Estrada: Time to declare ‘no permit, no exam’ policy in schools as unlawful

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Friday, February 24 expressed his support to proposals that seek to declare as unlawful the policy of a "no permit, no exam” in all public and private schools.

Estrada reiterated that a learner’s inability to pay his or her tuition and other school fees should never be a hindrance to the completion of their education.

“Especially during these times that we are still recovering from the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a large number of families who are still struggling to make both ends meet," said Estrada, in reference to Senate Bill No. 1359.

"Earning a living may be difficult, and yet they still give priority to the education of their children in the hope of a better and brighter future for them,” he pointed out.

“Now that we have just resumed conducting face-to-face classes, our learners are not encountering new challenges. Undeniably, it is not easy to shift back to such a mode of learning after two years of being restricted by the pandemic," he said.

During these times, and beyond, Estrada said legislators should fulfill their mandate to help them focus on overcoming the challenges of learning "and not the cost of learning."

As early as the 16th Congress, Estrada said he has been pushing for the enactment of a measure prohibiting any education institution from disallowing any student from taking examinations due to non-payment of tuition and other school fees.

He further stressed that a genuine inclusive education embraces all learners who are in need, including those who are financially distressed.

Besides, Estrada pointed out, the proposed law does not entail the grant of financial assistance or discount to students and funding or allocation from the government.

“Ang tanging ibinibigay lang po natin sa ating mga mag-aaral ay ang pagkakataon na makapag-exam kahit hindi pa sila bayad o kulang pa ang kanilang bayad sa kanilang paaralan ( We are just giving our students a chance to take an exam even though they have yet to pay or if they have yet to pay their school fees in full)," he said. 

“Let us support our students who strive to finish their studies. Tulungan din natin ang kanilang mga magulang na nagsusumikap na sila ay magkaroon ng magandang edukasyon,” he added.