Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Ivan Howard Guintu 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Education is a fundamental human right that must be accessible, equitable, and 
inclusive. In the Philippines, the Constitution and international agreements oblige the 
government to safeguard students' rights and welfare and provide access to quality education. 
However, the current policies and mechanisms are not sufficient to ensure that students are 
fully protected and empowered. 
To address this issue, this representation proposes the passage of a bill that aims to 
institutionalize students' rights and welfare, recognize their meaningful participation in 
decision-making processes, and promote their autonomy and expression. 
The bill affirms that education is a critical institution in promoting civil liberties, human 
rights, and fundamental freedoms. Therefore, it is necessary to create an environment where 
students and young Filipinos can exercise their rights and fully participate in society and 
nation-building. The bill recognizes the importance of democratic processes, particularly the 
right of students to organize and express themselves without undue influence from educational 
institutions. 
Despite the government's efforts to protect and promote students' rights and welfare, 
these initiatives have not been sufficient. The launch of a Students Rights and Welfare 
(STRAW) Desk and the distribution of a National Student Handbook have proven inadequate 
in providing students with the protection and access to education that they deserve. 
The passage of this bill will provide a comprehensive and coherent policy framework 
for protecting students' rights and welfare. It will create mechanisms for addressing complaints 
and grievances, promoting inclusion and diversity, and ensuring that students' voices are heard 
in decision-making processes. Furthermore, it will provide guidelines for educational 
institutions in implementing policies that respect and protect students' rights and welfare. 
A well-educated and empowered citizenry is essential in building a strong and vibrant 
democracy, where individuals are able to fully participate in civic life and contribute to the 
development of their communities and the nation as a whole. By ensuring that students have 
access to quality education and can exercise their rights and participate in decision-making 
processes, we are building a foundation for a more just and equitable society, where every 
July 14, 2025
8:02 am
1812


individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Promoting students' rights and 
welfare is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in the future of our 
Country. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
IVAN HOWARD A. GUINTU 
Representative, 1st District of Capiz 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
Introduced by Representative Ivan Howard Guintu 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND 
WELFARE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title.  This Act shall be known as the "Students’ Rights and Welfare Act.” 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State: 
a.
In accordance with several international human rights agreements, including the
International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, International Convention on
Economic and Social Rights, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, International
Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women, declares its commitment to protect and promote the
rights and welfare of Filipino students;
b. Recognizes that education is a right and as such it can only be exercised and enjoyed
fully in a climate where the rights and welfare of students and young Filipinos are
promoted and protected;
c.
Acknowledges that education is an important institution in ensuring that all Filipinos
are able to participate fully in nation-building and the society and in inculcating
patriotism and nationalism, critical and creative thinking, and values necessary to
promote civil liberties, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
d. Affirms that students have the right to meaningful participation in decision-making
processes inside and outside educational institutions, especially in the crafting and
formulation of policies affecting students, and the promotion of this right is an integral
part of the nation's democratic processes;
e.
Affirms that the fundamental right to expression of students, and such right shall be
unabridged and autonomous from the influences of educational institutions; and
HOUSE BILL NO. 1812


 
f. Affirms the students' right to organize, which encompasses the right to establish student 
organizations, student unions, and student councils and governments 
 
 
SEC 3. Definition of terms.- As used in this Act the following shall mean: 
 
a. Student refers to any person enrolled in the secondary, post-secondary tertiary, graduate 
and post graduate levels, including those enrolled in vocational and technical education. 
 
b. School refers to any private, public or government-run and funded academic 
educational institution offering any or all courses in the above-mentioned levels. 
 
c. School campus refers to the totality of all contiguous or proximate buildings, grounds, 
and other facilities designated by the school authorities as areas or facilities for the use 
of their students. 
 
d. Governing Board refers to the highest policy making body of the school such as: Board 
of Directors, Trustees or Regents. 
 
e. Student Council or Government refers to the body representing the whole student 
population in one school or school campus whose officers are annually elected at large 
by the whole student population pursuant to its charter or constitution. This definition 
shall include student councils or governments at the level of colleges, campuses, etc. 
 
f. Council of Leaders refers to the body composed of the heads of various student 
organizations chaired by the President or Chairperson of the Student Council or by any 
student duly elected by the student organizations. 
 
g. Tuition refers to the fee representing direct costs of instruction, training and other 
related activities, and the use of school facilities. The term "other school fees" refers to 
fees which cover other necessary costs supportive of instruction, including but not 
limited to medical and dental, athletic, library, laboratory, and NSTP fee. 
 
