THE HOUSE of Representatives approved the measure that will allow college students with unpaid tuition and other school fees to take the periodic and final exams.

Voting 237-0, the lawmakers approved on third and final reading House Bill 6483.

The measure aims to protect and promote the right of citizens to quality and accessible education and democratize access to quality education in higher education institutions.

Under the bill, college students enrolled in HEIS will be allowed to take their periodic and final examinations despite unpaid financial obligations.

It also mandates all HEIS to adopt appropriate policies to accommodate and allow students who have unsettled financial obligations due to emergencies, force majeure and good cause or other justifiable reasons to take the scheduled periodic examinations.

This, however, is on the condition that the student executes a promissory note for the schedule of settlement of the outstanding financial obligation prior to the taking of examination.

The promissory note should also state that any deferment of payment of unpaid balance shall not go beyond the semester, except when allowed by the HEI.

The bill makes it the responsibility of college students enrolled in HEIS to meet the academic and institutional requirements of their schools, including the prompt payment of financial obligations as defined and determined by the HEI at the time of enrollment, subject to penalties and sanctions for non-compliance.

The bill also allows the school to withhold the issuance of appropriate clearance and transfer credentials of college students with unpaid financial obligations and refuse their enrollment in the next enrollment period until all previous delinquencies are fully paid.

Under the bill, HEIS found guilty of violation shall be subject to administrative sanctions by the Commission on Higher Education.

Meanwhile, students who will be found guilty of committing any act of fraud, falsehood or misrepresentation in availing themselves of the benefits of this proposed law will be subjected to administrative and disciplinary sanctions of the HEI.