Legal Bases of the

Philippine Educational
System
by Mark Anthony Llego

The 1987 Philippine Constitution lays down the foundation of the Philippine
education system and protects the right of all citizens to quality education at
all levels. Table 3 summarizes significant reforms enacted into law toward the
attainment of Constitutional provisions, national goals, and international
commitments for SDG 2030.

Table of Contents
 Major Legal Bases of the Philippine Educational System
 The 1987 Constitutions
 Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 (The Education Act of 1982)
 Rights of Students in School (Section 9)
 Right of All School Personnel (Section 10)
 Special Rights And/or Privileges of Teaching or Academic Staff (Section 11)
 Rights of Administrators (Section 12)
 Rights of Schools (Section 13)
 Maintenance of Quality Education
 Other Legal Bases
 1. Act No. 74
 2. Act No. 2706
 3. Commonwealth Act No. 1 (Amended by R.A. 9163)
 4. Commonwealth Act No. 80
 5. Commonwealth Act No. 578
 6. Commonwealth Act No. 586 (Repealed by R.A. 896)
 7. Commonwealth Act No. 589
 8. Republic Act No. 139 (Repealed by R. A. 8047)
 9. Republic Act No. 896
 10. Republic Act No. 1124 (Repealed by R. A. 7722)
 11. Republic Act No. 1265 (amended by R. A. 8491)
 12. Republic Act No. 1425
 13. Republic Act No. 4670
 14. Republic Act No. 1079
 15. Republic Act No. 6655
Major Legal Bases of the Philippine
Educational System
The Philippine Constitutions
1. 1935 CONST. Article XIV Section 5
2. 1973 CONST. Article XV Section 8 (1-8)
3. 1987 CONST. Article XIV Sections 1-5(5)

The 1987 Constitutions

Article XIV Sections 1-5(5)

Section 1. The state shall protect and promote the right of all the citizens to
quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make
such education accessible to all.

Section 2. The state shall:

1. Establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated

system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society;
2. Establish and maintain s system of free public education in the
elementary and high school levels. Without limiting the natural rights of
parents to rear their children, elementary education is compulsory for all
children of school age;
3. Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan
programs, subsidies and other incentives which shall be available to
deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the
underprivileged;
4. Encourage non- formal, informal and indigenous learning system, as
well as self- learning independent and out-of-school study programs
particularly those that respond to community needs; and
5. Provide adult citizens, the disabled and out-of-school youth with
training in civics, vocational efficiency and skills.
Section 3.

1. All educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as

part of the curricula.
2. They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity,
respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in
the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of
citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral
character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative
thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge and promote
efficiency.
3. At the option expressed in writing by the parent or guardians, religion
shall be allowed to be taught to their children or wards in the public
elementary and high schools within the regular class hours by
instructors designated or approved by the religious authorities of the
religion to which the children or wards belong, additional cost to the
Government.

Section 4.

1. The state recognizes the complementary roles of the public and private
institutions in the educational system and shall exercise reasonable
supervision and regulation of all educational institutions.
2. Educational institutions, other than those established by religious
groups and mission boards, shall be allowed solely by citizens of the
Philippines or corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of
the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The Congress may,
however, require increased Filipino equity participation in all educational
institutions. The control and administration of educational institutions
shall vested in citizens of the Philippines. No educational institution shall
be established exclusively for aliens and no group of aliens shall
comprise more than one third of the enrollment in any school. The
provisions of this subsection shall not apply to schools established for
foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents and, unless
otherwise provided by law, for other foreign temporary residents.
 3. All revenues and assets of non- stock, non- profit educational
institutions used actually, directly and exclusively for educational
purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties. Upon the dissolution or
cessation of the corporate existence of such institutions, their assets
shall be disposed of in the manner provided by law. Proprietary
educational institutions, including those cooperatively owned, may
likewise be entitled to such exemptions subject to the limitations
provided by law including restrictions on dividends and provisions for
reinvestment.
4. Subject to conditions prescribed by law, all grants endowments,
donations or contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for
educational purposes shall be exempt from tax.

Section 5.

1. The State shall take into account regional and sectoral needs and
conditions and shall encourage local planning in the development of
educational policies and programs.
2. Academic freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.
3. Every citizen has a right to select a profession or course of study, subject
to fair, reasonable and equitable admission and academic requirements.
4. The State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional
advancement. Non- teaching academic and non-academic personnel
shall enjoy the protection of the State.
5. The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and
ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best
available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of
job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 (The

Education Act of 1982)
This was an act providing for the establishment and maintenance of an
integrated system of education. In accordance with Section 2, this act shall
apply to and govern both formal and non- formal system in public and private
schools in all levels of the entire educational system.
As provided by this Act, the national development goals are as follows:

1. To achieve and maintain an accelerating rate of economic development

and social progress.
2. To assure the maximum participation of all the people in the attainment
and enjoyment of the benefits of such growth; and
3. To achieve and strengthen national unity and consciousness and
preserve, develop and promote desirable cultural, moral and spiritual
values in changing world.

