Republic Act 11984: Ending the "No Permit, No Exam" Policy for Disadvantaged Students

Republic Act No. 11984, officially titled the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," is a significant piece of legislation in the Philippines that was approved on March 11, 2024.1 This Act directly addresses a long-standing issue in the Philippine education system where students with unsettled tuition and other school fees are barred from taking their periodic and final examinations.

The core purpose of RA 11984 is to protect and promote the right of disadvantaged students to quality education by ensuring that their inability to immediately pay their school fees does not become a barrier to taking scheduled examinations. The State recognizes the importance of education and aims to make it more accessible, particularly for those facing financial difficulties.

Key provisions of Republic Act 11984 include:

• Prohibition of the "No Permit, No Exam" Policy: The Act explicitly prohibits all public and private educational institutions, including basic education (K to 12), higher education institutions (HEIs), and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) offering long-term courses (exceeding one year), from preventing disadvantaged students with unpaid tuition and other school fees from taking their periodic and final examinations.
• Mandate to Accommodate Disadvantaged Students: Educational institutions covered by the Act are mandated to accommodate and allow these disadvantaged students to take their examinations without requiring a permit. For K to 12 students, this mandate applies for the entire school year.
• Definition of "Disadvantaged Student": The Act directs the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to promulgate the rules and regulations that will define what constitutes a "Disadvantaged Student" and the criteria and requirements for the issuance of a certification to that effect by the appropriate local social welfare development officer. This aims to provide a clear basis for identifying students covered by the Act.
• Administrative Sanctions: Educational institutions found violating the provisions of the Act will be subject to administrative sanctions imposed by the relevant government agencies, namely the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as the case may be.
• Preservation of Institutions' Right to Collect Fees: While the Act prohibits barring students from exams, it clarifies that it is without prejudice to the right and power of educational institutions to require the submission of a promissory note, withhold the release of student records and credentials, and pursue other legal and administrative remedies to collect unpaid fees.

In essence, Republic Act 11984 provides a legal safety net for disadvantaged students, ensuring that they are not denied the opportunity to be assessed academically solely due to financial constraints at the time of examinations. It reinforces the constitutional right to education and emphasizes compassion and understanding for students facing economic hardships, while still acknowledging the right of educational institutions to seek payment of arrears through other legitimate means.