Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11899 (Second Congressional Commission on Education Act)

Objectives and Mandate:
- Set specific, measurable, and time-bound solutions for improving education (Section 3a)
- Develop a holistic, harmonized education ecosystem by reviewing mandates of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA (Section 3b)
- Prioritize digital transformation, science, technology, and innovation in education (Section 3c)
- Promote development of 21st century skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration (Section 3d)
- Institutionalize reforms for alternative learning modes and response to Fourth Industrial Revolution (Section 3e)
- Recommend adoption of relevant assessment tools based on global practices (Section 3f)

Creation and Composition:
- Creates a Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) (Section 4)
- Composed of 10 members, 5 from Senate and 5 from House of Representatives (Section 5)
- Chaired by Senate and House Committee Chairpersons on Education (Section 5)
- Members receive no compensation but are allowed necessary expenses (Section 5)
- Mandate to be accomplished within 3 years from organization (Section 6)

Powers and Functions:
- Review, assess, and evaluate formal and alternative learning systems at all levels (Section 7a)
- Recommend improvements in harmonization of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA policies and programs (Section 7b)
- Formulate short-term and long-term policy recommendations on sectoral plans, governance, infrastructure, trainings, financing, and coordination (Section 7c)
- Approve workplan, budget, and disbursements, including personnel compensation (Section 7d)
- Hire and appoint employees, personnel, and consultants (Section 7e)
- Hold hearings, receive testimonies, reports, and expert advice (Section 7f)
- Summon public officials or private persons to testify or produce documents (Section 7g)
- Secure assistance, information, reports, and recommendations from government agencies (Section 7h)
- Conduct multi-stakeholder consultations (Section 7i)
- Collaborate with innovative industries for sharing information on specialized training programs (Section 7j)
- Review and act upon recommendations of Technical Secretariat or Standing Committees (Section 7k)
- Report to Congress periodically, provide final report with roadmap and key performance indicators (Section 7l)
- Recommend additional legislation (Section 7m)
- Formulate rules and guidelines for implementation (Section 7n)
- Exercise other necessary powers to achieve the Act's purposes (Section 7o)

National Assessment and Evaluation Scope:
- Review observance of mandates of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA laws (Section 8a)
- Determine factors contributing to failure in meeting desired standards (Section 8b)
- Recommend specific, targeted, and time-bound solutions for improving performance (Section 8c)
- Identify best practices of national and international educational institutions (Section 8d)
- Propose monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure timely achievement of targets (Section 8e)
- Determine role of local government units in delivering basic education services (Section 8f)
- Reduce gap between higher education outcomes and labor market competencies (Section 8g)
- Adopt trends in quality and performance evaluation, teaching and learning methods, assessment, governance, and school designs (Section 8h)

Standing Committees and Technical Secretariat:
- Establish Standing Committees chaired by members or experts, engage resource persons (Section 9)
- Include National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Philippine Sports Commission in consultations (Section 9)
- Organize a Technical Secretariat headed by an Executive Director to provide support (Section 10)
- Executive Director to be appointed by the Commission, with rank and privileges of Executive Director IV (Section 11)

Research Arm and Advisory Council:
- Philippine Institute for Development Studies to serve as research arm (Section 12)
- Education, Legislation and Policy Advisory Council created to provide expert assistance and advice (Section 13)
- Advisory Council members chosen by Senate President and Speaker from academe, business, government agencies, LGUs, civil society, and development partners (Section 13)

Appropriations and Effectivity:
- Initial implementation charged against available appropriations of Senate and House (Section 14)
- Subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations Act (Section 14)
- Separability clause for invalid provisions (Section 15)
- Repealing clause for inconsistent laws and issuances (Section 16)
- Effectivity 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper (Section 17)