Revised Charter of Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MAY -5 P4:37 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: 2110 S. No. — Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AS THE NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1341, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Education is the bedrock of nation-building. The Constitution mandates the State to ensure that quality education is accessible to all, recognizing that national progress and human dignity are achieved by empowering citizens through learning. For decades, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has embodied this mission. As the country's largest state university system in terms of population, serving 106,500 students,2 PUP extends its reach far beyond its main campus in Manila through a wide network of campuses and extension programs across the country. Through this expansive presence, PUP has stood as a true people's university, providing affordable, high-quality instruction in technology, engineering, business, and other applied fields. For countless families of modest means, PUP has been a gateway to opportunity, transforming potential into achievement and hope into tangible progress. Congress has long recognized the vital role of polytechnic institutions in driving industrialization, innovation, and regional development. Yet despite PUP's national presence, proven excellence, and central role in producing skilled professionals, it has 1 Article XIV, Section 1, 1987 Constitution. 2 Polytechnic University of the Philippines. About PUP. https://www.pup.edu.ph/about/

not been formally declared and supported as the National Polytechnic University. This absence of formal designation has constrained its ability to modernize facilities, expand priority programs, and fully respond to the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. This measure seeks to correct that gap by declaring and strengthening PUP as the National Polytechnic University of the Philippines. It affirms PUP's rightful place as the country's primary hub for polytechnic and technological education, applied research, and workforce development. It likewise underscores PUP's role in advancing academe-industry partnerships and innovation, particularly through the establishment of a Center for Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, and Key Emerging Technologies. Ultimately, this bill envisions PUP as a stronger, more responsive institution, capable of serving students, communities, and industries while preparing Filipinos for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. It secures PUP's place as the National Polytechnic University, ensuring that its tradition of accessible, inclusive, and high- quality education continues to empower generations of Filipinos. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 MAY -5 P4:37 ) First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: 2110 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AS THE NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1341, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in the Congress assembled: ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Revised Charter of the

4 Polytechnic University of the Philippines".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote and

6 protect the right of all citizens to accessible and quality education and to establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education responsive to national development needs. Towards this end, the State shall strengthen the Polytechnic University of the Philippines as the National Polytechnic University in order to expand access to polytechnic and technological education, promote applied research and innovation, and support workforce development and inclusive economic growth.

Sec. 3. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines. - The Polytechnic

University of the Philippines, hereinafter referred to as "PUP," shall comprise its main campus and existing constituent campuses located in the Cities of Manila, Caloocan,

1 Parañaque, Quezon, San Juan, and Taguig in the National Capital Region; the 2 Municipality of Mariveles in the Province of Bataan; the Municipalities of Pulilan and 3 Santa Maria in Bulacan; the Municipality of Cabiao in Nueva Ecija; the Municipalities 4 of Alfonso and Maragondon in Cavite; the City of Santo Tomas in Batangas; the 5 Municipalities of Calauan and the Cities of Biñan, San Pedro, and Santa Rosa in 6 Laguna; the Municipalities of Lopez, Mulanay, and Unisan in Quezon; the Municipality 7 of Bansud in Oriental Mindoro; the Municipality of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro; the Municipality of Ragay in Camarines Sur; and the Municipality of Leyte in the Province 9 of Leyte, together with extension programs, research centers, and academic and non- 10 academic units as may hereafter be established to improve access to quality education, promote innovation, and advance research capabilities: Provided, That the establishment, operation, and maintenance of all constituent campuses shall comply with the policies, standards, and guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Sec. 4. General Mandate. - As the National Polytechnic University, PUP shall

pursue a polytechnic program of education designed to provide individuals with 17 employable technical skills, managerial knowledge, and the capacity for creativity, productivity, and self-reliance. PUP shall provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction, and training in accountancy, engineering, architecture, applied sciences, law, education, interior design, psychology, business and management, and allied disciplines. It shall promote applied research, advanced studies, and progressive leadership in its fields of specialization.

Sec. 5. Curricular Offerings. - PUP shall offer undergraduate and graduate

courses, advanced professional and technical instruction, and training programs within its areas of specialization, including accountancy, engineering and architecture, applied sciences, law, education, interior design, psychology, business management, and other polytechnic disciplines: Provided, That all curricular offerings shall comply with the policies, standards, and guidelines of CHED for the offering and revision of academic programs.