It is also stated in Section 3 that:

The State shall promote the right of every individual to relevant quality
education, regardless of sex, age, creed socio- economic status, physical and
mental conditions, racial or ethnic origin, political or other affiliation. The State
shall therefore promote and maintain equality of access to education as well
as the benefits of education by all its citizens.

Rights of Students in School

(Section 9)
1. The right to receive competent instruction, relevant quality education.
2. The right to freely choose their field of study subject to the existing
curricula and continue their course up to graduation, except in cases of
academic deficiency or violations of disciplinary regulations.
3. The right to school guidance and counseling services.
4. The right to access to his owns school records and the confidentiality of
it.
5. The right to issuance of official certificates, diplomas, transcript of
records, grades, transfer credentials and similar document within thirty
days from request.
6. The right to publish a student newspaper and invite resource persons
during symposia, assemblies and other activities.
7. The right to free expression of opinions and suggestions and to effective
channels of communication with appropriate academic and
administrative bodies of the school or institutions.
 8. The right to form or establish, join and participate in organizations and
societies recognized by the school…, or to form, join and maintain
organizations and societies for purposes not contrary to law.
9. The right to be free from involuntary contributions except those
approved by their organizations and societies.

Right of All School Personnel

(Section 10)
1. Free expression of opinions and suggestions.
2. To be provided with free legal service by the appropriate government
office in case of public school personnel and the school authorities
concerned in case of private school personnel, when charged in
administrative, civil and/or criminal proceedings, by parties other than
the school authorities concerned, for actions committed directly in the
lawful discharged of professional duties and/or in defense of school
policies.
3. Establish join, maintain labor organization of their choice to promote
their welfare and defend their interest.
4. To be free from involuntary contributions except those imposed by their
own organizations.

Special Rights And/or Privileges of

Teaching or Academic Staff
(Section 11)
1. Right to be free compulsory assignment not related to their duties
defined in their appointment or employment contracts unless
compensated thereof. (additional compensation Sec. 14 R.A. 4670- at
least 25% his regular remuneration)
2. Right to intellectual property………
 3. Teachers are persons in authority when in lawful discharge of duties and
responsibilities… shall therefore be accorded due respect and protection
(Commonwealth Act No. 578)
4. Teachers shall be given opportunity to choose career alternatives for
advancements.

Rights of Administrators (Section

12)
1. School administrators shall be deemed persons in authority while in the
lawful discharge of their duties and responsibilities…. Shall be accorded
due respect and protection (Commonwealth Act No. 578)

Rights of Schools (Section 13)

1. The right of their governing boards…….to adopt and enforce
administrative or management systems.
2. The right of institutions of higher learning to determine on academic
grounds who shall be admitted to study, who may teach, and who shall
be the subjects of the study and research.

Maintenance of Quality Education

1. Voluntary Accreditation (Section 29)
2. Teachers and Administrators obligations and qualification (Sections 176
and 17)
3. Government Financial Assistance to Private Schools (Section 41)

Other Legal Bases

1. Act No. 74
This law was enacted on January 21, 1901 by the Philippine Commission, and
provided:

a. establishment of the Department of Public Instruction headed by the

General superintendent
b. the archipelago was divided into school divisions and districts for effective
management of the school system.
c. English was made as medium of instruction in all levels of schooling
d. optional religious instructions in all schools (Section 16)
e. establishment of a Trade school in Manila (Philippine College of Arts and
Trade- PCAT now known as Technological University of the Philippines), a
school of Agriculture in Negros, a Normal school in Manila (Philippine Normal
School) (Section 18)

Philippine Normal School, however, was renamed Philippine Normal College

(PNC) by virtue of Republic Act No. 416 on June 18, 1949. And on December
26, 1991, the PNC was converted to Philippine Normal University as provided
by Republic Act No. 7168.

2. Act No. 2706

This was known as the “Private School Law”, enacted on March 10, 1917 by
the Philippine Legislature, which made obligatory the recognition and
inspection of private schools and colleges by the Secretary of Public
Instruction so as to maintain a standard of efficiency in all private schools and
colleges in the country.

This law was amended by Commonwealth Act No. 180 passed on November
13, 1936 which provided that:

 The Secretary of Public Instruction was vested with power to “supervise,

inspect and regulate said schools and colleges in order to determine the
efficiency of instruction given in the same.”
  And all private schools come under the supervision and regulation of
the Secretary of DPI, thus eliminating “diploma mills” and substandard
schools.

