EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1756
©ttuc Ol UK
20 JUL 30 Pr-56
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO
AN ACT
CONVERTING THE BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND 
TECHNOLOGY INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE 
PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution, under Articie XIV, Section 1 thereof provides: "The State shaii 
protect the right of ali citizens to quaiity education at aii levels, and shall take 
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all."
As one of the few State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Bicol Region, Bicol 
State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) constantly strives to be 
the premier college for creative and innovative Applied Sciences and Technology. 
Established in 1911, it has survived 109 years as an academic institution which 
continuously serves underprivileged students with accessible quality education.
To produce more exemplary graduates who are globally competitive, ecologically 
sensitive and socially responsive to the needs of the community through quality 
Applied Science and Technology education. It is high time to invest In the further 
advancement and improvement of BISCAST by converting the college into a state 
university which shall be known as the Philippine University of Sciences and 
Technology.
With appropriate recognition, it will continue to grow, serve and pursue its goals and 
commitment not only to the people of Bicol but to ail Filipinos.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRId
LISTOPIPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1756
of tijf S'eUftaiT
20 JUL 30 P1 56
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWREf^E "BONG"T. GqCjL^ (
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AN ACT
CONVERTING THE BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND 
TECHNOLOGY INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE
PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be It enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines In 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Conversion. - The Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and 
Technology (BISCAST^ In the City of Naga, Province of Camarines Sur Is hereby 
converted Into a state university to be known as the Philippine University of Sciences 
and Technology, hereinafter referred to as the "University."
Sec. 2. Authority to establish satellite locations. - The University, In accordance 
with pertinent laws and rules, may establish satellite locations such as campuses, 
branches, and extension class sites.
Sec. 3. Purpose of the university. - The University shall be an Institution of 
higher learning which leads In dynamic, unique, and distinct academic standards In 
technology education. Innovation, and discoveries through research. Instruction, 
advance graduate and professional education and training, and other related 
undertakings higher than the minimum standards set by the Commission on Higher 
Education.
Sec. 4. General mandate. - The University shall primarily provide advanced 
education and higher technological, professional, technical, and vocational instruction


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and training in the sciences, arts, education, entrepreneurship, engineering, and other 
reiated courses. It shaii aiso undertake research and extension services, and provide 
progressive ieadership in its areas of specification.
Sec. 5. Academic freedom and institutional autonomy. - The University shaii 
enjoy academic freedom and institutionai autonomy, pursuant to the Constitution.
Sec. 6. Curricular offerings. - The University shaii offer undergraduate and 
graduate courses and studies in the fieids of engineering, industriai technoiogy, arts 
and sciences, and architecture, as weii as non-traditionai courses and other degrees 
and courses within the purview of its areas of speciaiization and in accordance with 
its capabilities as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, 
with particular emphasis on meeting the needs of the Province of Camarines Sur and 
the Bicol Region.
The University may operate a laboratory school offering short-term courses.
Sec. 7. Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of a 
corporation set forth In Batas Pambansa Big. 68, otherwise known as the "Corporation 
Code of the Philippines," as amended.
The administration of the University and the exercise of its corporate powers 
shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the University.
Sec. 8. Governing board. - The governing body of the University shall be the 
Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as the "Board," which shall be composed of 
the following:
a. The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or his
designated person, as Chairperson;
b. The President of the University, as Vice Chairperson;


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c. The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher, Technicai and Vocational 
Education of the Senate or his nominee, as Member;
d. The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the 
House of Representatives or his nominee, as Member;
e. The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority 
(NEDA) in Region V, as Member;
f. The Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 
Region V, as Member;
g. The President of the faculty association of the University, as Member;
h. The President of the student council of the University, as Member;
i. The President of the alumni association of the University, as Member; and
j. Two (2) persons from the private sector who have distinguished themselves in 
their profession or fields of specialization of the University, as Members, who 
shall be appointed from a list of at least five (5) qualified persons in the Province 
of Camarines Sur as recommended by a search committee to be constituted by 
the University for such purpose.
The term of office of the Presidents of the University's faculty association, 
student council, and alumni association shall be coterminous with their respective 
terms of office, as set forth in their respective constitutions and by-laws. The two (2) 
Members from the private sector shall each serve a term of two (2) years from the 
date of appointment.