PUP shall continue to maintain flexible learning options to promote access to 2 education for working students, and shall collect tuition and other fees in such 3 amounts as may be fixed by the Board pursuant to Section 11(e) of this Act.

Sec. 6. Equity and Non-Discrimination in Admission. - PUP shall implement

5 scholarship, financial assistance, and affirmative support programs to expand access to qualified learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and shall take affirmative measures, which may include alternative and equitable admissions 8 processes, to enhance their participation. No student shall be denied admission to PUP solely by reason of age, sex, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, nationality, political opinion or affiliation, or other status protected by law.

Sec. 7. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. - PUP shall enjoy

academic freedom pursuant to Section 5(2), Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution. As the National Polytechnic University, it shall have the autonomy to determine its 15 teaching, research, and extension thrusts, plans, policies, programs, and standaras, consistent with its mandate and national goals and priorities, and in accordance with applicable laws and policies. ARTICLE 11 GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 8. Corporate Powers. - PUP shall have the general powers of a corporation

as set forth in Republic Act No. 11232, otherwise known as the Revised Corporation 22 Code of the Philippines. The exercise of corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of PUP, within their respective spheres of authority as defined in this Act.

Sec. 9. Board of Regents. - The governing board of PUP shall be the Board of

Regents, hereinafter referred to as the "Board," which shall be chaired by the Chairperson of CHED and co-chaired by the President of PUP, with the following as members: (a) Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education; (b) Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education;

(c) Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev); (d) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); (e) President of the PUP Federation of Faculty Associations; President of the PUP Federation of Student Councils; (g) President of the PUP Federation of Alumni Associations; (h) President of the PUP Non-Teaching Personnel Association; and Three (3) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished themselves in their respective professions or fields of specialization. The three (3) prominent citizen-members shall be appointed by the Board from a list of at least seven (7) qualified nominees recommended by a search committee constituted by the President of PUP, in consultation with the Chairperson of CHED and other members of the Board, based on the guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board. They shall serve for a term of two (2) years from the date of appointment. The representatives of the faculty, students, alumni, and non-teaching personnel shall serve coterminous with their terms of office under their respective constitutions and bylaws.

Sec. 10. Powers and Duties of the Board. - In addition to its general powers of

administration and the exercise of powers granted to the Board of Directors of a corporation under Section 35 of Republic Act No. 11232, the Board shall exercise and perform the following specific powers and duties: (a) Promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared state policies on education, pertinent provisions of the Constitution on education, science and technology, national development, and the policies, standards, and thrusts of CHED under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the Higher Education Act of 1994; (b) Approve the curricula, instructional programs, and rules on student discipline drawn by the Administrative and Academic Councils as herein provided;

(c) Appoint, upon the recommendation of the President of PUP, the vice presidents, deans, directors, heads of the campuses, faculty members, and other similar officials of PUP; (d) Prescribe the salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and employees, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, civil service rules and regulations governing hours of service and other requirements and conditions, and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations; (e) Fix tuition fees and other necessary school charges, including matriculation, graduation, and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem proper, after due consultation with the concerned sectors. All fees and charges collected, together with government subsidies, other income generated by PUP, and all interests accruing therefrom, shall constitute its funds, be used exclusively in pursuit of its mandate as a state university, and be deposited in any authorized government depository bank. Such funds shall be retained by PUP and disbursed at the discretion of the Board for: the professional growth and development, health, welfare, and other benefits of students, faculty members, and personnel; the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and repair of urgently needed instructional and auxiliary facilities, equipment, buildings, and other infrastructure; and expenses necessary for the attainment of its purposes under its approved program of expenditures: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be used solely for the specific purposes for which they were collected. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Board may authorize the use of the following for reasonable and legal purposes necessary and urgent for the attainment of PUP's objectives: (i) Any unexpended balance whose fiduciary character has been removed ipso facto pursuant to the grant of subsidy under Republic Act No. 10931, otherwise known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act; and ii) Any appropriation for any project under the duly approved program of expenditures that PUP, for reasons beyond its control, is unable to

