A proposed Senate measure seeks to ensure students can access their academic records despite unpaid school fees, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros pushing safeguards to prevent institutions from withholding documents due to financial hardship.
Senate Bill No. 1964, or the Right to Student Records Act, aims to prohibit schools from unreasonably delaying or denying the release of official records—such as transcripts and certificates—when a student or former student is verified to be financially incapacitated.
Hontiveros said the bill addresses a long-standing issue where students are unable to transfer schools or complete academic requirements because their records are withheld over unpaid balances.
“Financial constraints remain a major barrier to finishing education, especially for families facing economic instability,” she said, citing reports of schools withholding documents without valid justification.
The measure also allows students, parents, and guardians to file complaints with regulatory bodies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which will be tasked to investigate violations and enforce penalties.
Hontiveros clarified that the bill does not prevent schools from collecting legitimate dues. Instead, it establishes a Student Records Assistance Mechanism to help financially struggling students settle outstanding balances.
Under the proposal, assistance will cover verified unpaid tuition and authorized fees required for the release of records. The benefit may be availed of once and will be paid directly to the school.
For higher education, the program will be administered by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), in coordination with CHED and TESDA, while the Department of Education will oversee implementation for basic education through its Government Assistance and Subsidies Office.
Hontiveros said the measure seeks to balance students’ right to education with schools’ right to collect due payment for their services.