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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
S. No. 1 9 0 3  
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Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
On June 18, 1908, the First Philippine Legislature passed Act No. 1870, which created 
the University of the Philippines. The University of the Philippines became the nation's leading 
Institution of higher learning, renowned as the bastion of academic freedom and academic 
excellence. 
Nearly a century after its enactment, the old charter of the University of the Philippines 
no longer reflects the realities nor responds to the challenges of the times. It is now time for a 
thorough review and amendment of the old charter to strengthen the University of the 
Philippines as the national university and to assert its unique and distinctive leadership in 
higher education not only in producing graduates with knowledge and skills that the current job 
market demands, but also in breeding leaders in the major fields, industries and academic 
disciplines of the country. 
This bill, which seeks to strengthen the University of the Philippines as the national 
university, incorporates several statutes and issuances issued for administrative purposes that 
have been tested through time in the University of the Philippines. Among its salient provisions 
are the inclusion of the Staff Regent in the Board of Regents to represent the full-time, 
permanent research, extension, and professional staff and administrative personnel in the 
highest policy making body of the University of the Philippines, the grant of sole authority to the 
Board of Regents to draw up a position classification and compensation plan for the faculty and 
staff of the University of the Philippines, and the exemption of the University of the Philippines 
from the payment of certain taxes to promote its financial health, and fiscal and institutional 
autonomy. 
In line with the State policy to give priority to education to foster patriotism and 
nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development, 
the passage of this bill strengthening the University of the Philippines as the State's national 
university is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD J. GORDON 
Senator 
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..,\.# ,:~,*:%s;<-9' 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
, ~ I  . 
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First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S. No. m3 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AS THE 
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY 
Be if enacted by the Senate and the House of Represenfafives of fhe Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as "The University of the Philippines 
Charter of 2007". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. The State shall promote, foster, nurture and protect 
the right of all citizens to quality education. Toward this end, it is the policy of the 
State to strengthen the University of the Philippines as the National University. 
SEC. 3. Purpose of the University. As the National University, a public and secular 
institution of higher learning, and a community of scholars dedicated to the search 
for truth and knowledge, the University of the Philippines shall carry out its unique 
and distinctive leadership in higher education and national education development 
through its combined functions, as follows: 
(1) Lead in setting academic standards and initiating innovations in teaching, 
research and faculty development in philosophy, the arts and humanities, the 
social sciences, the professions and engineering, natural sciences, 
mathematics and technology; and maintain centers of excellence in such 
disciplines and professions; 
(2) Serve as a graduate university by providing advanced studies and 
specialization for scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and professionals, 
especially those who serve on the faculties of state and private colleges and 
universities; 
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(3) Serve as a research university in its various fields of expertise and 
specialization by conducting basic and applied research and development, 
and promoting research in various colleges and universities; 
(4) Lead as a public service university by providing various forms of 
community, public and volunteer service, and scholarly and technical 
assistance to the government, the private sector and civil society while 
maintaining its standards of excellence; 
(5) Provide opportunities for training and learning in progressive leadership, 
responsible citizenship, and the development of democratic values, 
institutions and practice; and 
(6) Serve as a regional and global university in cooperation with international 
and scientific unions with networks of universities and scholarly and 
professional associations in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. 
SEC. 4. The University System. The University of the Philippines, hereinafter 
referred to as the "University," is a university system and shall be composed of 
constituent universities established solely by its Board of Regents upon the 
recommendation of the President of the University. 
SEC. 5. Academic Freedom. The University shall have the right to enjoy and the 
responsibility to exercise academic freedom. 
SEC, 6, Academic Excellence. The University has the responsibility to maintain and 
enhance its high academic standards in the performance of its functions of 
instruction, research and extension, and public service. 
SEC. 7. Social Responsibility. The University is committed to serve the Filipino 
nation and humanity. While it carries out the obligation to pursue universal principles, 
it must relate its activities to the needs of the Filipino people and their aspirations for 
social progress and transformation. The University may provide venues for student 
volunteerism. 
SEC. 8. Democratic Access. No student shall be denied admission to the University 
by reason solely of age, gender, nationality, religious belief, ethnicity, physical 
disability, or political opinion or affiliation. The University shall take affirmative steps 
to enhance the access of disadvantaged students to its programs and services. 
SEC. 9. Institutional Autonomy as the National University. To provide greater 
flexibility to the University, it shall be treated in a manner consistent with its 
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institutional requirements as the National University by the service-wide agencies in 
the exercise of their respective jurisdictions. 