pursue: Provided, That funds collected from students for specific purposes shall not be realigned or reprogrammed to other expenditures; Adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school fees for greater access by poor but deserving students in accordance with Republic Act No. 10931; (g) Establish professorial chairs, provide fellowships for qualified faculty members, and award scholarships for deserving students; (h) Receive and appropriate funds as may be provided by law for the support of PUP, and manage all other funds to carry out the purposes and functions of PUP; (i) Set policies on admission and graduation of students; Award honorary degrees to persons of outstanding contributions in education, public service, arts, science and technology, sports, or any field within the academic competency of PUP, and authorize the awarding of certificates of completion for non-degree and non-traditional courses; (k) Establish research and extension centers to support the development of PUP; (1) Develop academic arrangements for institutional capability building with appropriate public or private, local or foreign institutions and agencies, and appoint experts or specialists as consultants, visiting or exchange professors, scholars, or researchers, as the case may be; (m) Adopt modern and innovative modes of knowledge transfer, including information and communications technology, dual training systems, open and distance learning, and community laboratory approaches, to promote greater access to quality education; (n) Collaborate with other state universities and colleges and coordinate with CHED and DBM in restructuring PUP to make it more efficient, relevant, productive, and competitive; (o) Assume non-chartered tertiary institutions as branches or extension centers, in coordination with CHED and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and offer therein programs to carry out the constitutional mandate of providing equal access to educational opportunities;

(p) Authorize periodic external management audits of PUP, to be financed by CHED, subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA), and institute reforms on the basis of audit results and recommendations; (q) Develop consortia and other cooperative arrangements with local government units, and public, private, local, or foreign institutions and agencies, for the furtherance of PUP's purposes and objectives; (r) Import books, publications, instruments, equipment, and apparatuses for economic, technical-vocational, scientific, medical, philosophical, historical, legal, or cultural purposes; (s) Enter into joint ventures with businesses and industries, after prior consultation with the DEPDev, for the profitable development and management of economic assets, the proceeds of which shall be used for the development and strengthening of PUP in accordance with law; (t) Receive, in trust, all legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal properties and administer and dispose of the same for the benefit of PUP, subject to any limitations, directions, and instructions of the donor; (u) Extend the term of the President of PUP beyond the compulsory retirement age, but not beyond seventy (70) years of age, based on the guidelines and standards set by the Board: Provided, That such extension shall be subject to the term limits under Section 12 of this Act: Provided, further, That the President's performance has been rated as outstanding and the Search Committee has unanimously recommended such extension; (v) Delegate, by resolution, any of its powers and duties to the President of PUP and other university officials, as it may deem appropriate to efficiently and effectively administer the affairs of PUP; (w) Establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative and transparent decision-making within PUP, including grievance mechanisms for faculty, staff, and students; (x) Where most advantageous to PUP, outsource the management of non- academic services such as health, food, building and grounds maintenance, and

similar activities, subject to applicable procurement, civil service, and labor laws; (y) Authorize the construction or repair of buildings, machinery, equipment, and other facilities, and the purchase of real and personal property, supplies, and materials, in accordance with applicable procurement laws; and Promulgate such other rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of PUP.

Sec. 11. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall convene in regular session

at least once every three (3) months. The Chairperson of the Board or the President of PUP may call a special meeting at any time upon written notice served upon all members at least three (3) days prior to such meeting, except in cases of emergency, where such notice shall be served as soon as practicable. A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all members holding office 14 at the time of the meeting: Provided, That either the Chairperson or the Co- Chairperson is present. In case the CHED Chairperson cannot attend a meeting, a CHED Commissioner duly designated in writing shall have all the rights and responsibilities of a regular member, in which case the Co-Chairperson shall preside. The CHED Chairperson may also permanently designate a CHED Commissioner as regular Chairperson of the Board, in which case such Commissioner shall act as presiding officer at all meetings. The Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education and the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, and the Secretaries of DEPDev and DOST, may designate, in writing, their duly authorized representatives to attend meetings of the Board, who shall exercise the same rights and responsibilities as the members represented. Members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending Board meetings or in performing other officially authorized duties, subject to existing laws and regulations.

