‘One cadet slot per congressional district’ bill passed on second reading
MANILA, Philippines — A bill that would require the admission of one cadet from each congressional district into the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) has passed the House of Representatives’ second reading.
READ: Bills requiring PMMA to have a cadet from each Congressional district get House panel OK
On Wednesday, during the plenary session, the chamber passed House Bill No. 6994 by viva voce, which would mandate that each congressional district be represented by one cadet in the PMMA’s incoming class.
The House maintained that the proposed law aims to “to widen access to quality education and give deserving students from remote provinces and far-flung areas equal opportunities to study at the PMMA.”
To be admitted to the PMMA, applicants from each congressional district will be required to take and pass an entrance exam.
Additionally, in cases when a province has only one congressional district, three cadets will be selected.
The Philippines’ current number of congressional districts is 253.. – Meralyn Melitante, trainee
