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CEIVED
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) ie 21 oct 2013
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 4 co

First Regular Session ) ie
sa? INDEX B
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wal NDEX 2

H.B. No. Sf 36

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE MARK A. VILLAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is not surprising for a young person, fresh out of college and aspiring to
have a decent opportunity and livelihood, to find 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 government 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 highly recommended



SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

3196

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE MARK A. VILLAR

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 “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 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.


Section 4. Proof of Graduation. To avail of the waiver authorized by 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 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 eamed,
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

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,