Republic of the Philippines

SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Pasay City
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. ______
_______________________________________________________________________
Introduced by Sen. Grace Poe S. Llamanzares
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila held the distinction as the pioneering higher
education institution which provides free college education for poor but deserving students. In June
19, 1965, President Diosdado Macapagal signed into law the bills authorizing the City of Manila to
operate and maintain the University of the City of Manila which is now known as the Pamantasan.
For almost 50 years, the Pamantasan soared high and established its remarkable reputation in
several professions, both in public service and private enterprises. It's not known to many that the
students of Pamantasan, the "Iskolar ng Maynila" as they tag themselves, were thought by experience
to become resilient and creative during times of austerity and lack of facilities in the university. The
students' drive towards academic excellence is something we can see from the performance reports of
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) commending PLM's consistency in various licensure
examinations. Amidst this, the students lack the same right as any student from other state universities
and college in the Philippines -- the right to have representation in the governing board by having a
Student Regent.
Democratic processes in policy-making is one of the thrusts of this bill. This will significantly
give the students, faculty, alumni and administrative personnel a chance to be represented in the Board
of Regents. As stakeholders, they are the first to know as to the needs of each sector and this legislation
will indeed push forward a lot of development to secure the future of the Pamantasan as a state
university.
This legislation for a new charter of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila will ensure
collaboration of all stakeholders in the university, and be free from political interferences. More so,
the Pamantasans vision and mission in providing quality education to poor but deserving students,
protecting the rights and welfare of its stakeholders, and providing equitable resources for facilities of
learning can only be attained if its charter is strengthened and make it more relevant and responsive
to the needs of the times, especially in this age of globalization and rapid technological developments.
Hence, there is an urgent need to change the existing charter of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod
ng Maynila to coincide our warmest greetings for their 50th Golden Anniversary this year 2015.
In view of the foregoing reasons, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

GRACE POE S. LLAMANZARES

Senator

Republic of the Philippines

SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Pasay City

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SENATE BILL NO. ______

______________________________________________________________________________

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Introduced by Sen. Grace Poe S. Llamanzares

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AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CITY OF MANILA,

OTHERWISE KNOWN AS PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA AS A
STATE UNIVERSITY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

Be it enacted by the Senate and House Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
(PLM) Charter of 2015.
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is hereby
declared as a premier state university.
The State shall promote, foster, nurture and protect the right of all citizens to accessible quality
education. Toward this end, it is the policy of the State to strengthen the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Maynila as a premier state university.
SECTION 3. Purpose of the University. As a premier state university, a public institution
of higher learning, and a community of scholars dedicated to the search for truth and knowledge as
well as a training ground for future leaders of the City of Manila and the country, the Pamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Maynila or PLM shall have the following purposes among others:
(a) Provide higher and advanced instructions in the professions, including but not limited to
engineering, arts and social sciences, mathematics and technology, literature and philosophy, and
maintain centers of excellence in such discipline and professions;
(b) Fully develop the Filipino intellect through advance studies and training, progressive
research, and promote Filipino culture and values;
(c) Give professional training in government affairs and public administration, as well as in
scientific, cultural, technological, industrial and vocational fields;
(d) Provide extensive training in leadership, nationalism, identity, and responsible citizenship,
and the development of democratic values and practices, and;
(e) Introduce in its curricula studies which do not at present receive sufficient emphasis in
other institutions of higher learning in the country.
(f) Provide a tuition-free program to deserving high school graduates of the City of Manila to
further encourage students to strive for learning, and improve their skills and talents.
SECTION 4. Academic Freedom The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila shall have the
right, duty and responsibility to exercise academic freedom.
SECTION 5. Accessibility. No student shall be denied admission to the university by the
reason of age, sex, nationality, religion, belief, gender expression, or political affiliation. However, all
students seeking admission are subject to the rules and regulations for admission prescribed by the
Board of Regents.
SECTION 6. Academic Excellence. The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila has the
obligation to maintain and enhance its high academic standards in the performance of its functions of
instruction, research and extension, and public service.
SECTION 7. Social Responsibility. The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is
committed to serve the Filipino nation and humanity. While it carries out the obligation to pursue
universal principles, it must relate its activities to the needs of the Filipino people and their aspirations
for social progress and transformation. The Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila may provide venues for
student volunteerism.

