RA 12310: Philippine Science High School System Expansion Act

How Republic Act No. 12310 expands the PSHS System, repeals the 1997 charter, and what it means for scholars and campuses.

Last reviewed: September 21, 2026General legal information, not legal advice

RA 12310: Philippine Science High School System Expansion Act

What happened: Republic Act No. 12310, signed October 3, 2025, repeals RA 8496 (1997) and expands the governance, campuses, and funding of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System.

Legal question

What changed in the governance and funding of the Philippine Science High School System?

Applicable laws and rules to discuss

Why this matters

PSHS campuses train the country's top science and math scholars toward STEM careers. Expanding the System's governance and appropriating dedicated funds affects admission slots, new regional campuses, and scholar benefits for years to come.

The legal frame

RA 12310 repeals the 28-year-old RA 8496 charter and restates the PSHS System's mandate, governance structure under the Department of Science and Technology, and appropriations for expansion, consistent with the State's policy to strengthen science and technology human resource development.

Who this affects

Prospective PSHS scholars and their families, current PSHS faculty and staff, and local government units hosting or seeking a PSHS campus should watch for DOST implementing rules on new campuses and admission cycles.

Practical discussion points

Families can ask PHLaw.AI how PSHS admission and scholarship benefits work, or what the Act's transitory provisions say about existing PSHS personnel and ongoing scholars.

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Try: "What does Republic Act No. 12310 change about Philippine Science High School admissions and campuses?"

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