Law Summary
Governance Structure
- The school shall be governed by a Council of Trustees (the "Council").
- The Council is elected in accordance with the school’s corporate charter.
Grant of Prerogatives
- The school may admit applicants regardless of nationality based on its own eligibility standards, primarily serving foreign diplomatic personnel, their dependents, and other temporary residents.
- The school is covered by exemptions provided in Section 4(2), Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution.
- Managed and administered by the Head of School, who must have qualifications prescribed by the Council.
- Has authority, upon consultation with the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, to determine its curriculum, calendar, work schedule, language of instruction, and fees.
- Must maintain educational standards compatible with those of similar recognized international schools.
- Employs its own teaching and management personnel from local or foreign nationals; foreign personnel are exempt from nationality restrictions in employment laws but remain liable for income taxes.
- Benefits from legal privileges applicable to nonstock, nonprofit educational institutions.
Supervision and Regulation by the Department of Education
- Despite its recognition and prerogatives, the school remains under DepEd supervision and regulation.
- It must comply with basic laws, and DepEd rules and regulations governing international or foreign schools.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The DepEd Secretary is tasked to issue necessary rules to implement the provisions of this Act.
Separability Clause
- If any provision of the Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of the law remains effective and enforceable.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.