MANILA, Philippines: The passage of the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act" would only exacerbate the difficulties faced by private schools that are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the chairman of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (Cocopea).

The law, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last March 11, would allow disadvantaged and indigent students to take examinations even if they fail to complete the requirements before taking the tests.

In an interview with The Manila Times, Cocopea Chairman and Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP) President Fr. Albert Delvo said that there was no need for the bill to be passed as they had been very lenient to students who missed their payments through the issuance of a promissory note.

"When parents approach us and talk to us and give ample explanations, we have been compassionate and understanding and welcoming, and being embarrassed is not enough reason [for the law to be passed]" Delvo said.

Delvo said that the law will not help them in recovering the pandemic, as schools who have limited resources will resort to loans just to keep themselves running while waiting for payments from students.

"Given the condition, we have so many promissory notes, and it will further increase due to this law. On my part, the situation is exacerbating, as it could slow or delay our recovery as we will be forced, especially schools with limited resources, to find funding to run them," Delvo said.

Delvo urged the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Skills and Education Development Authority, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to include the Cocopea in the crafting of the implementing rules and regulations as they do not want the issuance of indigency certificates to be "highly politicized."

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