TINGOG Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre filed House Bill 4958, also known as the Higher Education Development and Innovation Act of 2025, which seeks to strengthen and modernize the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The bill, if enacted, will repeal the Higher Education Act of 1994 (Republic Act 7722), marking a paradigm shift for Philippine higher education, moving CHED beyond regulatory oversight towards a development-oriented and progressive system, they said.
Among its key provisions are:
- Enhanced governance and financial accountability — CHED’s quasi-judicial powers are consolidated to efficiently resolve disputes and enforce standards, while an independent Fund Office is established to ensure transparent and equitable use of the Higher Education Development Fund.
- Faculty Development Fund — no less than five percent of CHED’s annual appropriations will be dedicated to scholarships, grants, and training to upgrade the credentials and skills of faculty and administrators.
- Office for Higher Education Development — a new office will spearhead institutional and program support, promote international collaboration, and expand non-traditional pathways such as Ladderized Education and Micro-Credentials.
- Typology and Differentiated Autonomy — institutions will be classified according to their characteristics and mission, while high-performing higher education institutions (HEIs) will be granted progressively greater autonomy to innovate.
Rep. Yedda Romualdez highlighted the measure’s focus on equity and teacher development, saying, “Our teachers are the backbone of higher education. By establishing a dedicated Faculty Development Fund and strengthening the Higher Education Development Fund, this measure ensures sustained investment in faculty growth and equitable support for institutions across all regions — so that quality education is truly within reach for every Filipino learner.”
For his part, Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said: “This measure ensures that our higher education system is both flexible and forward-looking. By supporting ladderized programs, micro-credentials, and international collaboration, we are opening pathways that allow Filipino learners and workers to gain the skills and recognition needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Rep. Jude Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), explained: “For three decades, CHED has worked under the framework of the 1994 law. But today’s demands — from strengthening governance and financial accountability to upgrading faculty and institutions — require a new approach.”