Sec. 12. The University President. - PUP shall be headed by a President

appointed by the Board based on the recommendation of a search committee duly

constituted for the purpose, and subject to the guidelines, qualifications, and 2 standards set by the Board. The President shall render full-time service and shall serve a term of four (4) 4 years. The President may be reappointed for one (1) additional term only: Provided, 5 That in order to ensure the purposeful implementation of this Act, the incumbent President at the time of its effectivity shall serve a new term as the first President of PUP under this Charter and shall not be eligible for reappointment thereafter. Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of the incumbent 9 President, the Board shall constitute the Search Committee for the Presidency and shall ensure the appointment or reappointment of a President on or before the expiration of the term. In case of delay, the outgoing President shall serve in a hold- over capacity until a successor is duly appointed. The compensation of the President shall be determined by the Board in accordance with Republic Act No. 11466, or the "Salary Standardization Law of 2019," and applicable laws. In case of a vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of death, compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause, or incapacity, the Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) pending the appointment of a new President: Provided, That the OIC shall serve only for the unexpired portion of the term. The President shall be assisted by the following officials: Executive Vice President; Vice President for Administration; Vice President for Academic Affairs; Vice President for Student Affairs; Vice President for Research and Extension; Vice President for Planning and Development; Vice President for Finance; Vice President for External Affairs; and the Secretary of the University, together with such other academic and administrative officials as the Board may determine. They shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the President of PUP.

Sec. 13. The University Secretary. - The Board shall appoint a Secretary who

shall serve as such for both the Board and PUP, keep all records and proceedings of Board meetings, and serve upon each member the appropriate notice of such meetings. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the President of PUP.

Sec. 14. The University Treasurer. - The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be

2 the ex officio Treasurer of PUP.

Sec. 15. The Administrative Council. - There shall be an Administrative Council

composed of the President of PUP as Chairperson, and the Vice Presidents, Deans, 5 Directors, and other officials of equivalent rank as members. The Administrative Council shall review and recommend to the Board the policies governing the administration, management, and development planning of PUP.

Sec. 16. The Academic Council. - There shall be an Academic Council,

9 composed of the President of PUP as Chairperson and all academic staff holding the rank of at least Assistant Professor as members. The Academic Council shall have the power to: (a) Review and recommend curricular offerings and revisions, subject to the approval of the Board; (b) Fix requirements for admission, graduation, and conferment of degrees, subject to the review and approval of the Board through the President of PUP; and (c) Formulate rules and regulations on student discipline and exercise disciplinary authority over students, subject to the approval of the Board.

Sec. 17. Heads of Constituent Campuses, - Each constituent campus shall be

headed by a Campus Director who shall serve as the head administrator of the campus on a full-time basis for a term of two (2) years, renewable for one (1) additional term. The Campus Director shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of 22 the Search Committee and the President of PUP, subject to the guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board: Provided, That upon the effectivity of this Act, incumbent Campus Directors shall continue to serve until the expiration of their current terms.

Sec. 18. The Faculty. - The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its

faculty. Each College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean, who shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the President of PUP following a process of consultation with the constituents of the college concerned, and subject to the guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board.

In case of a vacancy in the Office of the Dean, the Board shall, upon the recommendation of the President of PUP, designate an Officer-in-Charge of the 3 College pending the appointment of a new Dean. No political belief, sex, gender identity, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic 5 origin, disability, or religious opinion shall be a basis for inquiry or consideration in the appointment of faculty members: Provided, That such appointment shall comply with the guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board.

Sec. 19. Faculty Sabbatical Leave. - PUP may grant sabbatical leave to

deserving and qualified faculty members for purposes of research, scholarly activity, 10 or community engagement, for a period ranging from three (3) months to one (1) year, upon the recommendation of the President of PUP and approval of the Board. 12 Faculty members on sabbatical leave shall be temporarily relieved of their regular teaching duties and shall be required to submit a research output, monograph, or equivalent scholarly work upon their return. Where the output constitutes an original 15 research contribution, PUP shall encourage its submission for publication in a reputable peer-reviewed journal or equivalent venue. ARTICLE III RESEARCH, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 20. PUP Center for Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, and Key

Emerging Technologies. - Pursuant to the national policy of advancing research, development, technology, and innovation, there is hereby established within PUP the "PUP Center for Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, and Key Emerging 23 Technologies," hereinafter referred to as the "Center." The Center shall be provided with: (a) Suitable physical facilities for graduate and post-graduate study and laboratory research in artificial intelligence, computational thinking, and key emerging technologies, including accessory facilities for related activities such as lectures, dissemination of information, communication, analytical and consultative services, instrumentation, and collaboration with scientific and academic organizations; and

(b) A regular staff of scientists, technicians, academicians, and administrative personnel, to be augmented, as circumstances require, by guest researchers, special lecturers, and visiting technicians. The Center shall perform the following functions: (a) Undertake fundamental and applied studies and research in artificial intelligence, computational thinking, and key emerging technologies, and disseminate the findings of such studies to relevant stakeholders; (b) Collaborate with public and private institutions and schools in the development and implementation of academic programs, research projects, and training initiatives in artificial intelligence, futures thinking, and key emerging technologies; (c) Provide technical assistance and consultative services, upon request and when feasible, to other public and private institutions and agencies; and (d) Collaborate with schools, organizations, industries, and individuals to advance scientific knowledge, applied research, and innovation. The Board shall determine the organizational structure, staffing complement, budget, and operational guidelines of the Center within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act. ARTICLE IV FISCAL MATTERS AND PROPERTY

