House, Senate OK bill giving Duterte flexibility on school reopening

The House and Senate have approved bills giving President Duterte flexibility to adjust the start date for the school year amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

House Bill 6895 and Senate Bill 1541 both amend Section 3 of RA 7797, allowing the President to set a different opening date upon recommendation from the Education Secretary during states of emergency or calamity.

The bills cover all basic education institutions including foreign schools and would grant Duterte authority to delay class openings beyond August if necessary.