Explain tuition increase in 313 schools – Miriam
MANILA—Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago will summon officials of the Commission on Higher Education to explain the recent approval of tuition hike in 313 schools nationwide.
In a news release, Santiago said she will file a resolution on Monday calling for a Senate inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the Commission on Higher Education's recent approval of tuition hikes for over 300 private colleges and universities nationwide.
Santiago, co-author of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (Unifast) Bill, said Congress must consider drafting legislation to ensure that funds collected from increased school fees are not merely for profit.
"The CHEd has issued guidelines for the use of funds derived from tuition increases, but we need to know how they ensure compliance with these rules. Is the submission of documentary requirements enough? Should there be onsite inspections?" the senator said.
She was referring to CHEd Memorandum No. 03, issued in 2012, which states that 70 percent of proceeds from tuition increases should fund salary hikes for teachers and other school staff, while 20 percent should be used to improve buildings, equipment, and facilities.
The memorandum also mandates schools to hold public consultations before proposing higher fees. CHEd regional offices have been tasked under the memo to monitor compliance with established policies on tuition increases.
Santiago warned, however, that the memorandum's failure to require a clear breakdown of proceeds opens it to abuse. "A school can always say that it increased the faculty's wages, renovated a building, or bought new computers, but how does it support such claims?" she said.
Her statement comes amid public outrage over a spike in tuition and other school fees for 313 colleges and universities. The CHEd reported that it approved an average increase of P29.86 per unit or 6.17 percent for tuition, and P135.60 or 6.55 percent for other school fees.
The tuition hikes, meanwhile, coincided with the Senate's approval of the Unifast Bill (Senate Bill No. 2679) on third and final reading. If enacted, the bill will harmonize all forms of student financial assistance programs, including scholarships, grants-in-aid, and student loans.
"We cannot applaud ourselves for approving the Unifast Bill while we sit and do nothing as school fees skyrocket. It would be as if we are broadening access to education on the one hand, and allowing it to be limited on the other," Santiago said.