CAGAYAN de Oro City First District Representative Lordan Suan has filed a measure ensuring access to public education by prohibiting the denial of enrollment, withholding of school records and other documents for clearance purposes in public schools for non-payment of miscellaneous and other fees.

House Bill 9457 or the proposed Anti-Education Extortion Act seeks to address the deeply concerning issue of education extortion.

It is described as the practice wherein school officials and personnel mandate the payment of miscellaneous and other fees as a condition for enrollment or the release of school records and documents essential for clearance procedures.

“Such practices not only undermine the principle of accessible education but also impose an unjust financial burden on students and their families,” Suan said.

The solon said the core principle underlying the bill is the unequivocal assertion of every Filipino’s right to access quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

“It is a statement that reaffirms our commitment to inclusivity, equity, and social justice within the educational system,” he added.

Under the proposed bill, any individual holding an official position within public schools, including public school officials, educators, instructors, professors, principals, administrative personnel, trainers, or their agents, who engage in the act of education extortion will be held accountable for their actions.