Students and parents alike in Batangas welcomed the signing of the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act" by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

The Act aims to address concerns of students being unable to take exams due to unpaid school fees.

Republic Act No. 11984 or the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act" grants disadvantaged students nationwide, whether in public or private schools, the right to take exams even if they have outstanding tuition or school fees during the period of periodic or final exams.

The law covers students in K-12 institutions, higher education, and technical-vocational courses lasting more than one year.

"May mga estudyante pong gusto pong makapagtapos na kulang sa budget… dapat po hindi nila hinahanapan ng permit," Christian Berja, a college student, said.

"Mahirap pong mag-review, at the same time pressure po, tapos po may financial problem nga po," Christian Ayson, another college student, added.

For many parents, obtaining permits for their children to take exams has been a significant concern.

"Kailangang magpursigeng mapunuan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang tuition fee. Kailangang makumpleto mo 'yung [requirements sa] exam nila para makakuha [sila] ng exam," Renato Saligao, a parent, said.

"Kung talagang tunay ang balitang 'yan, ay napakalaking kaluwagan sa amin... hindi na iikot ang puwet [namin]," Ding Mendoza, another parent, added.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will oversee the certification of students affected who fall under justifiable reasons.

Schools are still allowed to require students to submit promissory notes and withhold their credentials until payment is completed. 

The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette and in newspapers.