Dear PAO,

I am a government scholar under the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act.” Recently, a private company offered me a scholarship, promising to cover my tuition and book expenses. My question is, can I avail of another scholarship along with this government program?

Bernadette

Dear Bernadette,

In its goal to create ways and means to provide better health care and access to education, the government has established a scholarship and return service program to create opportunities for the marginalized, disadvantaged, and underprivileged individuals aspiring to pursue medicine.

Republic Act (RA) 11509, otherwise known as the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act,” instituted a government-sponsored scholarship and return service program to cover the costs and expenses for the entire duration of medical school. However, aside from setting qualifications, the law also sets disqualifications, which may render a scholar disqualified to continue availing of the said program. Under Section 7(a) of the law:

“Section 7. Disqualifications. – The scholarship grant shall terminate, and the scholar shall repay the full cost of scholarship and related benefits received, including all the expenses incurred during the participation in the scholarship program in case of the following circumstances:

“(a) If the scholar accepts another scholarship from other government or private agency or entity while enjoying the benefits under this Act; x x x”

Thus, an existing scholar may be deemed disqualified to continue receiving the benefits from the program if said scholar accepts other scholarships from the government or private institutions or entities along with the Doktor Para sa Bayan scholarship.

To answer your question, the law is explicit in prohibiting the acceptance of other scholarships, once already a scholar of the Doktor Para sa Bayan Program. You may be disqualified from availing of the benefits under the said law should you accept the offer of the private company to cover your tuition and books. Additionally, you may be required to reimburse all the costs, expenses and other benefits that you have previously received should it be proven that you have violated the provision previously stated.

We hope that we are able to answer your queries. This advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to [email protected]