Lawmakers want withholding of school records criminalized

By Charlie V. Manalo

11/01/2009

Lawmakers have moved to criminalize the withholding of students’ official records for transfer purposes due to non-payment of school fees.

House Bill 6627, authored by Buhay Party-list Reps. Irwin Tieng, Rene Velarde and Ma. Carissa Coscolluela, imposes a fine of not more than P50,000 and imprisonment of not more than six months on violators.

“It shall be unlawful for any school, university or college to withhold or directly or indirectly delay the release of the official records of the students for transfer purposes by reason of non-payment, in part or in full, of tuition or other necessary fees,” Coscolluela said.

In pushing the immediate passage of the bill, Coscolluela said the country is not spared from the economic recession being experienced worldwide.

Coscolluela cited the 15 percent increase in their tuition, rising prices of basic commodities and high unemployment rate.

“Enrolled students dropped out at the middle of the semester or school year because their guardians or parents are laid off from their jobs. The option is to enroll at another school with minimal expense, if not totally stop schooling,” Coscolluela said.

Tieng said most of the schools do not release the students’ official records if the students fail to pay in full.

Under the bill, students can demand the issuance of the official records and other pertinent documents upon the execution of a promissory note covering the unpaid obligation.

Tieng added the promissory note executed by the guardians or parents of the students shall be secured by either a mortgage or by a guarantee of a co-maker who will be jointly and severally liable with the students for the unpaid obligation.

Tieng said the student must also present a certificate of indigency issued by their respective local government units or proof of insolvency.

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