SEC. 10. The Board of Regents. 
(1) Composition - The government, of the University is vested in a board of 
regents known as the "Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines 
System," hereinafter referred to as the "Board," composed of: 
(a) The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education as Chairperson; 
(b) The President of the University of the Philippines System as Vice- 
Chairperson; 
(c) The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture; 
(d) The Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical 
Education; 
(e) The President of the U.P. Alumni Association, to serve as Alumni Regent 
during his or her incumbency in that position; 
(f) One Faculty Regent chosen by the full-time tenured faculty members of the 
University from their ranks, to serve for a term of two years; 
(9) One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one year, chosen by the 
students from their ranks in accordance with rules and qualifications approved 
in a referendum by the students; 
(h) One Staff Regent representing the full-time permanent research, 
extension and professional staff (REPS) and administrative personnel and 
chosen by them from their ranks, to serve for a term of two years; and 
(i) Three other Regents who have distinguished themselves in their 
professions or field of specialization chosen from a list of five persons for 
every vacancy as recommended by a search committee constituted by the 
President of the University based on standards and guidelines approved by 
the Board of Regents. 
At least two of these Regents should be alumni of the University. All these 
Regents shall be appointed by the Board of Regents and shall each serve for 
a term of two years: Provided, That the Regents holding office as members of 
the Board of Regents at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall continue to 
serve until the expiration of their appointments as provided in Executive Order 
NO, 204-A issued by the President of the Philippines on July 15, 1987. 
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(2) Vacancy - In case of vacancy in the Board of Regents, except of the position 
of the President of the University, such vacancy shall be filled in the same 
manner as provided for the predecessor, and such appointee shall hold office for 
the unexpired term. In the case of a sectoral Regent, membership in the Board 
ceases upon suspension, separation or recall. 
(3) Compensation - Members of the Board shall serve without compensation 
other than actual and necessary expenses incurred in attendance of meetings of 
the Board or other official business authorized by the Board. 
(4) Meetings; Quorum - The Board of Regents shall convene regularly. The 
Chairperson of the Board may call a special meeting whenever necessary: 
Provided, That members are notified in writing at least three days prior to said 
meeting. 
A majority of all members of the Board holding office at the time the meeting 
is called shall constitute a quorum for Board meetings. 
In no case shall any and all members of the Board appoint representatives to 
act on their behalf. 
SEC. 11. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents. The administration of the 
University and the exercise of its corporate powers are vested in the Board of 
Regents. 
The Board shall exercise the following specific powers and duties: 
(a) To define the thrusts of the University and adopt broad policy guidelines to 
ensure their implementation; 
(b) To preserve the integrity of the University; 
(c) To approve the institution, merger or abolition of academic programs upon 
recommendation of the University Council of the Constituent University 
concerned through the President of the University; 
(d) To approve the graduation of students and grant of honors, as recommended 
by their respective University Councils through the President of the University; 
(e) To confer honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning, 
statesmanship, or eminence in literature, science, or art, upon recommendation 
of a committee created by the President of the University: Provided, That such 
degrees shall not be conferred in consideration of any payment, gift or other 
valuable consideration; 
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(f) To approve the institutional programs and rules on student discipline upon 
recommendation of the University Councils through the President of the 
University; 
(9) To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish constituent universities, 
colleges, institutes, and other academic and administrative units of the University; 
(h) To establish professorial chair awards; 
(i) To provide fellowships, scholarships and grants, and to award the same to 
faculty, staff and students having special evidence of merit; 
(j) To elect the President of the University for a term of six years following a 
process of consultation with the University community based on standards and 
guidelines set by the Board of Regents. In the event of a vacancy, the Board of 
Regents shall elect a president who shall serve a full term within six months from 
the occurrence of the vacancy; 
(k) To appoint faculty members and other officials and employees, to draw up a 
position classification and compensation plan for its faculty and staff, and to fix 
and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members and other employees; to 
determine their hours of service, and such other terms and conditions of 
employment as it may deem proper; to grant leave of absence under such 
regulations as it may promulgate, any other provisions of law to the contrary 
notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause as provided by law after due 
investigation and proper hearing; 
(I) To extend, with their consent, the tenure of faculty members of the University 
beyond the compulsory retirement age, on recommendation of the units upon 
endorsement of the President of the University, whenever their services are 
especially needed; 
(m) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, as the Board may 
deem proper to impose, after due consultation with the students concerned. Such 
fees and charges, including government support and other income generated by 
the University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in an 
authorized government depository bank. Any and all interests that shall accrue 
therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the University. 
