House approves bill allowing students with unpaid tuition to take exams

The House of Representatives approved the bill that will allow college students with unpaid tuition and other school fees to take the periodic and final exams.

The lawmakers approved on third and final reading House Bill 6483 with 237-0 votes.

The measure aims to protect and promote the right of citizens to quality and accessible education and democratize access to quality education in higher education institutions.

Under the bill, college students enrolled in HEIS will be allowed to take their periodic and final examinations despite unpaid financial obligations.

It also mandates all HEIS to adopt appropriate policies to accommodate and allow students who have unsettled financial obligations due to emergencies, force majeure and good cause or other justifiable reasons to take the scheduled periodic examinations.

This is on the condition that the student executes a promissory note.

The promissory note should also state that any deferment of payment of unpaid balance shall not go beyond the semester, except when allowed by the HEI.

Under the bill, HEIS found guilty of violation shall be subject to administrative sanctions by the Commission on Higher Education.