Law Summary

1. Title

• This Act is formally known as the "Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988."

2. Declaration of Policy

• The State commits to providing free public secondary education to all qualified citizens and promoting quality education at all levels.

3. Definitions

• Free Public Secondary Education: Education provided in various public schools (national high schools, local government-funded schools, etc.) free from tuition and other fees, except for specific membership-related fees.
• Tuition Fee: Direct costs of instruction and related activities.
• Other School Fees: Fees covering necessary costs supportive of instruction, excluding membership-related fees that do not impede enrollment or graduation.

4. Implementation of Free Public Secondary Education

• The free public secondary education system will commence in School Year 1988-1989.
• All students in designated public secondary schools will not pay tuition and other fees, except for certain membership fees.

5. Formulation of a Secondary Education Curriculum

• The Department of Education, Culture and Sports is tasked with creating a curriculum that enhances quality, efficiency, and access, including vocational and technical training courses.

6. Limitation

• A student’s right to free public high school terminates if they fail in the majority of academic subjects for two consecutive school years, unless valid reasons justify such failures.

7. Nationalization of Public Secondary Schools

• The Department of Education, Culture and Sports will oversee all public secondary schools' establishment, administration, and the management of personnel and their benefits.

8. Priority in Admission

• Graduates from public elementary schools in a municipality will have admission priority in public high schools when facilities are limited.

9. Implementing Rules and Regulations

• The Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports will issue necessary rules and regulations for the Act's implementation.

10. Funding

• The President may realign or transfer appropriations within the Department of Education, Culture and Sports to fund the Act. Additional funding will be included in future General Appropriations Acts.

11. Repealing Clause

• Any laws inconsistent with this Act will be repealed or modified accordingly.

12. Effectivity

• This Act takes effect upon its approval.

Key Takeaways

• The Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 aims to ensure that all qualified citizens have access to free secondary education.
• The Act defines crucial terms related to education funding and establishes a framework for implementation, including the role of the Department of Education.
• It outlines limitations on eligibility for free education and prioritizes admissions for local elementary school graduates.
• Funding provisions enable the necessary financial resources for the Act's objectives.
• The Act is effective immediately upon approval, with provisions for repeal of conflicting laws.