REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1228

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES ENRICO A. PINEDA and
MICHAEL ODYLON L. ROMERO, PhD.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the more critical resources of the country that has been contributing much
to the improvement of its economy is its labor force. It accounts for over half of the
national population placing the Philippines 13" in the world among countries with the
most available pool of workers. The abundance of labor in the Philippines, plus the fact
of having one of the more educated and highly skilled people in our side of the world,
makes the country one of the more attractive havens for investments.

In that regard, protection of the labor force has been an imperative for the
government and no less that the Philippine Constitution provides that the state shall
protect the rights of the workers and promote their welfare. Consequently, numerous
laws have been enacted regulating regular work hours, mandating a minimum wage, rest
periods and overtime pay, among others and many regard that the Philippine labor
policy is one that is more biased to labor.

However, much has to be achieved to ensure that the labor force is made aware of
the rights and privileges extended by the existing labor policies. It is but fitting that
individuals undergoing tertiary education, before they are immersed into work and be
part of the labor force, be educated of the labor laws through a compulsory subject offered
in college.

This proposed bill was filed in the 17% Congress, underwent thorough
deliberations and was subsequently passed on the Third Reading. Hence, immediate
passage of this measure is earnestly prayed for.

ENRICO A. PINEDA MICHAEY ODYLON L. ROMERO, PhD
1PACMAN 1PACMAN


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. ieee

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES ENRICO A. PINEDA and
MICHAEL ODYLON L. ROMERO, PhD.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

AN ACT INTEGRATING LABOR EDUCATION INTO THE SOCIAL SCIENCE
SUBJECTS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Labor Education Act”.

SECTION 2. It is the policy of the State to protect the rights of workers and promote
their welfare, living and working conditions, and terms of employment. Towards this
end, the State shall put in place a mechanism to educate the youth on the rights and
welfare of the workers and promote a society that is responsive and sensitive to the needs
of the labor sector.

SECTION 3. As used in this Act:

(a) Higher Education Curriculum refers to the general education curriculum designed
for students taking up courses in higher education institutions leading to a degree;

(b) Labor Education refers to the teaching of labor rights, workers’ welfare and
benefits, core labor standards, labor laws and regulations, the national and global
labor situation, labor market concerns, labor issues, overseas work and related
problems, the nature of human labor, the role of labor in the self-realization of
the human being, the foundations of the dignity of labor and other topics related
to labor and employment;

(©) Social Science subjects refer to subjects pertaining to the branches of science that
deal with the institutions, functioning and aspects of human society and the
inter-personal relationships of individuals as members of society.

SECTION 4. Labor education shall be integrated into the mandatory social sciences
subjects being offered under the general education curriculum in the higher education
courses.


The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), pursuant to its mandate under
Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the Higher Education Act of 1994,” shall
develop the program to execute and implement this Act.

SECTION 5. If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or unconstitutional, the same
shall not affect the validity and effectivity of other provisions.

SECTION 6. All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions, rules and regulations
contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby amended, repealed
or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,