OCT.

24, 2012

NR # 2902

House approves bill providing free college entrance examinations to high school graduates
The House of Representatives has approved on third reading a bill providing free college entrance examinations to graduating high school students, college entrants or transferees to widen access to higher education. House Bill 6577 requires all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local colleges and universities (LCUs) offering degree-granting programs to provide free college entrance examinations to graduating high school students, college entrants or transferees who are applying for college admission. Likewise, all private colleges, universities or institutions of higher education or degree-granting programs are required to provide free entrance examinations to underprivileged public high school students belonging to the top 10% of the graduating class. The approved measure substituted House Bill 5186 and Privilege Speech 282 authored by Rep. Sigfrido Tinga (2nd District, Taguig City) and House Bill 6262 introduced by Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora). The bills plenary approval was endorsed by the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chaired by Rep. Angara. Tinga said government and private colleges and universities should put a stop to the collection of entrance examination fees from incoming students. The entrance exam fees have created an economic barrier that has prevented many of our public school students from even applying for college. It has deprived those who have less in life from even attempting to dream, Tinga said. Tinga said school entrance exams have become a business for some private schools unlike many educational institutions which treat this as a freebee and welcome as many examinees who are willing to enroll in their schools. Education is the greatest equalizer in life, but this can only be made true if everyone is granted equal access to quality education. This is a great opportunity to destroy the twin evils of ignorance and apathy which bedevil Philippine society today, Tinga said. Angara said the bill ensures that poor but deserving high school graduates are given equal opportunities in applying for college admission to higher education institutions by

removing the first hindrance at the entry level, which is the prohibitive cost of entrance examinations. The Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and take appropriate steps to make education accessible to all, Angara said. The measure to be known as the Free College Education Examination Act, provides for qualification requirements of beneficiaries of free college entrance exams. To be eligible, an applicant must be a natural-born Filipino citizen and a graduating high school student and a graduating high school student or high school graduate, college entrant or transferee. The penalties provided range from 6 months to 6 years imprisonment and a fine of P750, 000. Co-authors of the measure are Reps. Rodolfo Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), Raymond Palatino (Party-list, Kabataan), Mariano Piamonte (Party-list, ATEACHER) and Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District, Negros Oriental). (30) lvc