SEC 4. Right against discrimination in educational institutions. – No student shall be denied 
admission, expelled from an educational institution, punished with disciplinary action, 
including mandatory counseling, or denied welfare services, scholarships and other privileges 
on the basis of his/her physical handicap, socio-economic status, political and religious beliefs, 
sexual orientation, or membership in student organizations. Pregnant students, certified 
reformed drug abusers, and students with HIV/AIDS shall not be discriminated against. 
 
SEC 5. Right to competent instruction and relevant quality education.- Every student shall 
have the right to competent instruction and quality education relevant to his/her personal and 
cultural development and that of the nation. To achieve this goal, schools and educational 
institutions are required to enforce a written evaluation of the performance of teachers by 
students at the end of the school term. 
 
 
SEC 6. – Right to organize. –  
 


a. The right of students to form, assist, or join organizations, alliance, or federations along 
their physical, intellectual, moral, cultural, civic, spiritual, and political interests shall 
not be abridged. 
 
b. The Office of Student Affairs, in coordination with the student council or government, 
shall take charge in the accreditation of student organizations. The guidelines for 
accreditation of student organizations shall be formulated by the student council and 
the heads of all student organizations. 
 
c. The Office of Student Affairs shall have the mandate to implement the guidelines and 
mediate in conflicts emerging from the accreditation process. Accreditation of student 
organizations shall be granted upon the submission of a formal letter of application for 
accreditation, constitution, list of activities, and list of officers. The Office of Student 
Affairs may impose sanctions on inactive organizations. 
 
d. The Office of Student Affairs shall coordinate on and off campus activities of student 
organizations. 
 
e. The school administration shall endeavor to provide, free of charge, a hall or building 
to house the offices of student organizations within the premises of the school. 
Furthermore, whenever possible, the school administration shall allow student 
organizations to use school facilities free of charge; 
 
f. Acts that impair the right of students to organize are prohibited: 
 
i. 
Signing of waivers or similar documents that use membership to any 
organization as a basis for admission to or expulsion from schools, including 
the imposition of disciplinary actions; 
 
ii. 
Imposition of unreasonable requirements on student organizations seeking 
recognition; 
 
iii. 
Discriminatory policies in the assignment of school facilities and in granting 
other privileges to student organizations; 
 
iv. 
Excessive charges for the use of school facilities; 
 
v. 
Excessive fees imposed by student organizations to members, and; 
 
vi. 
Imposition of unnecessary requirements for admission and continued 
membership to a student organization including, but not limited to, hazing or 
other acts prohibited under RA 8049, or the Anti-Hazing law. 
 
SEC 6. Right to establish a student council or government. – 
 
a. There shall be one (1) university student council or government for each school, 
college, or university campus that shall be recognized by the schools, colleges and 
universities concerned. It shall have its own set of officers elected in annual popular 
elections. 
 


b. There shall be a Constitution or Charter of the Student Council or Government crafted 
by the head or representatives of all student organizations in a school and ratified 
through a two-thirds (2/3) vote by the student body that shall lay down the organization, 
functions, and responsibilities of the student council or government. Representation for 
unorganized students shall be ensured for the crafting of the draft constitution or 
charter. 
 
c. Every student council or government shall have the right to determine its policies and 
programs on student activities subject to the Student Council or Government charter or 
constitution and to school rules and regulations provided that the latter does not infringe 
on basic rights and freedoms of students. 
 
d. There shall be an independent Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that shall 
oversee the honest, orderly, and peaceful conduct of election of officers of the student 
council or government. The COMELEC shall be chosen from a list of nominees 
provided by the heads of student organizations. The school must provide sufficient 
funds to the COMELEC to ensure that it is able to function. 
 
e. There shall a fee to be collected from students to finance the operations of the student 
council or government, the amount of which shall be determined by the student council 
or government in consultation with the student body. The school administration shall 
facilitate the collection of the student council or government fee and shall turn over the 
collected amount to the student council or government within fifteen (15) days after the 
start of the semester or school period. The student councilor government shall issue to 
the student body a financial report at the end of its term. To take effect, a proposal to 
increase the student council or government fee shall require a vote of simple majority 
by the student body. 
 
f. No policy restricting the right of student councils or governments to join federations or 
alliances of student councils or governments shall be imposed by the school 
administration. 
 
