SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go lauded President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for signing into law Republic Act No. 11984, also known as the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act recently.

Go co-authored and co-sponsored the measure in the Senate.

It was principally authored by Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and principally sponsored by Sen. Francis Escudero.

The new law, taking effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, covers all public and private educational institutions, from the basic level up to the higher education institutions, including technical-vocational institutions offering courses longer than one year.

“Education is a fundamental right and a key driver of economic development. Improved access to education will lead to improved economic opportunities and overall well-being for our kababayans,” he said.

In addition, Go noted that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty as it provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure stable employment, start businesses, and pursue higher education.

“By increasing access to education, particularly for marginalized groups, the Philippines can help reduce poverty and inequality,” he added.

The new law provides mechanisms and penalties to ensure that institutions cannot prevent disadvantaged students from taking examinations and other educational assessments due to outstanding financial or property obligations, such as unpaid tuition fees.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will define who are considered disadvantaged students.

“Sa atin dito, ayaw natin maantala ang kanilang pag-aaral. Alam n’yo, napakabigat po n’yan kapag hindi sila makaka-exam. Instead na maka-concentrate, makatutok sa pag-aaral ang mga kabataan, pabigat ‘yun sa iniisip nila,” said Go.

Under the new law, no educational institution shall impose any policy that prevents students with outstanding financial or property obligations from taking examinations or any form of educational assessment.

However, the students and/or their parents or legal guardians must execute a promissory note addressed to the educational institution concerned, indicating their commitment to settle their outstanding financial or property obligations within a reasonable period.