The establishment of a research ethics committee (REC) is necessary in Philippine higher education institutions (HEI), but at present not all HEIs have an accredited REC. While past studies focused on how RECs are perceived by its different stakeholders, these perceptions have not been explored in the context of educational institutions without an accredited REC. The case study method was utilised in which the schools without accredited RECs served as the case in question. Using focus group discussions, the perceptions on ethical clearances, on RECs, and the absence of RECs were asked among faculty (n = 46) from 10 HEIs. The findings show that ethics approval is generally considered important. However, other perceptions about RECs exist that may have implications for institutionalising RECs. Recommendations centre on advocating ethics policies as part of the research infrastructure of an HEI.