PCU Dasma 47.5% tuition fee increase, is this legal?
For context, I'm an upcoming Grade 12 STEM student here at PCU-D. Currently, the university is facing backlash from students, parents, for implementing a 47.5% tuition fee increase - all without public consultation or proper notice. Hindi namin malalaman na nagtaas ang tf kung hindi dahil sa mga upcoming g12 students na nagtanong about said tf. Dagdag mo pa na hanggang ngayon, despite the community speaking up and demanding the university for clarity, walang imik ang PCU-D.
NAL, pero ayon sa RA 6139, any private institution proposing to increase the tuition shall:
- At least 180 days before the school year, semester, or term which the increase is to be effective, it shall serve written notice thereof on the student council or government or in case of schools or courses below the college or university level, on the Association of Parents, or in default thereof, the Parents-Teachers Association of the school concerned.
- The notice of the proposal to increase shall, among other things, state the following: (1) the current fees or charges and the amount of increase (2) the reason or reasons for the proposed increase (3) the semester term or school year in which the increase is proposed to take effect, and (4) a statement that if no opposition is filed until the thirtieth day from the posting of the notice, the increase shall become effective under this Act.
However, according to RA 6139, sec.7, in cases of extraordinary causes, such as fluctuations in currency, strikes, and other unforeseable occurrences the prescribed time periods for Section 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) is to be halved (3b lang hindi from 100 to 60 days).
In our case, there was no clear notice from the university, nor were we provided breakdown of fees, and reason/s why the increase was necessary.
All I'm asking, is this legal? Are these sufficient grounds for violation against the university? How can I report them to higher institutions?
Please redirect me if this is not the correct sub.