Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9500)
Republic Act No. 9500 is officially known as "The University of the Philippines Charter of 2008."
The University of the Philippines is declared as the national university, and the State shall promote, foster, nurture, and protect the right of all citizens to accessible quality education by strengthening the University as the national university.
The University shall lead in setting academic standards and innovations, serve as a graduate and research university, provide public service, protect rights of personnel, offer leadership and citizenship training, serve as a regional and global university, and provide democratic governance.
It is a university system composed of constituent universities established by the Board of Regents upon the President's recommendation. The existing constituent universities include UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Los Baños, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, UP Baguio, UP Open University, and any future created ones.
The national university has the right and responsibility to exercise academic freedom as guaranteed by Section 5 of the Act.
The Board of Regents is composed of: the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education as Chairperson; the President of UP as Co-Chairperson; Chairpersons of Senate and House education committees; the President of the UP Alumni Association; a Faculty Regent; a Student Regent; a Staff Regent; and three other Regents appointed by the President of the Philippines, at least two of whom should be alumni.
The Board defines university thrusts and policies, preserves integrity, approves academic programs, confers honorary degrees, approves student rules and discipline, creates or abolishes academic units, provides fellowships and scholarships, elects the University President, appoints faculty and staff, manages tuition and fees, authorizes construction and acquisition of properties, and exercises other corporate powers.
The President is elected by the Board of Regents for a single six-year term following a process of democratic consultation with the university community based on standards set by the Board.
The sale of existing real property is prohibited except for property donated with terms allowing sale. Leases over five years and related transactions require discussion in Board meetings, multi-year development plans, public bidding under the Government Procurement-Reform Act, fairness opinion reports on failed bidding, and in some cases three-fourths approval of the Board.
All revenues and assets used for educational purposes are exempt from all taxes and duties. Gifts and donations are exempt from donor's tax with a 150% deduction for donors. Importation of certified educational materials is exempt from customs duties, the University pays 0% VAT on transactions, and academic awards are tax-exempt.