By Charles Dantes
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines expressed disappointment at the veto of the National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill, saying it threatens its regional campuses and sets back inclusive public higher education.
In a statement, PUP called the veto a “rejection of the urgent call to expand access to quality, inclusive, and relevant public higher education.”
The bill, had it been signed into law, would have formally elevated PUP to national polytechnic university status, ensuring P100 million in annual support for five years and greater institutional autonomy.
“This is not merely a legislative setback, it threatens the future of our university, our campuses, and the communities we serve,” the university said, noting that several of its regional campuses may face closure without national government funding.
PUP said the bill was not about prestige, but about addressing long-standing structural issues that have hindered the university’s growth and modernization.
“The veto message appeared to downplay our achievements and dismiss the significance of our 120-year legacy,” the university said, citing its consistent performance in local and international rankings.
The university also cited its strong local credentials, including Level III Institutional Accreditation from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), high civil service ratings, and strong compliance with transparency standards.
While the Commission on Higher Education has not yet commented on the veto, PUP clarified that its pursuit of NPU status should not be seen as a challenge to CHED’s regulatory authority.
“Autonomy empowers PUP to innovate, modernize, and enhance its educational offerings while remaining accountable to national standards,” the university said, stressing that institutional autonomy and regulation can coexist.
PUP operates over a dozen campuses across Luzon, many of which were established through Presidential Decree No. 1341, and are located in underserved regions.
PUP urged the national government to reconsider, warning that “every day that this legislation remains unsigned is another day education is treated as a privilege instead of a right.”
On Friday, Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed the National Polytechnic University (NPU) bill, citing the school’s failure to comply with long-standing requirements for institutional assessment.
“The President vetoed the bill because there was no compliance with the required assessment,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing.
“The directive has been in place since 2016, and as of now, there has been no proof that the necessary evaluation has been completed,” she added.
