TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL15 Ann9
SENATE 
S. No.
RtQivL:)c:.
611
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
PROTECTING FREE EXERCISE AND ENJOYMENT OF RELIGION OF 
STUDENTS IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES 
FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines unequivocally guarantees 
the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without 
discrimination or preference (Article III, Section 5). In addition, it provides for the 
optional teaching of religion in public elementary and high schools, within regular class 
hours, by instructors designated or approved by the religious authorities of the religion 
to which the children or wards belong. This provision is subject to the written consent 
of the parents or guardians (Article XIV, Section 3[3]).
Furthermore, the Constitution affirms the State's recognition of the 
complementary roles of public and private educational institutions within the national 
educational system and mandates that the State exercise reasonable supervision and 
regulation over all educational institutions (Article XIV, Section 4[1]).
In harmony with domestic constitutional guarantees. Article 18 of the Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights affirms that:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; 
this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, 
either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to


manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and 
observance."
The Supreme Court, in Islamic Da'wah Council of the Philippines, Inc. v. Office 
of the Executive Secretary (G.R. No. 153888, July 9, 2003), emphasized that the 
constitutional guarantee of religious freedom is designed "to protect the broadest 
possible liberty of conscience, to allow each man to believe as his conscience directs, 
to profess his beliefs, and to live as he believes he ought to live, consistent with the 
liberty of others and with the common good." This pronouncement underscores two 
critical dimensions: the freedom to believe and the freedom to act according to one's 
beliefs.
Over the years, there have been accounts of how educational institutions fall 
short, if not totally fail, in distinguishing students by the basis of religion and similarly, 
prescribing religious classes in their curriculum that are offered to all students in 
general.
However, the problem arises when students are compelled to enroll in religious 
classes and attend academic activities that interfere with their religious tenets and 
practices. Without the discretion to excuse themselves or exemption from these 
religious classes, students are inclined to practice and engage in religious beliefs 
different from their faith.
Students must be given the liberty to disassociate and excuse themselves from 
participating in any religious classes and activities that interfere with his religious 
tenets or faith without the fear of expulsion, sanction or reprimand. This bill provides 
that educational institutions guarantee religious freedom and create a learning 
environment respectful and protective of students' religious beliefs.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ROBI
PADILLA


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• d : r ;
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S. No
SENATE
611
25 JUL 15 Ati:19
Rl-Ct!'. L"
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
PROTECTING FREE EXERCISE AND ENJOYMENT OF RELIGION OF 
STUDENTS IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES 
FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
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 "Protection of Students' 
Religious Belief Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall guarantee the free exercise and 
enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference. It 
is also the policy of the State to recognize the role of public and private institutions in 
the educational system and to exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of all 
educational institutions.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:
a. Educational institution refers to a public or private educational institution 
which includes basic, higher, technical, and other learning institutions.
b. Religious subject refers to a subject that pertains to religious teachings, 
values, beliefs, behaviors, and institutions;
c. Religious activities refer to activities and performances pursuant to 
religious teachings and beliefs;


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d. Religious premises refer to an area used for religious purposes. They
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include areas that may not have been previously used for religious
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purposes; and
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e. Students^xe those who are enrolled in basic, higher, technical, and other
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learning institutions.
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Sec. 4. Students Free Exercise of Religious Belief — Educational institutions
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shall respect the right of a student to freely exercise and enjoy his or her religious
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belief without discrimination or preference.
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Sec. 5. Protection of Students' Religious Beliefs. — Educational institutions:
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a. Shall ensure that all students are not discriminated against on account
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of their religious belief, affiliation, or engagement in any religious
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activity;
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b. Shall respect every student's right to express or wear their respective
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religious clothing inside their educational campus or during school-
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related activities outside the school premises; and
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c. Shall be prohibited from requiring students to participate and attend any
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religious activity or their performance.
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Sec. 6. Teaching of a Different Religion.— No student shall be required to be
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taught with, to be enrolled in, or to take a religious value, lesson, subject, or course
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different from his or her religion by an educational institution without the written
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consent of the student. In cases wherein the student is a minor, the parent or legal
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guardian shall execute the written consent on behalf of the minor or ward.
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Sec. 7. Penalty. — Any person violating Sections 4, 5, or 6 of this Act shall pay
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a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00) or suffer a penalty
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imprisonment of not less than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
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If an offender is a public official, officer, or employee, he or she shall pay a fine
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of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00), and imprisonment of not less than
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six (6) years.
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If the offender is a corporation, organization, or any similar entity, the officials
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or employees directly involved shall pay a fine of Two Million Pesos (Php2,000,000.00),
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or suffer a penalty of imprisonment of eight (8) years, or both, at the discretion of the
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court.


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Sec. 8. Awareness and Educational Activities. — The Department of Education
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(DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills
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Development Authority (TESDA), and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) shall
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conduct awareness and educational activities in order to promote this Act.
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Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from
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the effectivity of this Act, DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, in consultation with the CHR and
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stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the
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provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 10. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected shall thereby
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remain in force and effect.
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Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
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executive order, ordinance, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this
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Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 12. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
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following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general
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circulation.
Approved,