President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a measure that would have strengthened the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and declared it the National Polytechnic University.

Malacañang cited the university’s non-compliance with key assessment requirements as the reason for the rejection.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro confirmed the veto on Friday, saying that the President rejected the bill because PUP has yet to undergo a mandated assessment process outlined in a 2016 directive.

“The bill in question was vetoed by the President because there was a directive as early as 2016 that an assessment should be conducted,” Castro explained. “As of now, it appears that the said school has not complied with the assessment requirement.”

While specific deficiencies were not detailed, Castro emphasized that the decision was based on a broader review of the institution’s qualifications and performance.

Despite the veto, Castro conveyed the Palace’s continued support for PUP’s development, contingent on the university fulfilling the necessary criteria for the bill’s enactment.

“The President remains hopeful that PUP will still attain national university status once it fulfills all the necessary requirements,” she said.