02 September 2017

Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act

Recognizing its intent of liberalizing each Filipino’s access to tertiary education, the Commission on Human Rights commends the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The Commission believes that it fulfills part of State’s obligation, as embodied in Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution, to “protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” The new law also aligns with the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights that recognizes education both as a human right in itself and an indispensable means of realizing other human rights.

As such, we laud the authors of the now Republic Act No. 10931, as well as the President for signing it.

While there are challenges in the full and sustained implementation of the law, it is nonetheless a crucial step in realizing the economic, social, and cultural rights of the people, especially the right to education. We then remain hopeful that a temporary setback in budget will not render the Act into naught and that appropriate measures will be undertaken by both the Executive and Legislative to ensure its expanded application in the following years.

In the end, education, as an empowerment right, finds special relevance to the vulnerable and marginalized by being a means to improve their lives and allowing them to meaningfully participate in their respective contexts—combatting discrimination, addressing unjust treatment, and promoting human rights. ■

Contact Person:

Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia
Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Communication Office
Telephone No: (02) 928-5792 / 0977 284 0787
Email address: comms.chr@gmail.com