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SECTION 8. Institutional Autonomy. To provide greater flexibility, it shall be treated in

a manner consistent with its institutional requirements as a premier state university. Taking into
account its goals and priorities; it shall exclusively determine its teaching and research thrusts, plans,
policies, programs and standards, and, on the basis of such determination, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod
ng Maynila shall recommend its annual budget to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and
Congress.
SECTION 9. The Board of Regents. The government of the university is vested in a
Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be composed of the following members:
(a) The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Chairperson of the
Board of Regents;
(b) The President of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila as the Vice-chairperson;
(b) The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education as ex-officio member;
(c) The Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education as exofficio member;
(d) One Faculty Regent representing the academic and teaching personnel chosen in
accordance with the rules and qualifications set by the PLM University Council to serve for a term of
two (3) years;
(e) President of the PLM Alumni Association to serve as Alumni Regent elected from their
ranks in accordance with the rules and qualifications set by the duly recognized alumni organization,
to serve for only two (2) years;
(f) One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one (1) year, chosen by the students in a
university-wide referendum in accordance with the codified rules and qualifications adopted by the
College Representatives as Council Members of the Supreme Student Council: Provided, That in the
absence of an elected Student Regent, the Supreme Student Council President shall temporarily sit in
the Board of Regents not until such representative has been duly elected;
(g) One Staff Regent representing the full-time permanent research, extension, and
professional staff, and administrative personnel, chosen by them from their ranks in accordance with
the rules and qualifications set by their duly recognized organization, to serve for a term of two (2)
years;
(h) The Superintendent of the Division of City Schools of the City of Manila as ex-officio
member;
(i) Two (2) other Regents who have distinguished themselves in their respective profession or
field of specialization, both to be appointed by the Mayor of the City of Manila, with the consent of
the City Council, for a term of two (2) years without prejudice to reappointment: Provided, That these
two Regents shall not be current officials or employees of the government: Provided, further, That the
Regents holding office as members of the Board at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall continue
to serve until the expiration of their appointments.
SECTION 10. Eligibility and Disqualification. All members of the Board shall be
citizens of the Philippines. No person in the employ of or with financial interest in any educational
institution in any capacity whatsoever, except those performing purely professorial functions, shall be
eligible for membership in the Board.
SECTION 11. Compensation. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation
other than reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attendance to meetings of
the Board or on other official business authorized by a resolution of the Board.
SECTION 12. Vacancy. In case of vacancy in the Board, except for the President of the
university, such vacancy shall be filled up in the same manner as provided for the predecessor. The
successor shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term.
SECTION 13. Meetings and Quorum. Members of the Board shall convene regularly at
a time and place to be determined under its rules. The Chairperson of the Board may call a special
meeting whenever necessary: Provided, That the members are notified in writing at least ten (10)
working days prior to the meeting: Provided, further, That the notice shall contain a brief description
of the agenda and items to be discussed.
A majority of all members of the Board holding office at the time the meeting is called shall
constitute a quorum.
In no case shall any and all members of the Board appoint representatives to act on their
behalf: Provided, That the ex-officio members of the Board coming from Congress may participate and
vote through teleconferencing or equivalent verifiable means of communication.

