THE House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading the proposed “Amended Higher Education Act” that will further strengthen the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
On Wednesday a total of 199 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill (HB) 10282, which seeks to expand the mandate of the CHED to cover the supervision and regulation of programs offered by all types of higher education institutions (HEIs). No one voted against it, or abstained from voting.
The bill would allow the CHED to exercise its oversight and supervisory powers over local colleges and universities offering degree programs, but not over those under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and foreign HEIs operating under Philippine laws.
Higher And Technical Education committee chair Mark Go cited that the CHED would then be headed by a chairperson and four commissioners who would be holders of doctorate degrees conferred by a reputable HEI recognized by the CHED.
HB 10282 requires the CHED to formulate a road map for higher education that will set the general directions for educational policies and standards, as well as ensure that higher education is accessible, equitable, and will produce locally responsive, innovative, and globally competitive graduates and lifelong learners.
The house bill grants quasijudicial powers for the CHED to pursue its mandate, as well as empowers the commission to develop and enforce a system of program compliance.
It also allows the CHED to impose necessary sanctions for cause provided by law.
Image courtesy of PNA