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Sec. 9. Powers and duties of the Board of Regents. - In addition to its general 
powers of administration and the powers granted to the Board of Directors of a 
corporation under existing laws and rules, the Board of Regents shall have the 
following specific powers and duties:
a. To promulgate and Implement policies In accordance with the declared state 
policies and the provisions of the Constitution on education, agriculture, science 
and technology, as well as the policies and standards of the CHED under 
Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act;"
b. To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary 
to carry out the purposes and functions of the University;
c. To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the 
University in the manner it may determine in its discretion in order to carry out 
the purposes and functions of the University;
d. To purchase, receive donations or grants of, or import economic, technical, and 
cultural books and/or publications;
e. To receive in trust legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal properties 
of ail kinds and to administer and dispose of the same when necessary for the 
benefit of the University, subject to the lawful limitations, directions, and 
instructions of the donor, if any;
f. Subject to the provisions of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for 
Tertiary Education (UnIFAST) Law or any amendment thereto, to fix the tuition 
fees and other necessary school charges, including 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 a special trust fund and shall be deposited in


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any authorized government depository bank; provided, that aii interests that 
shaii accrue therefrom shali form part of funds for use of the University.
Any provision of existing iaws, ruies, and regulations to the contrary 
notwithstanding, any Income generated by the University from tuition fees and 
other charges; sale of or royalty from any invention, patent, or utility model or 
device; 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 programs of and consistent with the functions of the 
University, including acquisition of lands or property for its expansion. All 
fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purpose for which these are 
collected to the exclusion of all other purposes.
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 
approved program of expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of such 
appropriated and allocated funds for any reasonable purpose which in its 
discretion may be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives 
and goals of the University;
g. To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees to effect 
greater accessibility of the Universit/s services and functions to financially 
incapable but deserving students. In accordance with the provisions of Republic 
Act No. 10931, otherwise known as the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary 
Education Act;"
h. To authorize the construction or repair of the University's buildings, machinery, 
equipment, and other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real and 
personal properties, including necessary supplies, materials, and equipment, 
consistent with the functions of the University;


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i. To appoint, upon recommendation of the President of the University, Vice 
Presidents, deans, directors, heads of department, facuity members, and other 
officiais and empioyees of the University;
j. To fix and adjust saiaries of facuity members and administrative officiais and 
employees, subject to the provisions of the Revised Compensation and Position 
Classification System and other pertinent budget and compensation laws 
governing hours of service and such other duties and conditions as it may deem 
proper; to grant them, at its discretion, leaves of absence under such 
regulations as it may promulgate, any provision of existing laws to the contrary 
notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause in accordance with the 
requirements of due process;
k. To approve the curricula, instructional programs, and rules of discipline drawn 
by Administrative and Academic Councils as herein provided;
l. To set policies on admission and graduation of students;
m. To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding 
contribution in the fields of agriculture, public service, arts, science, technology, 
education, or in any other field of specialization within the academic 
competence of the University; and to authorize the awarding of certificates of 
completion of non-degree and non-traditlonal courses;
n. To establish and absorb and fund non-chartered tertiary institutions within the 
Province of Camarines Sur as branches and centers, in coordination with the 
CHED and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management 
(DBM);
0. To establish and fund research and extension centers of the University where 
such will promote the development of the University;


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p. To establish professorial chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for 
qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students;
q. To delegate, under such restrictions or standards as it may provide, any of its 
powers and duties to the President, Officer-In-Charge, or any other official of 
the University as it may deem appropriate for purposes of effecting an efficient 
administration of the affairs of the University;
r. To authorize an external management audit of the University to be financed by 
the CHED and subject to rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit 
(CoA) and to institute reforms, including but not limited to academic and 
structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and recommendations, if 
any;
s. To collaborate with other governing boards of state universities and colleges 
within the Province of Camarines Sur or the Bicol Region, under the supervision 
of CHED and in consultation with DBM, and work toward the restructuring of 
the University to become more efficient, relevant, productive, and competitive;
t. To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable 
development and management of the economic assets of the University, the 
proceeds from which shall be used for the development and strengthening of 
the University;
u. To develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local government units 
(LGUs), institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, in 
furtherance of and consistent with the purposes and objectives of the 
University;
V. To develop academic arrangements for institutional capability building with 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, in