Sec. 21. Duty and Tax Exemptions, - The importation by PUP of books,

publications, instruments, equipment, and apparatuses for economic, technical- vocational, scientific, medical, philosophical, historical, legal, or cultural purposes shall, upon certification by CHED, be exempt from customs duties in accordance with Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other applicable laws. All grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions made to PUP and actually, directly, and exclusively used for educational purposes shall be exempt from donor's tax and shall be considered allowable deductions from gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor, in accordance with the 31 National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

Sec. 22. Loan or Transfer of Supplies, Equipment, or Detail of Personnel. -

Heads of national government agencies and instrumentalities may, upon written request by the Board through the President of PUP, loan or transfer supplies, apparatus, or equipment, or detail personnel to PUP: Provided, That such loan, 5 transfer, or detail shall not be detrimental to the public service. Personnel detailed to PUP shall perform duties as required by the President of 7 PUP, and the time spent in such service shall be credited as part of the detailed 8 personnel's regular service record.

Sec. 23. Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel. - All assets, both real and personal,

as well as all personnel, records, liabilities, and obligations of PUP under the repealed law shall remain under the name and ownership of PUP under this Charter: Provided, 12 That the positions, rights, and security of tenure of faculty members and personnel employed under existing laws shall be fully respected: Provided, further, That incumbents occupying their positions shall remain in the same status until otherwise provided by the Board: Provided, finally, That PUP shall upgrade or augment its human resource component as the Board may deem appropriate. All parcels of land belonging to the government currently occupied by PUP and its campuses are hereby declared as property of PUP and shall be titled in its name, subject to existing land laws, proper surveys, and coordination with the appropriate government agencies and local government units: Provided, That should PUP cease to exist, be abolished, or should any parcel of land no longer be needed for its purposes, the same shall revert to the relevant local government unit or to the Republic of the Philippines, as the case may be. ARTICLE V ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING

Sec. 24. Development Plan and Management Audit. - Within one hundred

twenty (120) days from the approval of this Act, PUP shall: (a) Submit a five (5) year institutional development plan, including its program budget, to CHED for endorsement to DBM; (b) Establish its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the appointment of key officials; and

(c) Undertake a management audit in coordination with CHED and subject to COA rules and regulations. The Board shall ensure that the development plan is reviewed and updated at least every five (5) years and submitted to CHED and DBM accordingly.

Sec. 25. Annual Report. - On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second

6 (2nd) month after the opening of regular classes each year, the Board shall file a detailed report on the progress, condition, and needs of PUP with the Office of the President of the Philippines, Senate, and the House of Representatives, through the 9 CHED Chairperson. The annual report shall include, at minimum: a summary of academic programs and enrollment data; a financial report covering income, expenditures, and the status of government subsidies; updates on research, extension, and community service activities; a progress report on the institutional development plan; and such other information as the Board may deem relevant. ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 26. Suppletory Application. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292,

otherwise known as the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, shall apply suppletorily to this Act insofar as they are not inconsistent herewith.

Sec. 27. Parity Clause. - All powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities, and

limitations granted to or imposed upon state universities and colleges under existing laws shall likewise apply to PUP and its officials, to the extent applicable and consistent with this Act.

Sec. 28. Appropriations, - The amount necessary to carry out the initial

implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of PUP. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The Board shall ensure the efficient and transparent utilization of all funds in accordance with applicable laws and COA regulations.

Sec. 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from

the effectivity of this Act, the Board, in consultation with CHED and other relevant 31 stakeholders, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations necessary to

fully carry out the provisions of this Act. Failure to promulgate the implementing rules 2 and regulations within the prescribed period shall not prevent the effectivity of this 3 Act.

Sec. 30. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Sec. 31. Repealing Clause. - Presidential Decree No. 1341, entitled "Converting

the Philippine College of Commerce into a Polytechnic University, Defining its 9 Objectives, Organizational Structure and Functions, and Expanding Its Curricular 10 Offerings," is hereby repealed. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 32. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

14 its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,