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SECTION 14. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents. The administration of the
university and the exercise of its corporate powers are vested in the Board of Regents.
The Board shall exercise the following specific powers and duties:
(a) To define in general terms the thrusts of the university and adopt broad policy guidelines
to ensure their implementation;
(b) To preserve the integrity of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila;
(c) To approve the institution, merger or abolition of academic programs, upon
recommendation of the University Council, through the President of the University;
(d) To approve the graduation of students and grant of honors, as recommended by their
respective University Councils through the President of the University;
(e) To confer honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning, statesmanship, or
eminence in literature, science, or art, upon recommendation of a committee created by the President
of the University: Provided, That such degrees shall not be conferred in consideration of any payment,
gift or other valuable consideration;
(f) To approve the rules on student discipline recommended by the University Council through
the President of the University, with the Board retaining the power to review and pass final judgment
on student disciplinary cases;
(g) To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish colleges, graduate schools, institutes, and
other academic and administrative units of the university, and similarly appoint their respective heads
and deans;
(h) To establish professorial chair awards and recognition;
(i) To provide fellowships, scholarships and grants, including athletic grants and to award the
same to faculty, staff and students having special evidence of merit, especially those who are poor and
deserving individuals;
(j) To elect the President of the University for a single term of six (6) years following a process
of democratic consultation with the university community based on standards and guidelines set by
the Board. In the event of a vacancy, the Board shall elect a president who shall serve a full term. An
Acting President chosen by the Board may act as Officer-in-Charge of the university when the search
process is in progress. In no case shall the search and election of the next President be longer than
ninety (90) calendar days from the date when the vacancy occurs;
(k) To appoint faculty members and other officials and employees, to draw up a position
classification and compensation plan for its faculty and staff, and, any law to the contrary
notwithstanding, to fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members and other employees:
Provided, That salaries and other benefits of the faculty shall be equivalent to those being received by
their counterparts in the private sector; to determine the hours of service of faculty and staff, and such
other terms and conditions of employment as it may deem proper; to grant leave of absence under
such regulations as it may promulgate, any other provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding;
and to remove them for cause as provided by law after due investigation and proper hearing;
(l) To extend, with their consent, the tenure of faculty members of the university beyond the
compulsory retirement age, any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, on
recommendation of the units upon endorsement of the President of the university, whenever their
services are especially needed: Provided, however, That no extension of tenure shall be made beyond
the age of seventy (70);
(m) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, as the Board may deem proper
to impose, after due and comprehensive consultation with the students concerned. Such fees and
charges, including government support and other income generated by the university, shall constitute
special trust funds and shall be deposited in an authorized government depository bank. Any and all
interest that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the university.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, all incomes generated by the university
shall, upon their collection, be retained by the university and disbursed at the discretion of the Board
for the professional growth and development, health, welfare, and other benefits of the students,
faculty members and other personnel; for the acquisition, construction, maintenance and repair of
urgently needed instructional and auxiliary facilities, equipment, buildings and other infrastructure;
and for expenses necessary for the attainment of its purposes under its approved program of
expenditures.
If the university, for reasons beyond its control, shall not be able to pursue any project for
which funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of expenditures, the
Board may authorize the use of said fund for any reasonable purpose for which it deems necessary
and urgent for the attainment of the objectives of the university: Provided, That funds collected from
students for a specific purpose shall not be reprogrammed to other expenditures;
(n) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the support of the
university to the ends specified by law, and all other sums in the manner it may, in its discretion,
determine to carry out the purposes and functions of the university;

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(o) To authorize the construction, maintenance or repair of its buddings, machinery,

equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal properties,
including necessary supplies, materials and equipment;
(p) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal property of all kinds
and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit of the university and subject
to the instructions of the donor, if any;
(q) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, to authorize its faculty and staff to
travel abroad to study, deliver papers, attend conferences and disseminate research: Provided, That the
fellowship, scholarship or grant is authorized by the Board: Provided, finally, That research and other
activities funded by the university shall likewise undertake research in fields or topics that have
promising commercial applications, and that the faculty and staff involved in said research be allowed
to participate in its financial or economic benefits;
(r) To exercise the general powers set out in the Corporation Code;
(s) To delegate any of its powers to the President of the University or other officials or officers
as it may deem necessary;
(t) To prescribe rules for its own government and the discipline of the faculty and other
personnel and to enact for the government of the university such general policies, rules and
regulations, not contrary to law, as are consistent with its purposes; and
(u) To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to carry out the objectives of this
Act.
SECTION 15. The President of the University. The President of the University is the
chief academic officer, head of the university faculty and the chief executive officer of the University.
The President of the University shall exercise the powers specifically provided for in this Act, those
determined by the Board, those which pertain to the office of the president of a university, and those
which are related or necessary to its functions. The Board shall determine the compensation of the
President of the University.
The President of the University shall be appointed by the Board and shall serve for a single
term of six (6) years.
SECTION 16. The Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents. There
shall be a Secretary of the University appointed by the Board, who shall also be the Secretary of the
Board, and who shall keep such records, of the University as may be designated by the Board.
SECTION 17. The University Council. - There shall be a University Council consisting of
the university President as Chairperson, and all deans and faculty members in the university holding
the rank of assistant professor and higher as members.
SECTION 18. Powers of the University Council. - The University Council shall be the
highest academic body of each constituent university and shall exercise the following powers:
(a) Fix the requirements for admission to any college or unit, graduation, and the grant of
honors subject to the approved minimum requirements;
(b) Prescribe the academic programs including their institution, revision, abolition and merger,
subject to the approval of the Board;
(c) Recommend to the Board the graduation of students and the grant of honors;
(d) Exercise disciplinary power over the students, subject to review by the President of the
University according to the limits prescribed by approved and published rules on student discipline;
(e) Undertake the periodic review of academic courses, programs, standards, thrusts and
policies; and
(f) Adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act.
SECTION 20. The Faculty. The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its faculty.
The College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean. The Dean shall be elected by the Board upon
nomination of the University President following a process of consultation with the constituents of
the college based on standards and guidelines set by the Board.
If a Dean fails to complete his/her term, the University President shall appoint an acting Dean
while a search process is in progress. In no case shall the search and election of the next Dean be
longer than sixty (60) calendar days from the date when the vacancy occurs.
SECTION 21. Appointment Requisites and Practice of Profession. Faculty members,
as well as research, extension and professional staff of the university, shall be exempt as such from
any civil service examination or regulation as a requisite to appointment. The provisions of existing
law to the contrary notwithstanding, licensing requirements for professional regulatory boards shall
not affect appointments to faculty positions. In the appointment of faculty members, no religious test

