H Ou ’ YF REPRESENTATIVES

Republic of the Philippines
ECENVED

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE}

Quezon City 10 AUG 2016
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS as
First Regular Session By pk
House Bill No. 2821 PP YISTRATION UNIT

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Introduced by Representatives Estrellita B. Suansing an

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Here is a young person, fresh out of college, with dreams and aspirations to have a
decent opportunity and livelihood, then finding out that in order for him to reach these
dreams and aspirations, he has to shell out money to pay for the many pre-employment
documents, clearances and applications required of him by a prospective employer. Such
requirements usually include Police and/or NBI clearance, identification number and card
from the Social Security System, certification or community tax certificate from the local
government, tax identification number (TIN) and other fees to be paid, excluding
transportation fare in getting these documents.

The situation is difficult for the fresh graduate, and at times oppressive, considering
that these new graduates seek employment precisely to obtain a regular income. The family
resources are often depleted by the time of graduation because of the high costs of college
education.

This bill seeks to address this situation by providing a reasonable waiver of the fees
collected by government for various clearances, applications, licenses, and other documents
from fresh graduates wanting to work and become productive members of society. It is a
simple measure that intends to not only provide relief but also to show the State's
commitment to promote the interest of the youth. The waiver of these fees must be taken not
as a loss of revenue for the government but as an investment in labor force, which is in its
best interest to protect and promote.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.’

TRELLITA B. SUAI
1 District, Nueva Ecij

ING HORACIO P/SUANSING, JR.
2" District, Sultan Kudarat

* This bill is a re-file of House Bill No. 5088 filed during the 16" Congress.


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2821

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives Estrellita B. Suansing and Horacio P. Suansing,

AN ACT
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO FRESH GRADUATES BY WAIVING GOVERNMENT FEES
AND CHARGES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH DOCUMENTARY
REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT

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 “Fresh Graduates Pre-
Employment Assistance Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect the
interest of the youth. It shall endeavor to provide them opportunities for development by
creating policies that improve access to employment.

SECTION 3. Waiver of Fees and Charges. - All government agencies and
instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and
local government units (LGUs), shall not collect fees or charges from a fresh graduate
Filipino citizen: Provided, That such fee or charge is pain in connection with the application
for and the granting of licenses, proof of identification, clearances, certificates, or other
documents usually requires in the course of employment: Provided, further, That the person
is applying for such license, proof of identification, clearance, certificate, or other document
within one (1) year after graduation from high school, college, or any vocational or technical
course: Provided, finally, That the fees and charges to be waived shall not include those
collected in connection with the granting of a professional licensure examination by the
Professional Regulation Commission or with the granting of a Philippine passport by the
Department of Foreign Affairs

SECTION 4. Proof of Graduation. — To avail of the waiver authorized in this Act, a
fresh graduate must submit to the government agency or instrumentality concerned a copy
of his or her diploma, certification, document or communication from the academic,
vocational or technical institution from which he or she has graduated from, written or issued
to the effect that such person has indeed successfully completed the course required. The
diploma, certification, document or communication should clearly state the date of
graduation or completion and the course completed or degree earned and should be signed
by the institution's duly authorized representative.

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Such copy of the diploma, certification, document or communication submitted, even
if not original or certified true copy, shall serve as prima facie evidence of the fact and date
of graduation and shall be sufficient for the government agency to grant the waiver:
Provided, That any person found to be guilty of fabricating or falsifying any proof of
graduation as described in this Section shall be liable under Article 172 (Falsification and
Use of Falsified Documents) of the Revised Penal Code.

SECTION 5. Administrative Offense. - No government agency or instrumentality
shall issue unduly restrictive regulations for the carrying out of its provisions to render
nugatory the benefit of the waiver prescribed. Such shall constitute and administrative
offense punishable under the Administrative Code and other pertinent laws.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education, in consultation with the Civil
Service Commission and the Department of Interior and Local Government, shall issue the
relevant rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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