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furtherance of and consistent with the purposes and objectives of the 
University;
w. To set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting 
knowledge such as the use of Information technology, the dual learning system, 
open distance learning, and community laboratory for the promotion of greater 
access to quality education;
X. To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making 
and transparency within the University;
y. To privatize, where most advantageous to the University, the management of 
non-academic services such as health, food, building, ground, or property 
maintenance and such other similar activities; and
z. To extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of 
mandatory civil service retirement but In no case beyond the age of seventy 
(70) years whose performance has been rated by the majority of the Board as 
outstanding based on guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by it.
Sec. 10. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall regularly convene once every 
three (3) months. Whenever necessary, the Chairperson of the Board may, upon three 
(3) days prior written notice, call a maximum of two (2) special meetings within the 
same period.
A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all its members holding 
office at the time of the meeting; provided, however, that for quorum to exist, the 
Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson must be present at the meeting.
In case the Chairperson of the CHED cannot attend a meeting of the Board, he 
may be represented by a commissioner of the CHED. If the Chairperson of the CHED 
is represented by a commissioner who is designated by such Chairperson as his regular


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representative to the University's Board and is recognized as such by the Board, such 
commissioner shaii have aii the rights and responsibilities of the Chairperson of the 
CHED as Chairperson of the University's Board and shall preside over the meeting. If 
the Chairperson of the CHED is represented by a commissioner who is not designated 
by such Chairperson as his regular representative to the University's Board, such 
commissioner shall have all the rights and responsibilities of a Member of the Board 
and the Vice Chairperson of the Board shall preside over the meeting.
In case the Chairpersons of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational 
Education of the Senate or the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the 
House of Representatives cannot attend a meeting, they may be represented by their 
respective representatives to attend such meeting. In such case, the representatives 
shall have all the rights and responsibilities as a regular Member of the Board in 
accordance with their agency.
The Members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of 
their official functions with respect to the University or in connection to official 
business authorized by resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws, rules, and 
regulations.
Sec. 11. The University President - The University shall be headed by a 
President, who shall render full-time service and who shall be appointed by the Board, 
subject to guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board and upon the 
recommendation of a search committee constituted for the purpose.
The University President shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible 
for reappointment once.
For purposes of this Act, in order to facilitate the smooth transition of the 
BISCAST Into a state university, the incumbent President of BISCAST shall serve as


