February 18, 2010 DO 15, s. 2010 – Enjoining Schools to Allow Students with Unpaid Fees to Take their Final Exams

February 18, 2010
DO 15, s. 2010
Enjoining Schools to Allow Students with Unpaid Fees to Take their Final Exams
  1. To protect every child’s human right to basic education, all schools, both public and private, are enjoined to allow students with unpaid fees to take their final exams. It has to be emphasized that civil liabilities of parents should not in any way jeopardize their children’s continued schooling.
  2. In the same manner that private schools have imposed only modest or no tuition fee increases due to current economic difficulties, these schools should be more considerate of students with unpaid fees owing to family hardships and allow them to take their exams. On the other hand, parents of students with outstanding accounts should recognize their financial obligations and arrange with the school administration the terms for the eventual settlement of such obligations.
  3. In the case of public schools, the policy that mandatory contributions are prohibited is hereby reiterated. However, in the event that there are unpaid obligations such as payment for lost textbooks, school organ or membership in student organizations, school administrators should still allow students with unpaid obligations to take their first exams and collect the payment after the exams.
  4. Regional and division offices are directed to monitor compliance with this Order.
  5. For immediate and wide dissemination and compliance.
Sgd.
Jesli A. Lapus
Secretary
DO No. 15, s. 2010