A House leader has called for a congressional probe of the non-compliance by some state universities and colleges with Republic Act 8292 or “The Higher Modernization Act of 1997”, particularly on the manner of appointment of the SUCs governing boards.
House Deputy Speaker Rep. Carlos Padilla said that in some SUCs, the provisions of Section 3 of RA 8292 are not being enforced as envisioned.
Section 3 of RA 8292,provides the manner of appointment of the SUCs governing boards, specifically involving the following: composition; term of office; and meetings and quorums.
“There is a need to adopt remedial measures to rectify this anomalous situation and injustice committed. There should be an inquiry to determine from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the various SUCs concerned, whether all stakeholders referred to in Section 3 of RA 8292 assume office and participate in the deliberation of the governing board,” said Padilla as he filed House Resolution 1827 asking the House committee on higher education to look into the matter.
Padilla said that in some SUCs, such as but not limited to the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, Isabela State University, Batangas State University, Sultan Kudarat State University, Don Mariano Marcos State University, Benguet State University and others are to be identified later, the provisions of Section 3 of RA 8292 are not being carried out.
Padilla formerly co-chaired the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM), which studied and assessed the country’s educational system.