27 SEP 2016

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) a ft
First Regular Session ) Ye"
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No.3.799

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

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

Based on the Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics
Authority, the unemployment rate in July 2016 was estimated at 5.4 percent. Among
the regions, CALABARZON (7.6%), National Capital Region (NCR) (6.5%), Central
Luzon (6.2%), and Northern Mindanao (6.1%) were the regions with the highest
unemployment rates.

Among the unemployed persons in July 2016, 60.7 percent were males. Of the
total unemployed, the age group 15 to 24 years comprised 48.2 percent, while the age
group 25 to 34, 28.2 percent. By educational attainment, 21.9 percent of the
unemployed were college graduates, 14.4 percent were college undergraduates, and
28.1 percent were high school graduates. *

The unemployment rate for the age group 15 to 24 years old is significant and
it is important to assist individuals belonging to this group since they are part of the
population that are entering the labor force.

Every year, the government tries to improve employment facilitation strategies
and address the country’s job-skills mismatch problem.

To assist new graduates who are applying for first time employment, this bill
seeks to mitigate the expenses incurred by graduates by waiving fees collected by
government agencies for various pre-employment documents, clearances, and
mandatory memberships to government agencies as a pre-requisite for employment.

The bill is supportive of the government's endeavor to provide fresh
opportunities for development by creating support a system that improve access to
employment.

“https://psa.gov.ph/content/employment-rate-july-2016-estimated-946-percent


The short-term loss in revenue will eventually compensated when fresh
graduates are eventually employed and become part of the working population that
pay income taxes.

In viewing of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

%

RAUL C.'TUPAS


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

HOUSE ro eoe ATES

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

AN ACT GRANTING 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 2016.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Article II, Section 13 of the 1987
Philippine Constitution states, "The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in
nation building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual,
intellectual and social well-being. it shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and
nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs. "

It is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the youth. The State shall
endeavor to provide the youth with 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 that serve as proof of identification,
clearance, certificate, membership 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, membership 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 this Act,
the 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,
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.

SECTION 5. Administrative Offense. - No government agency or
instrumentality shall issue unduly restrictive regulations for the carrying out of the
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 (CHED) in consultation with the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and the Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG) 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 the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,
whichever comes earlier.

Approved,