SEC 7. Administrative Liability. - Failure to comply with this Act shall be tantamount to gross 
neglect of duty and shall constitute grounds for administrative and disciplinary sanctions 
against any public officer or employee who deliberately and knowingly implements a strict 
dress code which shall prevent any citizen from accessing government frontline services or 
attending public meetings. 
 
SEC 8. Right to publish a student newspaper and other similar publications. –  
 
a. In accordance with RA 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, students shall have 
the right to publish student newspaper and other similar publications. 
 
b. The editorial staff of the student paper shall be comprised of students. No person who 
is not a member of the publication shall determine its content. The role of the faculty 
adviser in the student paper shall be limited to technical assistance. 
 
c. The selection of the student Editor-in-Chief and the members of the editorial board shall 
be conducted annually through a fair and competitive examination to be administered 


by an impartial Board of Judges, which shall be comprised of professional journalists, 
representatives from the faculty, the student body. 
 
d. Ethics in journalism shall be observed by the editorial staff. It shall be the responsibility 
of the editorial staff to ensure that the student paper is not used for purposes contrary 
to law. 
 
e. Unless sooner removed for cause and with due process, the Editor-in-Chief and editorial 
staff shall be assured of security of tenure for the duration of his/her prescribed term; 
 
f. The student publication shall be financially autonomous from the school 
administration. A fee for student publication shall be collected from students and shall 
be held in trust by the school administration. No policy shall be imposed by the school 
administration to hamper the access of the editorial board to the student publication 
fund, subject to existing regulation in the disbursement of funds. The school 
administration shall also be prohibited from using the aforementioned fund. At the end 
of each term, the editorial board shall publish a financial statement. 
 
SEC 9. Right to adequate welfare services and academic facilities. - Denial of access to 
adequate welfare services and academic facilities shall be prohibited. These services and 
facilities shall include: 
 
a. Free annual physical check-up to the students; 
 
b. Legal assistance in cases involving the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms 
stipulated in this Act; 
 
c. Counseling; 
 
d. Adequate laboratory, library, research, recreation and physical education facilities; 
 
e. Communications system to ensure that students are promptly notified of letters and 
other relevant information, and; 
 
f. Adequate, safe and clean housing facilities, such as dormitories, for students inside 
campuses. In case the school has no in-campus dormitories or housing facilities, the 
school administration and the student council or government shall be required to 
accredit out-of-campus dormitories. Students shall be encouraged to stay in the 
accredited dormitories. 
 
SEC 10. Representation in the school’s highest policy-making body. – There shall be a 
student representative in the highest policy-making body of the school. He or she shall be 
chosen through a selection process formulated and crafted by the student council and 
government and shall have the same rights as that of the regular members of the same body. 
Provided, however, that his or her privileges shall be limited to the actual expenses incurred in 
attending meetings of the aforementioned body. Provided, further, that the aforementioned 
student representative is prohibited from taking any other position in public offices or student 
council or government. 
 


SEC 11. Right to information. - The right of students to information on matters affecting their 
welfare shall be recognized. Therefore, students shall have access to the school's official acts, 
transactions or decisions relating to students' rights and welfare subject only to reasonable 
regulations. 
 
SEC 12. Right to freedom of expression. – 
 
a. Students shall have the right to freely express their views and opinions. They shall have 
the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government and school authorities for 
the redress of their grievances. No school regulation shall be imposed violating or 
abridging the student's right to assembly. 
 
b. Students shall have access to print and broadcast media in their information activities. 
They shall also have the right to print, circulate and/or mount leaflets, newsletters, 
posters, wall news, petitions and such other materials. School authorities shall ensure 
the provision of facilities such as bulletin boards for the mounting of the 
aforementioned materials. 
 
c. School authorities are required to designate a certain area within school premises where 
students can express their grievances or organize activities. 
 