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, all incomes generated 
by the University or by its subsidiaries shall, upon their collection, be retained by 
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the University and disbursed at the discretion of the Board for the professional 
growth and development, health, welfare, and other benefits of the faculty 
members and other personnel; for the acquisition, construction, maintenance and 
repair of urgently needed instructional and auxiliary facilities, equipment, 
buildings and other infrastructure: and for expenses necessary for the attainment 
of its purposes under its approved program of expenditures. 
(n) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the 
support of the University to the ends specified by law, and all other sums in the 
manner it may, in its discretion, determine to carry out the purposes and 
functions of the University; 
(0) To authorize the construction, maintenance or repair of its buildings, 
machinery, equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of 
real and personal properties, including necessary supplies, materials and 
equipment; 
(p) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal property 
of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the 
benefit of the University and subject to the instructions of the donor, if any; 
(4) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, to authorize its faculty 
and staff to travel abroad in order to study, deliver papers, attend conferences 
and disseminate research: 
Provided, That the fellowship, scholarship or grant is authorized by the Board of 
Regents; 
(r) To exercise the general powers set out in the Corporation Code; 
(s) To delegate any of its powers to the President of the University or any other 
officials or officers as it may deem necessary; 
(t) To prescribe rules for its own government and the discipline of the faculty and 
other personnel and to enact for the government of the University such general 
policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as are consistent with the 
purposes of the University; and 
(u) To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to carry out the 
objectives of this Act. 
SEC. 12. The President of the University. The President of the University is the 
chief academic officer, head of the University Faculty and the chief executive officer 
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of the 'University. The President of the University shall exercise the powers 
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specifically provided for in this Act, those determined by the Board of Regents, those 
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are related or necessary to its functions. The Board of Regents shall determine the 
compensation of the President of the University. 
The President of the University shall be appointed by the Board of Regents. 
S/He shall serve for a term of six years without prejudice to one reappointment after 
a determination of outstanding performance committee by a committee created by 
the Board of Regents: Provided, That, the President of the University sought to be 
reappointed shall not vote or participate in the creation of such committee. 
SEC. 13. The Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents. There 
shall be a Secretary of the University appointed by the Board of Regents, who shall 
also be the Secretary of the Board, and who shall keep such records of the 
University as may be designated by the Board. 
SEC. 14. The University Council. There shall be in each constituent university a 
University Council consisting of the Chancellor as Chairperson, and of all the faculty 
members in the University holding the rank of assistant professor and higher as 
members. 
SEC. 15. Powers of the University Council. The University Council shall be the 
highest academic body of each constituent university and shall exercise the following 
powers: 
(a) Fix the requirements for admission to any college or unit, graduation, and the 
grant of honors subject to the minimum system-wide requirements; 
(b) Prescribe the academic programs including their institution, revision, abolition 
and merger, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents; 
(c) Recommend to the Board of Regents the graduation of students and the grant 
of honors; 
(d) Exercise disciplinary power over the students, through the Chancellors or 
their appropriate committees, subject to review by the President of the University 
according to the limits prescribed by system-wide rules on student discipline; 
(e) Undertake the periodic review of academic courses, programs, standards, 
thrusts and policies; and 
(f) Adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 16. The Chancellor of the Constituent University. The administration of 
each constituent university is vested in the Chancellor insofar as authorized by the 
Board of Regents and the President of the University. The Chancellor of the 
constituent university shall be elected by the Board of Regents upon nomination of 
the President of the University, following a process of consultation with the 
constituents of the Constituent University based on standards and guidelines set by 
the Board of Regents. The Chancellor shall report to the President of the University, 
and shall perform the duties and functions elsewhere stated in this Act, and all the 
usual, necessary and related functions of the office of the chancellor, subject to the 
policies and rules prescribed by the Board of Regents. The Board of Regents shall 
determine the term and compensation of the Chancellor. 
SEC. 17. The Faculty. The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its faculty. 
The College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean. The Dean shall be elected by 
the Board of Regents on nomination by the President of the University and upon 
recommendation of the Chancellor of the constituent university, following a process 
of consultation with the constituents of the college based on standards and 
guidelines set by the Board of Regents. 
