Lecture 6: Legal Foundations and Policies in Philippine
Education
The 1987 Philippine Constitution and Education
The 1987 Constitution enshrines education as a fundamental right, ensuring that the State
provides accessible and quality education at all levels. Article XIV specifically mandates
free public education in elementary and secondary levels, while promoting accessible
higher education. It also emphasizes academic freedom in higher education, protection of
teachers’ rights, and the promotion of Filipino culture. This legal framework establishes
the guiding philosophy that education is not just a privilege but a constitutional duty of
the State.
Republic Act 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001)
This law redefined the role of the Department of Education (DepEd) and decentralized
decision-making to school heads and local offices. It emphasized school-based
management, empowering principals and teachers to lead in addressing the needs of their
learners. By doing so, it sought to make education more responsive to community
contexts while improving accountability. However, decentralization also brought
challenges, as not all schools had the capacity or resources to fully manage operations.
Republic Act 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013)
This law institutionalized the K-12 program, extending basic education to 12 years. It
provided a legal mandate for the new curriculum, teacher retraining, and the
implementation of mother tongue-based multilingual education. The law was
controversial during its early years, as critics argued it was rushed and underfunded.
Nevertheless, it represents a landmark reform that continues to shape the trajectory of
Philippine education today.
Republic Act 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017)
Popularly known as the “Free Tuition Law,” this act provides free tuition and other
school fees in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges
(LUCs), and state-run technical-vocational institutions. It has opened doors for thousands
of underprivileged students to access higher education. While praised as a historic step
for equity, the law also placed financial strains on the government and raised questions
about sustainability, given the country’s fiscal challenges.
Other Key Education Policies
The Philippine education system is also shaped by numerous policies such as the Magna
Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670), which protects teacher welfare, and the
Inclusive Education Law (RA 11650), which ensures support for learners with
disabilities. These legal frameworks collectively shape how education is governed,
delivered, and improved in the Philippines.