SEC 13. Academic freedom. – Students' academic freedom shall consist of, but not limited to, 
the following: 
 
a. To conduct research in connection with academic work, and to freely discuss and 
publish their findings and recommendations; 
 
b. To conduct inquiry within the campus in curricular and extra-curricular activities; 
 
c. To choose a field of study and to pursue the quest for truth; to express their opinion on 
any subject or public or general concern which directly or indirectly affects the students 
of the educational system; 
 
d. To invite off-campus speakers or resource persons to student-sponsored assemblies, 
fora, symposia, and other similar activities; 
 
e. To express contrary interpretations or dissenting opinions inside and outside the 
classroom; 
 
 
f. To participate in the drafting of a new curriculum and in the review or revision of the 
old; 
 
g. To participate in the drafting and/or revising of the student handbook which shall 
include the school rules and regulations, a copy of which shall be furnished the students 
upon admission to the school; and 
 
h. To be free from any form of indoctrination leading to imposed ideological hegemony. 
 


SEC 14. Right to due process. – The right to due process of students subjected to disciplinary 
proceedings shall be observed and respected. 
 
a. He shall have the right to defend himself, to be heard and to present evidence on his 
behalf before an impartial body. 
b. There shall be an independent Student Disciplinary Board to be composed of one (1) 
representative from the school administration, two (2) faculty members and two (2) 
students to conduct investigations into and decide on cases of student violations of 
disciplinary standards. The member from the administration shall serve for five years, 
the members from the faculty for three years, and the members from the student body 
for one year. The faculty and student representatives shall be endorsed by the student 
council or government. The Student Disciplinary Board shall formulate the guidelines 
for the imposition of the disciplinary proceedings. 
c. The blacklisting, expulsion, suspension and other such disciplinary sanctions that may 
be taken against a student shall not be valid unless the following rights have been 
observed and accorded the student: 
 
i. 
The right to be informed in writing of the nature and cause of the accusation 
against him/her; 
 
ii. 
The right to confront witness against him/her and to full access to the evidence 
in the case; 
 
iii. 
The right to defend himself/herself and to be defended by a representative or 
counsel of his/her choice, adequate time being given to him/her for the 
preparation of his/her defense; 
 
iv. 
The right to a hearing before the Student Disciplinary Board; 
 
v. 
The right against self-incrimination; 
 
vi. 
The right to appeal adverse decision of the Student Disciplinary Board to the 
governing board and ultimately to the appropriate education agencies; and 
 
vii. 
The right to confidentiality. 
 
d. The decision in any disciplinary proceeding must be rendered on the basis of relevant 
and substantial evidence presented at the hearing, or at the least contained in the record 
and disclosed to the student affected. The deciding body should, in all controversial 
questions, render its decision in such a manner that the issues involved, and the reasons 
for any decision rendered are made clear to the student. 
 
e. Subject to existing laws, a decision on a case or complaint filed before the Student 
Disciplinary Tribunal shall be resolved within three (3) months after the filing of such 
a case or complaint. 
 
f. The Office of the Guidance Counselor of the respective schools in consultation with 
the Student Disciplinary Board shall publish, on a periodic basis, acts that are deemed 
violative of the school rules and regulations and the corresponding disciplinary 


sanctions. Provided, that such rules and regulations do not violate the rights guaranteed 
herein and under the Constitution. 
 
SEC 15. Right against illegal searches and seizures. – Except for the following instances, any 
form of unreasonable search and seizure shall be illegal: 
 
a. Searches made at the point of ingress and egress by authorized personnel of the school; 
 
b. Searches and seizure of articles deemed illegal under existing laws falling in the plain 
view of duly authorized personnel; 
 
c. Searches and seizures of articles that are illegal, discovered inadvertently by duly 
authorized personnel ; 
 
d. Searches made when the student is about to commit, is committing or has just 
committed a crime or a serious infraction of the school's rules and regulations; 
 
e. Searches made with a valid search warrant. 
 
Articles seized in violation of the hereinabove provided rights shall not be used as evidence 
against the student in any disciplinary action that may be brought against him/her. 
 
SEC 16. Access to school records and issuance of official certificates. – Every student shall 
have access to his/her own school records, the confidentiality of which the school shall 
maintain. He/she shall have the right to be issued official certificates, diplomas, transcripts of 
records, grades, transfer credentials and other similar documents within thirty (30) days from 
the filing of request and accomplishment of all pertinent requirements. 
 
SEC 17. Right to privacy. - The privacy of communication and correspondence of students 
shall remain inviolable. 
 
SEC 18. Firearms ban. - The carrying of firearms or explosives in schools or campuses shall 
be banned. 
 