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shall be applied, nor shall the religious or political opinions or affiliations of the faculty members of
the university be made subject of examination or inquiry.
SECTION 22. Student Affairs, Rights and Welfare. (a) There shall be established in the
university the following student councils: for every college and degree-granting unit, a college student
council; and a central student council through the Supreme Student Council which shall represent the
students of the university.
The student council shall be composed of elected students wherein, each member of the shall
serve for a term of one (1) year, without prejudice to reelection.
The student council shall serve as the primary student body that shall advance the interests,
rights and welfare, and aspirations of the students of the university. It shall have the power to adopt
internal rules of procedures, fiscal autonomy, and operate consistent with the provisions of this Act.
(b) Subject to due and comprehensive consultation with the students, there shall be an
independent student publication to be funded by student fees. Freedom of expression and autonomy
in all matters of editorial and fiscal policy shall be guaranteed especially in the selection of its editors
and staff.
SECTION 23. Linkages, Reciprocity and Exchange Programs. The University shall
open its doors for partnerships and linkages with competitive international universities in the region
and the world. The University shall formulate and implement student and faculty reciprocity programs
with partner international universities to further enhance skills, exchange knowledge and acquire best
practices. The university President shall have the full authority to sign mutual agreements and the
implementation of this program.
SECTION 24. Tax Exemptions. The provisions of any general or special law to the
contrary notwithstanding
(a) All revenues and assets of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila used for educational
purposes or in support thereof shall be exempt from all taxes and duties;
(b) Gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from the
donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions from the gross income of the
donor, in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended:
Provided, That the allowable deductions shall be equivalent to 150 percent of the value of such
donation. Valuation of assistance other than money shall be based on the acquisition cost of the
property. Such valuation shall take into consideration the depreciated value of property in case said
property has been used;
(c) Importation of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical and
cultural books, supplies and materials duly certified by the Board, including scientific and educational
computer and software equipment, shall be exempt from customs duties;
(d) The University shall be exempted from value-added tax (VAT) for all transactions subject
to this tax; and
(e) All academic awards shall be exempt from any form of taxes.
SECTION 25. Reportorial Requirements and Auditing of Accounts. The university
shall submit an annual report to Congress and the City of Manila containing the financial statements,
statement of assets and liabilities, actual projected income from tuition fees and other revenue sources,
contracts and investment entered into and programs of expenditure. All accounts and disbursements
of the university shall be audited by the Commission on Audit.
SECTION 26. Rules of Construction. No statutory or other issuances shall diminish the
powers, rights, privileges and benefits accorded to the university under this Act or enjoyed at present,
by it under other issuances not otherwise modified or repealed under this Act, unless subsequent
legislation expressly provides for their repeal, amendment or modification. Any case of doubt in the
interpretation of any of the provisions of this Charter shall be resolved in favor of the academic
freedom and fiscal autonomy of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
SECTION 27. Appropriations. The amount to carry out the implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the current fiscal years lump sum appropriations and other lump sum funds
of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Thereafter, such lump sum representing he national
governments assistance for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the Annual
General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila may use unexpended balances in any appropriation
for purposes that the Board of Regent determines. In addition to the regular appropriations and
increases for the University under the annual GAA, a lump sum in the amount of Three hundred

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million pesos (P300, 000,000.00) per year shall be charge to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming
Corporation (PAGCOR) in the next five (5) years as development fund.
Additional lump sum needed for the growth, operations and maintenance of the university
shall be sourced from the fifteen (15%) percent annual net income after taxes of the Philippine Ports
Authority (PPA) which shall form part of the Annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) enacted by
Congress.
SECTION 28. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.
SECTION 29 Repealing Clause. Republic Act No. 4196, and all laws, decrees, orders,
rules, and regulations or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 30. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,