The Coordinating Council of Private Education Associations (Cocopea) has restated its opposition to the "No Permit, No Exam" bill proposed in Congress, citing the potential closure of private schools and the disenfranchisement of students.
According to Cocopea spokesman and Legal Counsel Kristine Carmina R. Manaog, the bills, if passed, would negatively affect the collection of tuition and financial obligations that private educational institutions depend on to support teachers and staff, as well as other school-dependent stakeholders, who are still recovering from the pandemic-induced closures.
Private schools rely heavily on the timely payment of tuition and other fees to continue operations, including paying salaries and utilities.
"Since private schools rely heavily on steady cash flow for its continued operations, any prohibition that affects their ability to effectively collect fees for funding will disrupt cash flow that is used to sustain their operations. Without this, many schools will be forced to close. And in turn, result in the disenfranchisement of thousands of students and cause extensive job losses," Manaog said.
Cocopea has urged lawmakers to engage in a dialogue with the private education sector to develop solutions that ensure both the financial stability of institutions and the accessibility of education for all students.
"We urge lawmakers to defer the bicameral committee deliberations and hear the private educational sector's voice," Manaog added.
The Senate earlier approved Senate Bill No. 1359, also known as “‘No Permit, No Exam’ Prohibition Act,” which aims to ensure access to educational services regardless of personal or socioeconomic circumstances.
Under the bill, any policy that prevents students enrolled in public or provide educational institutions from taking examinations or any form of educational assessment for the reason of outstanding finances is prohibited.