SEC 19. School fees and other tariffs. –  
 
a. All involuntary contributions shall be prohibited 
b. In releasing documents, academic records, and similar certifications, schools are 
prohibited from imposing fees beyond the actual cost of reproducing the documents. 
c. Minimum standards in consultation shall be strictly observed in imposing tuition fee 
increases. To this end, no tuition or other school fee increase shall be allowed unless 
the following procedures are observed: 
1. Posting of notice of increase in tuition or other school fees in conspicuous 
locations a year prior to the implementation of the proposed increase. The heads 
of student organizations and student council or government officers shall also 
be directly notified about the proposed increase. 
2. At least one public meeting shall be held with students, heads of student 
organizations and student council or government officers to discuss the 
proposed increase. This shall be attended by the President of the school and at 


least one member of the Governing board. Parents of students shall be allowed 
to attend the public meetings. 
3. All documents pertaining to the proposed increase shall be made available to 
the student council or government. 
4. Prior to the final approval of the proposed increase, the student body shall be 
allowed to present their position to the Governing Board on the proposed 
increase. 
 
SEC 20. Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Education, TESDA, Commission on 
Higher Education, and Commission on Human Rights, together with the representatives of 
national student organizations, representatives of school administrations and the National 
Youth Commission (NYC) shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement 
the provisions of this Act with ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act. 
 
SEC 21. Administrative Sanctions. – The Department of Education, Commission on Higher 
Education, and TESDA are hereby vested with powers necessary to investigate and impose 
administrative penalties to ensure the enforcement of this Act. Any student, student council or 
government, or national organization of student councils, governments, or organizations may 
file complaints before the aforementioned agencies.  
 
The appropriate education agency shall cause the suspension or revocation of the license or 
permit of any school, college or university found to be guilty of violating rights guaranteed 
under this Act. A fine not less than two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) but not more 
than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) shall be imposed on any school, college or 
university found liable for violating` this Act.  
 
Upon final judgment, the appropriate education agency may recommend to the Department of 
Justice the prosecution of any school, college or university before a regular Cout for violating 
the provisions of this Act.  
 
If the offender is a student or a student organization, the school, college or university shall 
cause, depending on the gravity of the offense, the suspension or expulsion of the offending 
student and/or the suspension or revocation of the accreditation of the offending organization, 
includingotheradministrativepenalties,subjecttotheestablishmentofguidelinestobecrafted 
by 
the school administration with the student council or government, student organizations and 
the student body. 
 
SEC 22. Penal Provisions. –  
 
a. Any person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain or coerce any student in the 
exercise and enjoyment of rights guaranteed by this Act shall, upon conviction, be 
punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) but not more 
than One Hundred Thousand ¢100,000.00) Pesos or by imprisonment for not less than 
one year but not more than five years, or both at the discretion of the Court. 
 
b. If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the President, 
Treasurer, Secretary or any officer or person responsible for the violation. If the 
offender is a public officer or employee, the Court shall, in addition to the penalties 
above, order his or her dismissal from government service 
 


c. Refusal of any government official, including those working in state colleges and 
universities, whose duty includes investigating or acting on any complaint for a 
violation of this Act to perform his or her duty shall be considered as gross negligence 
on the part of such official who shall suffer the appropriate penalty under civil service 
laws, rules and regulations. 
 
d. Any student whose rights have been violated as stipulated in this Act may file 
independent civil cases for damages against the offending persons, natural or juridical. 
He or she shall be exempt from filing fees. 
 
SEC 23. Oversight. –  
 
a. The Department of Education, TESDA and Commission on Higher Education shall 
monitor the implementation of this Act. They shall submit an annual report to the Office 
of the President and Congress. For this purpose, the aforementioned agencies may avail 
the support of national student organizations. 
 
b. An Oversight Committee is hereby created composed of two (2) members each from 
the Committee on Basic Education and two (2) members from the Committee on Higher 
Education of the Senate and House of Representatives, to be constituted and co-chaired 
by the head of the committees to evaluate and monitor the implementation of this Act. 
The Oversight Committee shall automatically consider the reports of the concerned 
government agencies, student organizations, and student councils and governments. 
 
SEC 24. Separability Clause. – If any section or part of this Act is held unconstitutional, no 
other section or provision shall be affected. 
 
SEC 25. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of existing laws, presidential decrees or issuances, 
executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules and regulations contrary to 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly. 
 
SEC 26. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication 
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
 
Approved.