University of the Philippines (UP) DIliman (UP Facebook)

In an effort to make the University of the Philippines (UP) “more democratic”, Quezon City 4th district Rep. Marvin Rillo has filed a bill in the House of Representatives that would grant the research, extension, and professional staff (REPS) their own seat in the UP system’s governing board of regents (BOR).

As proposed in Rillo's House Bill (HB) No. 7821, the single seat that REPS and administrative staff currently share in the BOR would be split into two.

The REPS and the administrative personnel would each have their own representative, chosen by the respective sector, in the BOR.

Rillo, a vice chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, notes in the bill how it is “very difficult” for a single regent to fairly represent and address all concerns raised by both groups.

Citing Section 10, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution, Rillo says it is the policy of the state “to give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization, and to science and technology education, training, and services".

“Our measure, once enacted, will make UP more democratic. It will ensure that every sector in the system enjoys a distinct voice and vote in the BOR,” the lawmaker said in a statement.

“It will also further boost UP’s institutional research capabilities,” he added.

Rillo’s proposed measure will specifically amend Republic Act (RA) No. 9500, otherwise known as the UP Charter of 2008.

At present, the 12-member UP System BOR is composed of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) head; the UP president; the heads of the Senate and House committees overseeing higher education; one regent each from alumni, faculty, and students; one regent from REPS and administrative staff; three regents appointed by Malacañang; and the UP secretary.

The UP system has eight constituent universities spread over 20 campuses nationwide. UP’s flagship system in Diliman, Quezon City is in Rillo’s congressional district.

According to Rillo, the UP system currently has 64,144 degree-seeking students and 2,757 basic education students; 7,105 faculty members; 8,948 administrative staff; and 1,443 REPS.

The system has a budget of P24.8 billion in the 2024 General Appropriations Law, including P4.9 billion for hospital services, he said.