For many families, graduation season is both joyful and stressful. A school may announce payments for toga rental, venue, programs, flowers, photos, yearbooks, class gifts, or “graduation contribution,” and parents may wonder: Can the school really make this mandatory before a child can graduate, attend the ceremony, or receive school records? In the Philippines, the answer depends on the type of school and the nature of the fee—but for public basic education, mandatory graduation fees are generally prohibited.
General Rule: Public Schools Cannot Require Mandatory Graduation Fees
For public elementary and secondary schools under DepEd, graduation and moving-up ceremonies must be simple, meaningful, and accessible. Public schools should not make learners, parents, or teachers pay mandatory graduation fees.
This applies to charges labeled as:
- graduation fee
- moving-up fee
- completion fee
- toga fee
- venue contribution
- stage decoration contribution
- program or souvenir contribution
- teacher gift contribution
- mandatory PTA graduation share
- “voluntary” contribution that is actually required
DepEd has repeatedly reminded schools of the No Collection Policy, including for graduation and moving-up rites. DepEd regional and division issuances for School Year 2025–2026 also reiterated that no fees or contributions should be collected for graduation or moving-up ceremonies, and that ceremonies should avoid excessive spending.
Useful official references include DepEd announcements through the Philippine Information Agency on simple, free graduation rites and DepEd-related reminders on the no-collection policy.
Public vs. Private Schools: The Rules Are Different
The first practical question is: Is the school public or private?
| Type of school | Can it charge graduation-related fees? | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Public elementary or high school | Generally no mandatory graduation fees | Contributions must not be required, and participation should not depend on payment |
| Private basic education school | May charge approved and properly disclosed fees | Fees must comply with DepEd rules and cannot be arbitrary, hidden, or coercive |
| State university or college | Generally covered by free tuition and other school fees under RA 10931, subject to rules | Some optional or non-covered items may still be charged if lawful and disclosed |
| Private college or university | May impose approved tuition and other school fees | Fees must comply with CHED rules, school policies, and disclosure requirements |
Legal Basis in the Philippines
The Constitutional right to accessible education
The 1987 Constitution requires the State to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education and to make education accessible. This is the reason public school policies strongly discourage fees that burden poor families, especially fees connected to ceremonies rather than instruction.
Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, or the Education Act of 1982
Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, also known as the Education Act of 1982, governs public and private schools in the Philippines.
For private schools, Section 42 recognizes that a private school may determine tuition and other school fees, but these charges are subject to government rules. In simple terms: private schools can charge fees, but not in any manner they want.
The fee must generally be:
- authorized by law or regulation;
- properly disclosed;
- part of approved school charges, when required;
- reasonable and connected to a legitimate school purpose;
- not imposed in a deceptive, coercive, or discriminatory way.
Republic Act No. 10931 for public higher education
Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, provides free tuition and other school fees in covered state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, and state-run technical-vocational institutions, subject to its implementing rules.
This matters because some public college students are still asked to pay graduation-related charges. The school may need to distinguish between:
- covered tuition and other school fees;
- optional graduation items;
- alumni association dues;
- yearbook fees;
- photos;
- toga rental;
- tickets for guests;
- other non-academic extras.
A public higher education institution should be careful not to disguise a mandatory school fee as a “graduation contribution.”
What Counts as a Mandatory Graduation Fee?
A fee is likely mandatory if the school, teacher, PTA, department, student council, or graduation committee says or implies that non-payment will cause any of the following:
- the student cannot join graduation;
- the student cannot march on stage;
- the student cannot receive a diploma or certificate;
- the student’s name will be removed from the program;
- report cards, Form 137, transcript, good moral certificate, or clearance will be withheld;
- the student will be embarrassed, excluded, or publicly listed as unpaid;
- parents must pay before the child can attend rehearsals or ceremonies.
Even if the school calls it “voluntary,” it may still be treated as mandatory if families are pressured to pay.
Voluntary Contributions Are Allowed Only If Truly Voluntary
A PTA, student group, or graduation committee may suggest voluntary contributions for food, decorations, flowers, class tokens, or other extras. But “voluntary” must mean exactly that.
A lawful voluntary contribution should have these features:
- Parents are clearly told that payment is optional.
- Non-payment has no effect on graduation, grades, clearance, or records.
- No student is shamed or singled out.
- There is transparency on the amount, purpose, and liquidation.
- Parents can decline without needing to explain.
- The school does not use teachers or advisers to pressure families.
A contribution becomes problematic when it is collected through a class adviser, included in clearance, or treated as a condition for participation.
Can a School Withhold a Diploma, Transcript, or Report Card for Unpaid Graduation Fees?
