University of Rizal System Establishment Act

Academic mission and school-pilot roles

Section 2 requires the University to promote research, extension, and production services, and to provide advanced studies and specialized training.
Section 3 allows a reasonably-sized laboratory school to remain and operate subject to the maintenance of a College of Education within the University.
Section 3 authorizes the University to adopt public elementary and secondary schools in the Province of Rizal as pilot centers for innovative teaching and learning strategies and approaches.
Section 3 requires pilot centers to be operated and maintained under an appropriate memorandum of agreement between the University and the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).

Governing Board of Regents structure

Section 5 makes the University’s governing body the Board of Regents, referred to as the Board.
Section 5 establishes the Board membership composition as follows:
- the chairman of the CHED as chairman;
- the president of the University as vice chairman;
- the chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Culture and Arts or his/her representative;
- the chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education or his/her representative;
- the regional director of NEDA;
- the regional director of the Department of Science and Technology;
- the president of the federation of faculty associations of the University;
- the president of the federation of student councils or the student representative elected by the federation of student councils;
- the president of the federation of alumni associations; and
- two (2) prominent citizens who distinguished themselves in their professions or specializations.
Section 5 requires the two (2) prominent citizens to be chosen from among a list of at least five (5) qualified persons in the Province of Rizal, as recommended by a search committee constituted by the University president in consultation with the chairman of CHED based on normal standards and qualifications.
Section 5 sets the term rules:
- federation representatives’ terms are coterminous with their respective federation term of office;
- the two (2) prominent citizens serve for a term of two (2) years.
Section 5 requires the formation of federations: faculty, alumni, and student councils in each branch organize to form federations, which elect federation officials.

Board of Regents powers and duties

Section 6 requires the Board to promulgate and implement policies consistent with declared education policies and with education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports provisions of the Philippine Constitution, and consistent with CHED policies, standards, and thrusts under Republic Act No. 7722.
Section 7 grants the Board authority to enact rules and regulations necessary to carry out the University’s purposes and functions, not contrary to law.
Section 7 empowers the Board to receive and appropriate sums for University support, in its discretion, to carry out University purposes and functions.
Section 7 allows the Board to receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties, administer and dispose them when necessary for the University’s benefit, and subject to donor limitations and directions; such donations are exempt from donor’s tax and allowable deductions from gross income of the donor under the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to fix tuition fees and other necessary school fees and charges (including matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees) after due consultations with involved sectors.
Section 7 provides that tuition fees and other charges, including government subsidies and other University incomes, constitute special trust funds deposited in an authorized government depository bank, with all interests accruing forming part of the same funds for University use.
Section 7 requires fiduciary fees to be disbursed only for the specific purposes for which collected.
Section 7 allows the Board to retain and disburse income generated by the University from tuition and other charges and from auxiliary services and land grants for instruction, research, extension, or other University programs/projects.
Section 7 authorizes, when the University cannot pursue a project for reasons beyond its control, the Board to use appropriated and allocated project funds for any reasonable purpose necessary and urgent to attain University objectives and goals.
Section 7 requires adoption and implementation of a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees for greater access to poor but deserving students.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to construct or repair buildings, machineries, equipment, and other facilities; to purchase and acquire real and personal properties including supplies, materials, and equipment.
Section 7 provides that purchases and other transactions entered into by the University through the Board are exempt from all taxes and duties.
Section 7 empowers the Board to appoint, upon the president’s recommendation, vice presidents, deans, directors, heads of departments, faculty members, and other officials and employees.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and employees subject to the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System and other pertinent compensation laws, including rules on hours of service and duties/conditions.
Section 7 grants the Board authority to grant leaves of absence under regulations it promulgates, notwithstanding conflicting provisions of existing law, and to remove for cause in accordance with due process of law.
Section 7 empowers the Board to approve curricula, institutional programs, and rules of discipline drawn by administrative and academic councils as provided in the Act.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to set policies on admission and graduation of students.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to award honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding contributions in education, public service, arts, science and technology, or any specialization within the University’s academic competence, and to authorize certificates for completion of non-degree and non-traditional courses.
Section 7 authorizes the Board, in coordination with CHED and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, to absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the Province of Rizal and offer needed programs/courses to promote equal access to educational opportunities mandated by the Constitution.
Section 7 authorizes the establishment of research and extension centers, and the establishment of chairs, fellowships for qualified faculty members, and scholarships for deserving students.
Section 7 authorizes delegation of any Board powers and duties to the president and/or other officials to expedite University administration.
Section 7 authorizes an external management audit financed by CHED, and to institute reforms including academic and structural changes based on audit results and recommendations.
Section 7 empowers the Board to collaborate with other governing boards of State colleges and universities within the province or region, under CHED supervision and in consultation with DBM, for restructuring to improve efficiency, relevance, productivity, and competitiveness.
Section 7 authorizes entering into joint ventures with business and industry for profitable development and management of the University’s economic assets, with proceeds used for University development and strengthening.
Section 7 authorizes consortia and other forms of linkages with local government units, institutions, and agencies—public and private, local and foreign—to further University purposes and objectives.
Section 7 authorizes academic arrangements for institution capability building with appropriate institutions and agencies and appointing experts/specialists as consultants or visiting/exchange professors, scholars, and researchers.
Section 7 authorizes setting up adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge such as information technology, dual system, open learning, community laboratory, and similar approaches for greater access to higher education.
Section 7 authorizes setting policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making and transparency within the University.
Section 7 authorizes privatization, where most advantageous, of management and non-academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance, and similar activities.
Section 7 authorizes extension of the term of the president beyond retirement age but not later than seventy (70), if unanimously rated outstanding and unanimously recommended by the search committee.

