic councils as herein provided; 
f) ' To set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
g) To award honorary degrees upon person in recognition of outstanding 
contributions in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and 
technology, or in any fields of specialization within the academic ccmpetence 


, 
of the University and to authorize the awarding of certificates for completion of 
non-degree and non-traditional courses; 
h) To absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the province of, antique in 
coordination with the CHED and in consultation with the Department of 
Budget and Management (DBM), and to offer therein needed programs or 
courses, to promote and carry out equal access to educational opportunities 
mandated by the Constitution; 
i) To establish research and extension centers where such will promote the 
development of the University; 
j) To establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowship for qualified 
faculty members and scholarships for deserving students. 
k) To delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to the 
president and/or other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate 
so as expedite and administration of the affairs of the University; 
1) To authorize an external management audit the institution to be financed by 
the CHED and to institute reforms, including academic and structural changes, 
on the basis of audit result and recommendation; 
m) TO collaborate with other governing board of state collage and universities 
, 
within the province or region under the supervision of the CHED and in 
consultation with the Department of 
Budget and Management, the 
restructuring of the University to become more efficient, relevant, productive, 
and competitive; 
, 
n) To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for profitable 
development and management of the economic assets of the University, the 
proceeds from which to be used for the development and strengthening of the 
University; 
0) To develop academic arrangements for institutions and agncies, both public 
and private, local and foreign in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of 
the University; 
. 
p) To develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, and 
to appoint experts/specialist as consultants, or visiting or exchange professors, 
scholars, researchers, as the case may be; 
q) To set up the adoption of modern innovative modes of transmitting knowledge 
such as the use of information technology, the dual system, open learning. 
Community laboratory, etc., for the promotion of greater access to higher 
education; 
r) To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision making 
and transparency within the University; 
s) To privatize, where most advantageous to the institution management and 
non-academic service such as health, food, building or ground or property 
maintenance and 
To extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of 
retirement but not later than age- of seventy(70) whose pertormance has been 
unanimously rated as outstanding and upon unanimous recommendation by 
the search committee for the president of the institution concerned; 
0 
t) 
SECTION 10. Board Meetings. -the board of trustees shall regularly convene at 
least once every quarter. The chairman of the Board Trustees may call a special meeting 
whenever necessary; provided that members are notified in writing at least three (3) 
days prior to said meeting. 


' A majority of all members holding office shall constitute a quorum for board 
meetings; provided that members the chairman of the CHED who I the chairman of the 
board or the president of the University is among those present in the meeting. 
In the absence of the chairman 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 likewise that in the said meeting, 
president of the University as vice-chairman shall be the presiding officer; provided 
however that during the meeting the President of the University as vice-chairman shall 
be the presiding officer; provided further that, this proviso notwithstanding, the 
Chairman of the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a CHED Commissioner as the 
presiding officer. 
The members of the board shall not receive compensation but. shall be 
reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in their attendance of meetings of the 
Board or in connection with their official business authorized by the resolution of the 
Board. 
SECTION 11. The Administration. - the administration of the University shall 
be vested in the President of the University who shall render full-time service. He shall 
be appointed by the Board of trustees, upon the recommendation of a duly constituted 
search committee, he shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for 
reappointment for another term; provided that, this proviso notwithstanding in order to 
effect a smooth transition to a University, the incumbent President of the Polytechnic 
State Collage of Antique shall act as the first University President. 
d 
In case of vacancy in the office of the President as mentioned in the immediately 
preceding paragraph his successor shall hold office for the unexpired term. 
The powers and duties of the President of the University in addition to those 
specifically provided in this Act, shall be those equally pertaining to the office of the 
President of the similar University. 
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 institutions of like enrollment and 
standing. 
SECTION 12. Administrative Council- there shall be an administrative council 
with the President of the of the University as Chairman, the vice-president(s), deans, 
directors and other officials of equal rank whose duty is to implement the policies 
governing the adminisbation management and development planning of the 
University, as approved by the Board. 
0 
SECTION 13. Academic Council. - there shall be an academic council with the 
President of the University. as Chairman and all the members of the Instructional staff 
with the rank not lower than assistant professor, as members. 
The academic council shall have the power to recommend the curricular 
offerings and rules of discipline of the university subject to the appropriate ackion of the 
Board it shall fix the requirements for the admission to the University, as well as for 
graduation and conferring of degrees, subject to the review and/or approval by the 
board through the President of the University. It shall also have the disciplinary powers 


over the students through the President within limits prescribed by the rules of 
discipline, as approved by the board. 
SECTION 14. Secretary of the University. - the Board shall Cppoint a secretary 
who shall serve as such for both the Board and the university and shall keep records 
and proceedings of the board. He shall communicate to each member of the Board 
notice of meetings. 
SECTION 15. Treasurer of the Philippines. - the treasurer of the Philippines 
shall be the ex-officio treasurer of the university. All accounts and expenses of the 
university shall be audited by COA or its duly authorized representative, 
SECTION 16. Admission - No student shall be denied admission to the 
University by reason of sex, nationality, religion, political affiliation or physical 
disability. 
SECTION 17. Academic Freedom. - pursuant to paragraph 2 section 5 of Article 
XIV of the Constitution, the University shall enjoy academic freedom and Institutional 
autonomy. 
SECTION 18. Filling Report. - ON or before the fifteenth (15fl1) day of the 
second month after the opening of the regular classes each year, tQe president of the 
University shall file with the Office of the President, though the Chairperson of the 
CHED and to both Houses of Congress a detailed report on the progress, conditions 
and needs of the University. 
SECTION 19. Transfer of Assets, Liabilities, Personnel and Records. - All 
assets, fixed and movable, personnel and records of the Polytechnic State College of 
Antique, Antique College of Agriculture Vocational School and Libertad National 
Vocational School, as well as the liabilities or obligations are hereby transferred to the 
University; Provided that, the positions, rights and security of tenure of personnel 
therein employed under the existing laws prior to absorption by the University are not 
impaired; Provided, further, that the incumbents of the position shall remain in the 
same status until otherwise provided for by the board. 
All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by the above 
mentioned schools and colleges are hereby declared property of the State University 
System of Antique and shall be titled under that name; Provided furthermore, that, 
should the University cease to exist or b abolished or such parcels of land 
aforementioned be no longer needed by the University, the same6sliall revert to the 
Polytechnic State Collage of Antique, Antique College of Agriculture, Tario-Lim 
Memorial Antique School of Fisheries, Northern Antique Vocational School and 
Libertad National Vocational School. 
SECTION 20. Authority to Load or Transfer Equipment. - The heads of the 
bureaus and offices of the national government are hereby authorized tQ loan or 
transfer, upon request of the President of the University, such apparatus, equipment or 
supplies as may be needed by the university, and to 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 public service, 
employees so detailed shall perform such duties required of them by the president of 
the University, and the time employed shall be counted as part of their regular service. 


SECTION 21. Funding. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
the Act shall be charged against current year's appropriations of th,e Polytechnic State 
College of Antique, Antique College of Agriculture, Tario-Lim Memorial, Antique 
School of Fisheries, Northern Antique Vocational School and Libertad National 
Vocational School. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continued 
operation and maintenance of the State University System of Antique shall be included 
in the Annual General Appropriation Act. 
SECTION 22. Repealing Clause. - All laws presidential decrees executive 
orders, rules and regulations contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed amended or modified accordingly. 
' SECTION 23. 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. 
SECTION 24. Effectivity- this act shall take effect upon approval. 
Approved,