For public basic education, withholding records because of unpaid mandatory graduation fees is highly questionable, especially if the fee should not have been collected in the first place.
For private schools, the issue is more nuanced. Schools may have rules on unpaid lawful accounts, but they should not use improper charges or undisclosed graduation fees to block a student’s legitimate school records.
Parents should distinguish between:
| Situation | Practical legal view |
|---|---|
| Unpaid tuition or approved school fees in a private school | School may have contractual remedies, subject to DepEd/CHED rules |
| Unpaid mandatory graduation fee in a public school | Generally improper |
| Unpaid optional yearbook, photo package, or alumni shirt | Should not block graduation or academic records |
| Unpaid PTA contribution labeled “voluntary” | Should not affect the student |
| Unpaid toga rental for actual use | School may collect the rental if agreed, but should not make it a barrier to academic completion |
Common Graduation Fees and Whether They Can Be Required
| Fee or item | Public school | Private school |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation fee | Generally not mandatory | Only if lawful, disclosed, and allowed under school rules |
| Toga rental | Should not be mandatory if it burdens families; schools often use simple attire | May be charged if disclosed and reasonably optional or part of approved charges |
| Graduation photo package | Optional | Optional unless properly disclosed, but forcing a specific supplier may be questioned |
| Yearbook | Optional | Optional; should not be a condition for graduation |
| Class ring | Optional | Optional; cannot reasonably be required for academic completion |
| Alumni fee | Usually optional unless clearly authorized | Must be disclosed and lawful |
| Venue fee | Public schools should avoid passing this to parents as mandatory | May be charged if approved and disclosed |
| Teacher gift or token | Voluntary only | Voluntary only |
| Graduation ball | Optional | Optional |
What Parents Can Do If a School Demands Mandatory Graduation Fees
If you are a parent or student, avoid starting with confrontation. In many cases, the issue is resolved once the school is asked to put the basis of the fee in writing.
Step 1: Ask for the written basis of the fee
Politely ask:
- What is the exact fee called?
- Is it mandatory or voluntary?
- What DepEd, CHED, school board, or school policy authorizes it?
- Is it included in the approved schedule of fees?
- What happens if the parent cannot pay?
- Will non-payment affect graduation, records, or clearance?
Ask for a copy of the circular, memorandum, PTA resolution, or approved fee schedule.
Step 2: Do not rely only on verbal announcements
Many problematic collections happen through group chats, class advisers, or informal meetings. Save copies of:
- class GC announcements;
- payment reminders;
- receipts;
- assessment forms;
- clearance forms;
- PTA resolutions;
- screenshots saying students cannot march if unpaid;
- names of school personnel who made the demand.
Step 3: Talk to the adviser or school head first
For public schools, start with the class adviser, then the principal or school head. Many division offices expect parents to try school-level resolution first unless the situation is urgent.
Use calm wording:
“We respectfully ask whether this graduation contribution is mandatory. If it is voluntary, may we confirm that non-payment will not affect my child’s graduation, participation, clearance, or school records?”
Step 4: Escalate to the Schools Division Office
If the school insists on collection, bring the concern to the DepEd Schools Division Office that supervises the school.
Prepare:
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Student’s name, grade, section, and school | Identifies the case |
| Written demand or screenshot | Shows the fee was required |
| Receipt or payment slip, if any | Proves collection |
| Clearance form showing the fee | Shows it affects graduation or records |
| Parent statement | Explains what happened |
| Names of personnel involved | Helps the division investigate |
Step 5: For private basic education schools, file with DepEd
Private elementary and high schools are also under DepEd regulation for basic education. If the dispute involves a private school, ask whether the fee was included in the school’s approved or disclosed schedule of fees.
Your complaint should focus on:
- lack of prior disclosure;
- the fee being imposed late in the school year;
- coercive collection;
- withholding records;
- making optional items mandatory;
- excessive or unreasonable charges.
Step 6: For colleges and universities, go to CHED
For higher education institutions, especially private colleges and universities, complaints usually go to the appropriate CHED Regional Office.
For state universities and colleges, also check the school’s Office of Student Affairs, Registrar, and governing board policies, especially if the fee conflicts with RA 10931 or free higher education rules.
Practical Timeline for Complaints
| Step | Usual timeline |
|---|---|
| Ask school for written basis | Same day to 3 school days |
| Meeting with adviser or principal | 1 to 7 school days |
| Written complaint to DepEd division or CHED regional office | File as soon as possible, especially before graduation |
| Initial agency action or referral | Often 1 to 3 weeks, depending on urgency and workload |
| Full resolution | May take several weeks or longer if records, hearings, or refunds are involved |
If graduation is only days away, mark the complaint as urgent and clearly state the graduation date.
What If the Parent Already Paid?
