Under the New Law, the class opening for Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021 maybe changed by the President.

The previous law under the Republic Act (RA) 7797 states that the class opening must begin anytime from June to August. 

However, the new law, the Republic Act (RA) No. 11480 which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, the law says that it empowers the Chief Executive to make adjustment of the class opening of the school year upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

According to the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday during the Palace press briefing, the new law gives the President ‘flexibility’ to adjust the school opening when the country is dealing with a national calamity or emergency. 

“Babaguhin pa ba ni Presidente ang pagbubukas ng klase? Malinaw na ang batas ay nakabase sa rekomendasyon ng Secretary of Education at ang pagbubukas sa ngayon sa 24 ng Agosto.

“Ang desisyon ngayon ay August 24. Unless magkakaroon ng bagong rekomendasyon ang ating Kalihim ng Education baka hindi mabago ang school opening” he said. 

Similar report published on Manila Bulletin, stating that Education Secretary Leonor Briones expressed thankfulness to President Duterte for signing the new law, the RA 11480 that amended RA 7797 mandating the Secretary of Education to make recommendation to the President for the adjustment of the school calendar in times of calamity and emergency.

The secretary of education should also determine the end of the regular school year, taking consideration the summer vacation and Christmas season as well as the peculiar circumstances of each region. Under the law, the secretary of education has also power to utilize the holding of Saturday classes for elementary level as well as the secondary for the public and private schools.

The new law takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper.