Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 0088 _

Introduced by Representstive ESTRELLITA “GING” B. SUANSING

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.

‘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 not only to 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.

The urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ESTRELLITA “GING” B. SUANSING

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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND REGULAR Session

House Bill No, 0083

Introduced by Rep. ESTRELLITA “GING” B. 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 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.”

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

SEC. 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
paid in connection with the application for and the granting of licenses,
proof of identification, clearance, certificate, or other document usually
required 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 furthermore, 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 granting of a Philippine
passport by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

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SEC. 4. Proof of Graduation. To avail of the waiver authorized in this Act, a
citizen 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, 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.

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.

SEC. 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.

SEC. 6, Implementing Rules and Regulations. 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.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of

general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,

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