3. Commonwealth Act No. 1 (Amended by

R.A. 9163)
Known as the “National Defense Act” passed by the Philippine Assembly on
December 21, 1935, which provided in Section 81 that:

“Preparatory Military training shall be given with the youth in the elementary
grade school at the age of ten years and shall extend through the remainder
of his schooling into college or post-secondary education.

By virtue of Presidential Decree 1706, issued by the late President Marcos on

August 8, 1980, otherwise known as the “National Service Law”,
Commonwealth Act No. 1 was amended, and required all citizens to render,
civic welfare service, law enforcement service and military service.

4. Commonwealth Act No. 80

This law created the Office of Adult Education on October 26, 1936, so as to
eliminate illiteracy and to give vocational and citizenship training to adult
citizens of the country.

5. Commonwealth Act No. 578

Enacted on June 8, 1940, conferred the status of “persons in authority” upon
the teachers, professors, and persons charged with the supervision of public
or duly recognized private schools, colleges and universities.
This Act also provided a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months
and one day to six years and a fine ranging from 500 to 1, 000 pesos upon
any person found guilty of assault upon those teaching personnel.
6. Commonwealth Act No. 586 (Repealed
by R.A. 896)
This is known as Education Act of 1940. It was approved on August 7, 1940 by
the Philippine Assembly.

The law provided for the following:

a. reduction of seven- year elementary course to six- year elementary course.

b. fixing the school entrance age to seven.
c. national support of elementary education.
d. compulsory attendance in the primary grades for all children who enroll in
Grade I.
e. introduction of double- single session- one class in the morning and
another in the afternoon under one teacher to accommodate more children.

7. Commonwealth Act No. 589

This law, approved on August 19, 1940, established a school ritual in all public
and private elementary and secondary schools in the Philippines.

The ritual consists of solemn and patriotic ceremonies that include the singing
of the National Anthem and Patriotic Pledges.

8. Republic Act No. 139 (Repealed by R. A.

8047)
Enacted on June 14, 1947, and the Board of Textbooks. This law provided that
all public schools must only use books that are approved by the Board for a
period of six years from the date of their adoption.
The private schools may use books of their choice, provided the Board of
Textbooks has no objections with those books.
9. Republic Act No. 896
Enacted on June 20, 1953 and known as the Elementary Education Act of
1953, it repealed Commonwealth Act 586 and provided for the following:

a. restoration of Grade VII (but never implemented due to lack of funds)

b. abolition of the double- single session and return to the former practice of
only one
c. class under one teacher in the primary and three teachers to two classes or
five teachers to three classes in the intermediate level
d. compulsory completion of the elementary grades
e. compulsory enrollment of children in the public schools upon attaining
seven years of age.

10. Republic Act No. 1124 (Repealed by R.

A. 7722)
Approved on June 16, 1954, this law created the Board of National Education
charged with the duty of formulating general educational policies and
directing the educational interests of the nation.

However, this Board which was later renamed National Board of Education
(P.D. No. 1), was abolished bu virtue of the Creation of the board of Higher
Education as stipulated in Batas Pambansa Blg. 232. The Board’s function is
now assumed by the commission on Higher Education or CHED by virtue of
Republic Act No. 7722.

11. Republic Act No. 1265 (amended by R.

A. 8491)
This law was approved on June 11, 1955, and provided that a daily flag
ceremony shall be compulsory in all educational institutions. This includes the
singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
12. Republic Act No. 1425
It was approved on June 12, 1956, it prescribed the inclusion in the curricula of
all schools, both public and private, from elementary schools to the
universities, the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal especially the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

13. Republic Act No. 4670

Known as the “Magna Carta for Public School Teachers”. This was approved on
June 18, 1966 to promote and improve the social and economic status of
public school teachers, their living and working conditions, their employment
and career prospects.

It also provided the following:

1. Recruitment qualifications for teachers

2. Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers
3. Teaching hours- 6 hours of classroom teaching (maximum load)
4. Additional compensation- 25% of the regular remuneration
5. Health and injury benefits (thru the GSIS)
6. One year study leave (sabbatical leave) after seven years of continuous
teaching, the teacher should receive 60% of the monthly salary.
7. One range salary increase upon retirement (basis computing the
retirement fee).
8. Freedom to form organizations.

14. Republic Act No. 1079

Approved on June 15, 1959, it provided that Civil Service eligibility shall be
permanent and shall have no time limit.

15. Republic Act No. 6655

Known as the “Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988”, it was
approved on May 26, 1988 and provided for:

a. Free public secondary education to all qualified citizens and promote

quality education at all level.
b. No tuition or other fees shall be collected except fees related to
membership in the school community such I.D., student organization and
publication.
c. Non- payment of these shall not hinder a student from enrollment or
graduation.
d. Nationalization of all public secondary schools ( Section 7)
e. A student who fails in majority of his academic subjects for two consecutive
years could no longer avail of their program.