THE House of Representatives has approved a measure strengthening the establishment and operation of all public and private higher education institutions.

Voting 253-3-0, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 9982 in substitution to House Bill 7990 or the proposed Strengthened Higher Education Institutions Act.

The bill mandates the Commission on Higher Education, together with other relevant government regulatory agencies to exercise reasonable supervision and regulation over all HEIs.

These include the imposition of reasonable requirements, setting conditions, prescribing restrictions, and ensuring compliance.

Based on the measure, the CHED shall be vested with the authority to set mandatory minimum institutional and course requirements for all HEIs.

The bill also seeks to revitalize academic freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution, which states that it shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.

The measure also fixes the criteria for the establishment of HEIs and sets the minimum requirements for their course offering.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision for the grant of incentives for high standards of quality for all HEIs that consistently demonstrate and adhere to standards of excellence.