SEC. 18. Appointment Requisites and Practice of Profession. Faculty members, 
as well as research, extension and professional staff (REPS) of the University shall 
be exempt as such from any civil service examination or regulation as a requisite to 
appointment. The provisions of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, licensing 
requirements for professional regulatory boards shall not affect appointments to 
faculty positions. In the appointment of faculty members, no religious test shall be 
applied, nor shall the religious or political opinions or affiliations of the faculty 
members of the University be made subject of examination or inquiry. 
Sec. 19. Student Affairs. 
(1) There shall be established in the University the following student councils: for 
every college and degree-granting institute, a college or institute student council; 
and for every constituent university, a university student council. Each student 
council shall advance the interests, welfare, and aspirations of its constituents. It 
shall have the power to adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the 
provisions of this Act. 
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Each student council shall be composed of students of an academic unit of 
the University duly elected by the students of such unit. Each member of the 
student council shall serve for a term of one year, without prejudice to re-election. 
(2) Every constituent university, college, institute and department of the 
University shall have the right to organize a student publication funded by student 
fees and enjoy freedom of expression and autonomy in the formulation of 
SEC. 20. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the University. 
(a) The State shall provide subsidy to fhe University of the Philippines System as 
the National University in the form of lump sum amount, through general 
appropriations and other financial--benefits, and in kind, through land grants and 
donations and use of other real properties. To carry out the intent of these grants, 
income derived from the development of all land grants and real properties shall 
be used to further the ends of the University, as may be decided by the Board of 
(b) Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree or presidential issuance to the 
University of the Philippines are hereby declared to be reserved for the purposes 
intended. The absolute ownership of the University over these landholdings, 
including those covered by original and transfer certificates of title in the name of 
the University of the Philippines and their future derivatives, is hereby confirmed. 
Where the issuance of proper certificates of title is yet pending for these 
landholdings, the appropriate government office shall expedite the issuance 
thereof within six months from the date of effectivity of this Act provided that all 
registration requirements necessary or the issuance of the said titles have been 
(c) The Board of Regents may plan, design, approve andlor cause the 
implementation of contracts, mechanisms, and financial instruments, such as 
joint ventures, long-term leases, fully owned subsidiaries, securitization and, in 
exceptional cases, sale, to give the University the flexibility to generate revenues 
and other resources from land grants arid other properties: Provided, That such 
mechanisms and arrangements shall sustain and protect the environment in 
accordance with law, and be exclusive of the academic core zone of the 
campuses of the University of the Philippines: Provided, finally, that such 
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the University. 
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contrary notwithstanding: 
mechanisms and arrangements shall not conflict with the academic mission of 
SEC. 21. Tax Exemptions. The provisions of any general or special law to the 
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(1) All revenues and assets of the University of the Philippines used actually, 
directly and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from all taxes 
and duties; 
(2) Gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds shall be 
exempt from the donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable 
deductions from the gross income of the donor, in accordance with the provisions 
of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended; 
(3) Importation of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, 
historical and cultural books, supplies and materials, including scientific and 
educational computer and software equipment, shall be exempt from customs 
duties; 
(4) The University shall be exempt from payment of value-added tax; and 
(5) All honoraria for professional chair awards and other University awards to 
faculty and staff shall be exempt from taxes. 
SEC. 22. Auditing of Accounts. All accounts and disbursements of the University 
shall be audited by the Commission on Audit. 
SEC. 23. Rules of Construction. No statutory or other issuances shall diminish the 
powers, rights, privileges, and benefits accorded to the University under this Act or 
enjoyed at present by the University under other issuances not otherwise modified or 
repealed under this Act, unless subsequent legislation expressly provides for their 
repeal, amendment or modification. Any case of doubt in the interpretation of any of 
the provisions of this Charter shall be resolved in favor of the academic freedom and 
fiscal autonomy of the University of the Philippines. 
SEC. 24. Appropriations. The amount needed to carry out the implementation of 
this Act shall be charged against the current fiscal year's lump sum appropriation and 
other internal funds of the University. Thereafter, such lump sum representing the 
national government's responsibility for the continued growth, operation and 
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Act. 
maintenance of the University shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations 
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The University may use unexpended balances in any appropriation for 
purposes that the Board of Regents determines. 
SEC. 25. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this 
Act. 
SEC. 26. Repealing Clause. Act No. 1870, as amended, and all laws, decrees, 
orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with 
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 27. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved, 
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