Board meetings, quorum, and secretary

Section 8 requires the Board to convene at least once every quarter.
Section 8 allows the chairman to call special meetings whenever necessary.
Section 8 requires written notice to Board members at least three (3) days prior to a special meeting.
Section 8 provides quorum rules: a majority of all members holding office constitutes a quorum, provided the chairman of the Board or the president of the University is present.
Section 8 provides representation if the CHED chairman is absent: a CHED commissioner duly designated by the chairman represents him/her.
Section 8 states that during that meeting, the president as vice chairman presides, but authorizes CHED to designate a commissioner to act as regular chair and presiding officer.
Section 8 prohibits Board members from receiving compensation but allows reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in attendance of meetings or in connection with official business authorized by Board resolution, subject to existing laws and regulations.
Section 12 requires the University to have a secretary appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the president, who also serves as secretary of the Board and keeps University records as determined by the Board.

University administration and academic bodies

Section 9 vests University administration in the president who must render full-time service.
Section 9 requires the Board to appoint the president upon recommendation of CHED through a duly constituted search committee, in consultation with that search committee.
Section 9 sets the presidential term at four (4) years and provides eligibility for reappointment for another term.
Section 9 provides transitional coverage by authorizing the CHED chairman to appoint an officer-in-charge pending the appointment of the first University president.
Section 9 authorizes the Board to designate an officer-in-charge pending appointment of a new president in case of vacancy due to death, resignation, or incapacity of the president to perform functions.
Section 9 provides term handling for successors: the successor holds office for the unexpired term, and if the successor serves for more than two (2) years, it is considered as one full term for that successor.
Section 9 states the president’s powers and duties include those usually pertaining to the president of similar universities, in addition to those specifically provided.
Section 9 requires the president’s salary to follow the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System and be comparable to similar educational institutions of like enrollment and standing.
Section 10 establishes an administrative council chaired by the president with vice president(s), deans, directors, and other officials of equal rank as members; it reviews and recommends to the Board policies governing administration, management, and development planning.
Section 11 establishes an academic council chaired by the president with vice president(s) and all instructional staff of rank not lower than assistant professor.
Section 11 grants the academic council authority to prescribe curricular offerings subject to Board approval.
Section 11 requires the academic council to fix admission requirements and requirements for graduation and conferring degrees, subject to review and/or approval by the Board through the president.
Section 11 grants disciplinary powers over students through the president, within limits prescribed by Board-approved rules of discipline.
Section 13 designates the Treasurer of the Philippines as the ex officio Treasurer of the University.

Student access, religion limits, and reporting

Section 14 prohibits denying admission to any student by reason of sex, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
Section 14 requires the University to provide a scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students to qualify for admission.
Section 15 prohibits religious opinion or affiliation from being a matter of inquiry in appointment of faculty members.
Section 15 prohibits any faculty member from teaching for or against any particular church or religious sect.
Section 16 requires the Board, on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second month after the opening of regular classes each year, to file a detailed report on progress, conditions, and needs of the University with the Office of the President of the Philippines through the chairperson of CHED and to both Houses of Congress.

Property transfer, auditing, and borrowing help

Section 17 transfers to the University of Rizal System all assets (fixed and movable), personnel, and records of: the Rizal State College and its extension campuses in Angono, Binangonan, Pililla and Rodriguez; the Rizal Polytechnic College and its extension campus in Cainta; and the Rizal Technological University - Antipolo Annex.
Section 17 transfers to the University both liabilities or obligations of those entities.
Section 17 protects employment status by providing that positions, rights, and security of tenure of personnel employed under existing laws prior to absorption are not impaired.
Section 17 provides that incumbents remain in the same status until otherwise provided by the Board.
Section 17 declares that parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by those institutions are declared the property of the University of Rizal System and must be titled under that name.
Section 17 provides reversion rules: if the University ceases to exist or is abolished, or if the parcels are no longer needed by the University, the same are transferred to the Province of Rizal.
Section 17 limits provincial use by providing that the provincial government of Rizal can use the land (or its equivalent monetary values) only for higher education purposes mentioned in the Act.
Section 18 requires all University accounts and expenses to be audited by the Commission on Audit or its duly authorized representative.
Section 19 authorizes national government bureau and office heads, upon request of the president, to loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, or supplies needed by the University and to detail employees for duty in the University if services can be spared without serious detriment to public service.
Section 19 provides that detailed employees must perform duties required by the president and their time counts as part of their regular services.

Appropriations, reorganization, and effectivity

Section 20 charges the amount necessary for implementation against the current year’s appropriations of the Rizal State College, Rizal Polytechnic College, and Rizal Technological University - Antipolo Annex.
Section 20 requires that after that, sums necessary for continued operation and maintenance of the University be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Section 21 repeals Sections 1, 4 and 22 of Republic Act No. 8365.
Section 21 repeals, amends, or modifies all laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary or inconsistent with the Act.
Section 22 empowers CHED to define and design the process of reorganization and restructuring of the University within a period of one (1) school year after the approval of the Act.
Section 23 provides separability: if any part or provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected remain in full force and effect.
Section 24 provides effectivity: the Act takes effect fifteen (15) days upon publication in the Official Gazette.
Republic Act No. 9157 is approved August 11, 2001 and lapsed into law on AUG 11 2001 without the President’s signature, in accordance with Article VI, Section 27 (1) of the Constitution.
Republic Act No. 9157 originated in the House of Representatives and was finally passed by the House and Senate on June 6, 2001 and June 7, 2001, respectively.