Students of Bestlink College of the Philippines (BCP) staged a protest in front of the campus in Barangay Sta. Monica, Novaliches, Quezon City on December 17 to demand the abolition of the “no full payment, no full exams” policy. Led by Anakbayan-Novaliches, the rally was carried out despite threats to participants and the presence of police and administration outside the BCP campus.

The students railed against the BCP officials’ sudden announcement regarding the payment of tuition fees which confused and pressured students to immediately pay their fees in order to be able to take their exams.

“The administration is clearly anti-student and discriminatory,” the group stated. They demand that their grievances heard and recognition for their right to education respected, regardless of their capability to pay. Students should be given sufficient consideration and time to pay their tuition, especially those who are short on their finances and unable to pay.

The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), a union of student councils nationwide, has expressed support for the BCP students’ struggle. The NUSP has long opposed policies like “no payment, no exam” because they believe these policies violate the youth’s right to quality education.

It is worth noting that the Kabataan Party-list successfully pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 11984, or the “No Permit No Exam Prohibition Act,” in March after several years. The law mandates all educational institutions, whether public or private, to allow students to take their exams even if they have yet to pay their tuition or having no permit.

However, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Manuel previously expressed dissatisfaction with the signed version of the law which requires students to obtain a certification from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to prove their inability to pay before the exam period. President Marcos Jr also reduced the penalties for schools that violate the law.