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the first President of the University for a transition term of two (2) years, subject to 
reappointment for one (1) full term only.
Within five (5) months before the expiration of the term of office of the 
President of the University, the Board shall constitute a Search Committee for the 
Presidency.
In case of vacancy in the Office of the President due to death, compulsory 
retirement, resignation, removal for cause, or incapacity of the President to perform 
the functions of his office, the Board shall constitute an SCP. In the meantime and 
until such time as a President shall have been chosen and qualified, the Board shall 
designate an OffIcer-in-Charge of the University, who shall hold office for the 
unexpired portion of the term of the replaced President.
The powers and duties of the President of the University are those specifically 
provided In this Act and in other laws, rules, and regulations. In addition, the Board 
may delegate any of Its delegable functions and powers to the President in accordance 
with pertinent laws and rules.
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 those serving in similar capacities with similar qualifications.
The President of the University shall be assisted by a Vice President for 
Academic Affairs and a Vice President for Administration, who shall be coterminous 
with the President and who shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation 
of the President of the University. The Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and for 
Administration shall be eligible for reappointment once.
Sec. 12. The Secretary of the University. - The Board shall appoint a Secretary, 
who shall serve as such for both the Board and the University and shall keep all records 
and proceedings of the Board. The Secretary of the University shall serve upon each
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member of the Board the appropriate notice of the Board meetings, in accordance 
with prevaiiing laws and rules.
Sec. 13. The Treasurer of the University. - The Treasurer of the Philippines 
shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University.
Sec. 14. The Administrative Council. - There shall be established an 
Administrative Council who shall formulate, review, and Implement policies governing 
the administration, management, and development of the University, subject to the 
approval of the Board.
The Administrative Council shall be composed of the President of the University 
as Council Chairperson and the deans, directors, and other officials of similar rank 
holding key leadership positions in the University as council members.
Sec. 15. The Academic Council. - There shall be established an Academic 
Council who shall have the power to formulate, review, and Implement the curricular 
offerings and rules of discipline of the University, subject to approval of the Board. 
The Academic Council shall likewise fix the requirements for the admission of students, 
as well as for their graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to review and/or 
approval by the Board. It shall also have the disciplinary power over students of the 
University and shall formulate academic policies and rules and regulations on 
discipline, subject to the approval of the Board.
The Academic Council shall be composed of the President of the University as 
Council Chairperson and ail the academic staff with the rank of at least Assistant 
Professor as council members.
Sec. 16. The Faculty. - The University shall appoint such faculty members in 
accordance with and consistent with the academic policies and requirements of the 
University, subject to guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board. No 
political belief, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin.
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religious opinion or affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty 
members of the University.
Sec. 17. Scholarships and Admissions. - The University shall provide a 
scholarship program and such other programs to assist financially Incapable but 
deserving students who have qualified for admission to the University.
No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of gender, 
religion, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin, or any other standard where 
such denial will constitute an undue violation of Constitutional rights of such students.
Sec. 18. Authority to ban or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail 
of personnel. - The heads of the bureaus and offices of the National Government and 
the LGUs are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the 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 In or for the University when. In the sound 
judgment of the head of the bureau or office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies, 
or services can be spared without serious detriment to public service.
The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as are required of them 
by the President of the University, and the time spent so performing shall be counted 
as part of their regular services.
Sec. 19. Assets, liabilities, and personnel. - All assets, real and personal, 
personnel, and records of the BISCAST, as well as liabilities or obligations, are hereby 
transferred to the Philippine University of Sciences and Technology. The positions, 
rights, and security of tenure of faculty members and personnel therein employed 
under existing laws prior to the conversion into a state university shall be respected.
Specific parcels of land belonging to the provincial government of Camarines 
Sur and occupied by the BISCAST are hereby declared to be property In usufruct to 
the University; provided, that should the University cease to exist or should such
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parcels of land be no longer needed by the University, the same shall ipso facto revert 
to the provincial government of Camarines Sur.
The University shall be authorized to purchase any land or property or any part 
thereof in the attainment of and consistent with the functions and goals of the 
University.
Sec. 20. Tax exemption on Importation and donations. - The importation of 
economic, financial, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical, or 
cultural purposes made by the University upon certification by the CHED shall be 
exempt from customs duties In accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 
10863, otherwise known as the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act."
All grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions made to the 
University which are actually, directly, and exclusively used by the University in 
accordance with and consistent with its functions and objectives shall be exempt from 
donoKs tax and the same shall be allowed as an allowable deduction from the gross 
income of the donor for purposes of computing the taxabie income of the donor, 
subject to pertinent laws and rules on taxation.
Sec. 21. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations for the BISCAST. 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and 
maintenance of the University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act.
Sec. 22. Deveiopmentplan, management audit, organizational, administrative, 
and academic structure. - Within the period of one hundred twenty (120) days after 
effectivity of this Act, the University shall accomplish the following:
a. Submit a five (5) year development plan, including its corresponding program
budget to the CHED, for corresponding recommendation to the DBM;
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b. Undergo a management audit In cooperation with the CHED; and
c. Set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the
appointment of key officials of the University.
Sec. 23. Compliance with CHED requirements for grant of state university 
status. - The provisions of this Act notwithstanding, the conversion of the institution 
into a state university shall become effective only upon the determination and 
declaration by the CHED, based on the recommendation of a panel of experts it shall 
constitute for the purpose, that the Institution has complied with the requirements for 
the grant of university status.
For this purpose, the CHED shall provide technical assistance to the institution 
and monitor compliance with the requirements of the Commission.
The CHED shall designate a panel of experts who shall prepare a 
recommendation to the Chairperson of the CHED on whether the Institution has 
substantially complied with the requirements for the grant of university status.
The institution shall retain Its status prior to the effectivity of this Act, unless in 
the meantime it is able to comply with the requirements provided herein within a 
period not exceeding January 1,2022.
Sec. 24. Filing of report. - On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second 
(2nd) month after the opening of the regular classes every year, the Board shall file 
with the Office of the President of the Philippines, through the Chairperson of the 
CHED, and with both Houses of Congress, a detailed report on the progress, 
conditions, and needs of the University.
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Sec. 25. Suppletory application. - The provisions of Repubiic Act No. 8292, 
otherwise known as the "Higher Education Modernization Act," shaii be an integral 
part of this Act and shall serve as part of the governing charter of the University.
Sec. 26. Parity clause. - All other powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities, 
and limitations to state universities and/or their officials under existing laws shall be 
deemed granted to or imposed upon the University and/or its officials whenever 
appropriate.
Sec. 27. Implementing rules and regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Board, in consultation with the CHED, shall formulate the 
rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 28. 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.
Sec. 29. Repealing clause. - All laws or parts of laws, presidential decrees, 
executive orders, circulars, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
Sec. 30. 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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