If the fee was unlawfully collected, you may request a refund, but expect the school to ask for proof of payment.
Prepare:
- official receipt or acknowledgment receipt;
- GCash or bank transfer proof;
- class treasurer acknowledgment;
- screenshot of payment instruction;
- copy of the circular requiring payment;
- written request for refund.
If the payment was made to a PTA, class officer, or graduation committee, ask for liquidation. If funds were handled by non-school personnel, the school may still need to explain its role if teachers or officials helped enforce the collection.
Special Issues for Foreign Students and Filipino Families Abroad
Foreign parents and overseas Filipino parents often face the same problem but with added communication barriers.
If the parent is abroad
You can authorize a relative in the Philippines to handle the complaint. The school or agency may ask for:
- signed authorization letter;
- copy of parent’s valid ID or passport;
- copy of authorized representative’s valid ID;
- student’s ID or enrollment proof;
- proof of relationship, if relevant.
If the document will be used formally and signed abroad, notarization or apostille may be requested depending on the office. For simple school-level concerns, many schools accept a scanned authorization and valid IDs, but government offices may be stricter.
If the student is a foreigner
Foreign students in Philippine schools generally follow the same school policies on fees. However, private schools may have different published rates for foreign students. The key question remains the same: Was the graduation charge properly disclosed, lawful, and not coercive?
A foreign student should not be forced to buy optional graduation items like yearbooks, class rings, photo packages, or alumni merchandise as a condition for academic completion.
Red Flags That a Graduation Fee May Be Illegal or Improper
Be cautious if the school or class group says:
- “No payment, no march.”
- “No payment, no diploma.”
- “No payment, no Form 137 or transcript.”
- “Everyone must pay even if they will not attend.”
- “This is voluntary but required for clearance.”
- “Do not complain because your child’s name may be removed.”
- “Pay through the adviser’s GCash.”
- “The amount was decided by the PTA, so all parents must comply.”
- “The yearbook/photo package/class ring is required.”
These statements are especially serious in public schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can public schools in the Philippines collect graduation fees?
Generally, no. Public schools should not require mandatory graduation or moving-up fees. Graduation rites should be simple and should not financially burden learners, parents, or teachers.
Can a PTA require parents to pay for graduation expenses?
A PTA may support school activities, but contributions should be voluntary. A PTA resolution cannot override DepEd’s no-collection policy or make a public school graduation fee mandatory.
Can my child be stopped from joining graduation because I did not pay?
In a public school, non-payment of a graduation contribution should not be used to stop a learner from joining graduation or moving-up rites. In a private school, the school must still show that the charge is lawful, properly disclosed, and not merely an optional item being forced on students.
Is toga rental mandatory?
Not automatically. Public schools should avoid requiring expenses that burden families. Private schools may arrange toga rentals, but the charge should be disclosed, reasonable, and not used unfairly to block graduation.
Are yearbooks and graduation photos required?
Usually no. Yearbooks, photo packages, class rings, alumni shirts, and similar items are generally optional. A student should not be forced to buy them as a condition for graduation or release of academic records.
Can a private school charge a graduation fee?
A private school may charge lawful and properly disclosed school fees, including graduation-related fees in some cases. However, hidden, sudden, excessive, or coercive charges may be questioned before DepEd or CHED.
What office handles complaints about graduation fees?
For public and private basic education schools, complaints usually go to DepEd, starting with the school head and then the Schools Division Office. For colleges and universities, complaints generally go to the appropriate CHED Regional Office.
Can the school withhold records because of unpaid graduation fees?
For public schools, withholding records over a prohibited or mandatory graduation contribution is highly questionable. For private schools, unpaid lawful school accounts may raise separate issues, but optional graduation items should not be treated as academic requirements.
What should I do if graduation is already next week?
Act immediately. Ask the school in writing whether the fee is mandatory and whether non-payment will affect participation or records. If the answer is unclear or coercive, file an urgent written complaint with the DepEd Schools Division Office or CHED Regional Office and attach screenshots or payment demands.
Key Takeaways
- Public schools generally cannot require mandatory graduation fees.
- A fee is not truly voluntary if non-payment affects graduation, clearance, records, or participation.
- PTAs, class officers, and graduation committees cannot force parents to pay prohibited charges.
- Private schools may charge lawful and disclosed fees, but hidden, excessive, or coercive graduation charges can be challenged.
- Yearbooks, graduation photos, class rings, alumni items, and teacher gifts are generally optional.
- Keep screenshots, receipts, circulars, and clearance forms before filing a complaint.
- For basic education, raise the issue with the school head and DepEd Schools Division Office.
- For colleges and universities, bring the concern to CHED or the school’s proper grievance office.