Section 16. Privileges of Sangguniang Kabataan Officials.—

1. All Sangguniang Kabataan officials in good standing, whether elected or appointed, shall, during their incumbency:

   1. Be exempt from payment of tuition and matriculation fees while enrolled in any public tertiary school including state colleges and universities and those locally funded public educational institutions within or nearest their area of jurisdiction. The National Government, through the DILG, shall reimburse said college or university the amount of the tuition and matriculation fees;

   2. Be exempt from taking the National Service Training Program-Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) subjects. In lieu thereof, concerned Sangguniang Kabataan officials shall submit written reports, preferably with photographs, or other documentations of their participation in the implementation of programs, projects and activities as outlined in the Comprehensive Barangay Investment Program. Absence of such reports and documentations or a finding to the contrary upon verification of submitted reports, will disqualify the concerned Sangguniang Kabataan officials from this privilege. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Commission shall jointly promulgate the guidelines for the implementation of this provision;

   3. Be excused from attending their regular classes, if they are currently enrolled in any school, while attending then- regular or special Sangguniang Kabataan meetings, and the Sangguniang Barangay sessions, in case of the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson. A certification of attendance shall be issued by the Sangguniang Kabataan secretary, attested by the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson and duly noted by the Punong Barangay and shall be submitted to the concerned faculty member and the dean of the educational institution as proof of attendance. In the case of the Sangguniang Kabataan secretary, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson shall issue the certification duly noted by the Punong Barangay. In the case of the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary shall issue the certification of attendance duly noted by the Punong Barangay. Any person who shall falsely certify as to the attendance of any Sangguniang Kabataan official shall be criminally and administratively liable;

   4. Be provided by the National Government with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) coverage; and

   5. Be entitled to receive actual travelling reimbursements as may be authorized by law, and subject to the availability of funds: Provided, That, such travel is directly related to the performance of their functions as Sangguniang Kabataan officials and is supported by duly approved travel order by the Punong Barangay in the case of the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, or by the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson in the case of the other Sangguniang Kabataan officials.

   6. The Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson shall have the same privileges enjoyed by other Sangguniang Barangay officials under this Act subject to such requirements and limitations provided herein.