Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
 First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _______________
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO 
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The  enormous  stigma  associated  with  jail  time  is  immensely  felt  in  our
Philippine society. Since most employment opportunities require clearance from the
Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, most Filipinos
who were formerly prisoners face a stumbling block to being considered for a job,
let alone having competitive compensation for such. 
Worldwide statistics show that as many as 60 percent of ex-prisoners are
unemployed  one  year  after  their  release  from  prison.  This  results  in  a  lack  of
income,  leading  to  trouble financially supporting  themselves  and their  families.
Often, this may put them at higher risk of alcohol and drug abuse, especially those
with a history of drug problems.
If we can provide decent employment opportunities for these individuals,
they can acquire income but also rebuild their identities, establish healthy social
interactions and meaningful relationships, and be given a renewed sense of purpose
and stability. All of which will highly avoid the chances of recidivism.
It is for these reasons that this bill is earnestly sought.
ALFRED C. DELOS SANTOS
Representative, Ang Probinsyano Party-List
July 13, 2022
4:43 pm
1918


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
 First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _______________
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO 
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos
AN ACT
ENCOURAGING THE EMPLOYMENT OF FORMER PRISONER IN THE PRIVATE
SECTOR AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the
Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION  1. Short  Title. – This Act  shall be known as the “Bagong  Laya,
Bagong Buhay Act of 2022.”
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to aid former
prisoners to continue their reformation and help them reintegrate into society after
they have been released from prison.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For the purposes of this Act:
a) Business  establishments  refer  to  private  companies  that  employ
former prisoners.
b) Committee refers to the Committee on Employment Opportunities for
Former Prisoners under the Department of Justice.
c) Former prisoners refer to those convicted by  the  final judgment and
who have been released on probation, parole, pardon, or after having
served their sentences.
SECTION 4. Tax Incentives for Private Business Establishments. – Upon the
effectivity of this Act, business establishments that will employ former prisoners as
employees shall be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income,
equivalent to twenty percent (20%) of the total amount paid as salaries, wages, and
health benefits to former prisoners, subject to the provision of Section 34 of the
NIRC, as amended: Provided, however, That such employment shall continue for a
period of at least six (6) months.
1918


SECTION  5.  Implementing  Rules  and  Regulations. –  The  Secretary  of  the
Department of Justice and the Department of Labor and Employment shall, within
thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, issue such rules and regulations
necessary for the proper implementation of the provisions of this law.
SECTION 6. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation
of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following
its enactment into law and thereafter. An initial amount of One Hundred Million
Pesos (P100,000,000.00) shall be allocated for the first year of its implementation.
SECTION  7.  Repealing  Clause. –  All  laws,  executive  orders,  executive
issuances,  or  letters  of  instructions,  or  any  part  thereof,  inconsistent  with  or
contrary to the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.
SECTION 8. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any section or provision
of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts thereof not
affected shall remain valid.
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,