Republic Act No. 12262: An act recognizing singapore school cebu as an educational institution of international character, and granting certain prerogatives conducive to its development and growth

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 12262, September 05, 2025 ]

AN ACT RECOGNIZING SINGAPORE SCHOOL CEBU AS AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER, AND GRANTING CERTAIN PREROGATIVES CONDUCIVE TO ITS DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1

Singapore School Cebu, herein referred to as the School, is hereby recognized as an educational institution of international character authorized to operate educational programs that primarily and principally adhere to universally accepted and recognized educational policies.

Section 2

The School shall use the registered name "Singapore School Cebu Corp.", and be governed by a Board of Directors, herein referred to as the Board, elected in accordance with its corporate character.

Section 3

To enable the School to continue carrying out its educational program, improve its standard of instruction, and meet the special needs of the foreign temporary resident community for quality education. It shall:

(a)Accept applicant for admission, regardless of nationality, in accordance with its own eligibility standards and rules for admission, and grade placement: Provided, That no single alien nationality shall consist more than one-third of the entire student population in a given school year, as stated in the records of the School, except in case of dependents of foreign diplomatic personnel or other foreign temporary residents, as may be provided by law;

(b)Whenever necessary to carry out its objectives, have the right to obtain leases on real properties, acquire personal properties, tangible or intangible, or any interests in such properties other than real, by purchase, lease, barter, donation, or gift, and dispose of, mortgage, or encumber them for the benefit of the School concerned, subject to the limitations provided by law;

(c)Be managed and administered by a Head of School who is a Filipino citizen, and who possesses the qualifications prescribed by the Board;

(d)Upon consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), determine its own curriculum, teach whatever language or languages it may deem proper, and determine the amount of fees and assessments which may be reasonably imposed upon its learners and students, to maintain or conform to the School's standards of education;

(e)Maintain the international standards of education compatible with those obtained in similar schools of generally recognized standing;

(f)Employ its own teaching and management personnel selected by the Board either locally or abroad, from the Philippines or other countries or nationalities, such foreign personnel being exempt from otherwise applicable laws and regulations attending their employment, except laws that have been or will be enacted for the protection of employees: Provided, That such exemption shall not extend to their liability for income taxes, unless otherwise provided by a bilateral agreement: Provided, further, That the School shall give priority to hiring locally qualified teaching and management personnel;

(g)Promote international friendship, goodwill, and understanding among members of the foreign community and the citizens of the Philippines; and (h) Not to teach anything derogatory to the prestige and well-being of the Philippines and its people, nor those which will subvert its institution and government.

Section 4

Notwithstanding the recognition and prerogatives under this Act, the School shall be under the supervision and regulation of the DepEd and shall adhere to the basic laws and the rules and regulations of the DepEd governing international or foreign school.

Section 5

Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DepEd shall, in consultation with the members of the Board, issue the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act.

Section 6

If any part or provision of this Act is subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 7

Notwithstanding the non-issuance of the rules and regulations under Section 5 herein, this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

| (SGD.) FRANCIS "CHIZ" G. ESCUDERO President of the Senate | (SGD.) FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ Speaker of the House of Representatives |

This Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was passed by the House of Representatives on February 3, 2025, amended by the Senate of the Philippines on June 9, 2025, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on June 10, 2025.

RENATO N. BANTUG, JR.

Secretary of the Senate

REGINALD S. VELASCO

Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: SEP 05 2025

FERDINAND ROMUALDEZ MARCOS JR.

President of the Philippines

For information and research only, and not legal advice. This text may not reflect later amendments. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.

In plain language