· , 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. 12J 6 
Introduced by Senator Poe 
Explanatory Note 
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AUG ,-6 fll0 :32 
It is not surprising that a young person, fresh out of college and aspiring to have a decent 
opportunity and livelihood, finds himself at a loss on how to pay for the many pre-employment 
documents, clearances and applications required of him by a prospective employer. 
The 
requirements include Police or NBI Clearance, identification card or number from Social 
Security System, certification or community tax certificate from the local government, tax 
identification number (or TIN) and other fees to be paid, 
The situation is somewhat difficult and at times oppressive considering that the new 
graduates are usually seeking employment precisely to obtain a regular income for the first time 
and that by the time a student graduates, the family resources are often severely depleted 
because of the high costs of a college education, 
This bill seeks to address this situation not by means of a dole-out, but by a reasonable 
waiver of the fees collected by govermnent for various clearances, applications, licenses, and 
other documents from fresh graduates wanting to work and to be 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 of this bill is eamestly sought. 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PIDLIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. 
1216 
Introduced by Senator Poe 
AN ACT 
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AUG -6 roo :32 
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO FRESH GRADUATES BY WAIVING GOVERNMENT 
FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH DOCUMENTARY 
REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT 
Be it enaoted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as "Fresh Graduates Pre-employment 
Assistance Act of 2013." 
Section 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. 
Section 3. Waiver offees and charges. All govermnent agencies and instrumentalities, 
including govermnent-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 
employmen; Provided further, that the person is applying for such license, proof of 
identification, clearance, certificate, or other doclUnent 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 
ofa Philippine passport by the Department of Foreign Affairs. 
Section 4. Proof of Graduation. To avail of the waiver authorized this Act, a citizen 
must submit to the govermnent 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 trne 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 be 
issue unduly restrictive regulations for the carrying out of its provisions to render nugatory the 
benefit of the waiver prescribed. Such shall constitute an administrative offense punishable under 
the Administrative Code and other pertinent laws. 
Section 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. 
Section 7. Effectivity. This shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in at least 
two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,