Aquino signs law against compulsory licensure exam reviews

President Benigno Aquino III INQUIRER File Photo

MANILA, Philippine—Schools can no longer force students to enroll in review centers before taking professional licensure examinations, according to a bill signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III.

The government must protect students against abuses of higher educational institutions over their right to choose review centers, Aquino said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Under Republic Act no. 10609, or the “Protection of Students’ Right to Enroll in Review Centers Act,” public and private colleges and universities can no longer compel students about to take professional licensure tests to enroll in a prescribed review center.

In the past years, there have been reports of schools requiring students to enroll with their partner review centers. The students were compelled to pay not only fees for the review but also packages for transportation, board and lodging.

The new law prohibits higher educational institutions from making review classes a prerequisite for graduation or completion of the course and withholding the transcript of scholastic records, diploma, certification or any essential document of the student.

Those violating the law will be suspended from office and their professional license revoked.

Liable school officials or employees such as deans, advisers or professors found guilty of violating any of the law’s provisions shall be imprisoned from six months and one day to six years and will be fined of P750,000.

The Commission on Higher Education may also impose disciplinary sanctions against involved individuals.