VP Sara endorses ‘No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act’
VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte expressed her support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent signing of the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act. Emphasizing the importance of the law for private schools, Duterte affirmed her backing for Republic Act (RA) No. 11984 during a media interview on Sunday morning at San Pedro Square.
RA 11984, signed by Marcos on March 11, 2024, applies to all public and private educational institutions nationwide, from kindergarten to 12th grade, higher education, and technical-vocational levels. This legislation allows disadvantaged students with outstanding fees to take exams even without a permit, ensuring equal educational opportunities.
The law mandates that both public and private educational institutions must accommodate and allow Disadvantaged Students, certified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to take periodic and final examinations without the need for a permit. Institutions are still permitted to use legal and administrative measures to collect fees but are prohibited from hindering students’ academic progress.
We fully support its implementation, Duterte stated. This law mainly affects private schools, as they are the ones charging fees for education. Here at the Department of Education, education is free.
The enactment of RA 11984 signifies a step towards inclusive education, guaranteeing access to exams for all students, regardless of financial circumstances. By prioritizing student welfare and academic advancement, the Prohibition Act emphasizes the government’s commitment to equity in education.
