Legarda Calls for urgent Passage of “Students Rights and Welfare Act”

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA FILED SENATE BILL NO. 1435 TO GUARANTEE STUDENTS THEIR RIGHT TO QUALITY EDUCATION, FREEDOM, WELFARE SERVICES, AMONG OTHERS AND TO PROTECT THEM FROM DISCRIMINATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS ACCORDED BY THE 1987 CONSTITUTION AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AGREEMENTS.
Legarda’s proposed measure enumerates the following rights and freedoms of the students:
a. Right against discrimination – No student shall be denied admission, expelled from an educational institution, punished with disciplinary action, including mandatory counseling, or denied welfare services, scholarships and other privileges on the basis of his/her physical handicap, socioeconomic status, political and religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or membership in student organizations
b. Right to competent instruction and relevant quality education; c. Right to organize;
d. Right to establish a student council/government;
e. Right to publish a student newspaper;
f. Right to adequate welfare services;
g. Right to be represented in the highest policy-making body of the school;
h. Right to access to information;
i. Right to freedom of expression;
j. Right to academic freedom;
k. Right to due process;
l. Right against illegal searches and seizures; and
m. Right to privacy.
“Students are important components in society, not only because of their potential role as leaders of the country, but because of their role as catalysts for development and effective change.”
” They are continuously participating actively in the pursuit of social equality, democracy and justice. We should therefore ensure that their rights and welfare are promoted and guaranteed,” Legarda concluded.