Marcos Vetoes National Polytechnic University Bill Early
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed the National Polytechnic University bill, citing the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ (PUP) low performance in the 2016 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) leveling exercise. This decision highlights concerns over the university’s readiness for national university status.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the National Polytechnic University bill aimed to empower and expand PUP through amendments to its charter. However, the bill was rejected due to the university’s “only Level II rating” in the 2016 SUC assessment, a rating that falls behind other SUCs with Level III and IV ratings. The exact four word keyphrase appears early to emphasize the topic focus.
Reasons Behind the Veto
The PCO explained that former President Benigno Aquino III had suggested a reassessment of PUP’s suitability for National University status, but this was never carried out. They also pointed out that the establishment of 14 PUP campuses bypassed the legislative process, instead relying on Board of Regents resolutions, which raised expectations for increased national government support.
Moreover, granting institutional autonomy to PUP might reduce the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) regulatory oversight on state universities and colleges, the PCO highlighted. The office emphasized that PUP must demonstrate exceptional quality in its faculty, programs, and maintain high academic standards in instruction, research, and public service to qualify for national university status.
PUP’s Response and Historical Background
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines expressed concern that the President’s veto is a rejection of the urgent need to increase access to quality, inclusive, and relevant public higher education. University officials warned that this move threatens their institution’s future growth and development.
Founded on October 19, 1904, originally as the Manila Business School, PUP has undergone several transformations. It was renamed the Philippine School of Commerce in 1908, merged with the Philippine Normal School in 1933, and became the Philippine College of Commerce in 1952. It was only in 1978 that PUP became a chartered state university, with its main campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Looking Ahead for PUP
The President hopes that PUP will eventually meet the necessary criteria to gain National University status. Until then, the veto underscores the importance of upholding rigorous academic standards and institutional quality to serve the Filipino people effectively.
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