Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Brian Yamsuan has filed House Bill No. 8618 seeking to prohibit schools from barring students with unpaid fees or obligations from joining graduation ceremonies.
He said graduation is a “sacred” milestone that should not be denied to students who have completed academic requirements, regardless of financial status.
The bill covers basic education, higher education, and technical-vocational institutions, while still allowing schools to collect unpaid balances through legal means.
It also permits schools to withhold diplomas and other records until obligations are settled and requires proper certification for financially disadvantaged students.
Violating institutions may face administrative sanctions from DepEd, CHED, or TESDA under the proposed measure.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 17, 2026
HOUSE BILL SEEKS TO ALLOW GRADUATION MARCH EVEN WITH UNPAID SCHOOL FEES
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