Bill seeks to ban holding of student records over unpaid fees

Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing a bill that bars schools from withholding student records due to unpaid tuition and other fees.

Under Senate Bill No. 1964 or the Right to Student Records Act, schools cannot delay or refuse release of records if a student is verified to be financially incapacitated.

“This measure empowers parents, guardians, students, and former students to file written complaints,” Hontiveros said, noting cases where records were withheld, blocking school transfers.

The bill also gives the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority power to probe violations and penalize erring schools.

Hontiveros clarified schools can still collect unpaid dues, with a support mechanism to help financially struggling students settle balances so records can be released.IMT