Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 139)
Republic Act No. 139 aims to amend certain sections of Act No. 2957, specifically to create a Board on Textbooks responsible for selecting and approving textbooks used in public and private schools in the Philippines.
The Board on Textbooks is a board created to have charge of the selection and approval of textbooks to be used in public schools. It also has the power to prohibit the use of textbooks in private schools if such books are against the law, offend the dignity and honor of the government and people of the Philippines, are against general government policies, or are deemed pedagogically unsuitable.
The textbooks selected and approved by the Board shall be used for a period of at least six years from the date of their adoption.
Yes, the Board may prohibit textbooks in private schools if such books violate the law, offend the dignity and honor of the government and people of the Philippines, are against general government policies, or are pedagogically unsuitable.
Decisions of the Board on Textbooks are subject to the approval of the Secretary of Instruction upon the recommendation of the National Council of Education.
The Board on Textbooks is composed of five members appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
Members of the Board hold office for six years and serve without compensation. The first Board appointments have staggered terms: one member for two years, two members for four years, and two members for six years.
No, it is unlawful for any Board member to consider for adoption or to adopt any textbook in which they have direct or indirect interest. However, a member may participate in the deliberation for textbooks they authored during their incumbency, provided they do not participate in the adoption deliberation, and the textbook shall be turned over to the government.
No, members of the Board serve without compensation except for a permanent secretary who receives compensation.
The Chairman of the Board, with the approval of the Secretary of Instruction, can obtain technical assistance from officials and employees of any government department or bureau necessary for the Board's proper performance of duties.
Yes, the law appropriates ten thousand pesos from the National Treasury for the current fiscal year and mandates a similar amount to be included in each succeeding General Appropriation Act.
No, during their incumbency, Board members cannot directly or indirectly own any interest in firms, partnerships, or corporations publishing or dealing with school textbooks.