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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City eS °
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 761

Introduced by Rep. Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is the policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic social order and alleviate
poverty. Likewise, the State aims to provide adequate social services, promote full
employment, raise standard of living and improve quality of life for all. In these endeavors,
direct involvement of the youth and the educated class is imperative as they bring new
perspectives and in-demand skills to various industries. As workers, they beef up the labor
force by increasing the level of productivity.

Every year fresh graduates from high school, college and vocational schools foray into
the job market. Competition is always tough. They also have to contend with processes and
formalities particularly paper works, which, if not circuitous or unnecessary are expensive.
As such, many are at a loss on how to pay for the clearances and documents required by
prospective employers. Employment is hampered with requirements such as the NBI
clearance, SSS ID, certification from the local government, and other fees. Such conditions
appear oppressive and counter-productive, considering that these graduates especially those
coming from the vulnerable sectors are unemployed.

This bill shall provide a reasonable waiver of the fees collected by government for
various clearances, licenses, and another documents from fresh graduates wanting to work
and join the socio-economic mainstream. This measure is a relief for the unemployed as it
encourages the State's commitment to promote the interest of the youth. The waiver of these
fees serves as a leverage assistance by the government and an investment to its emerging
labor force.

Hence, approval of this proposed measure is earnestly sought.

EULOGIO “AM, MAGSAYSAY



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

House of Representatives

House BillNo.__764

Introduced by Rep. Eulogi

“Amang” R. Magsaysay

AN ACT PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO FIRST TIME JOB SEEKERS BY WAIVING
GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH
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 “First Employment Assistance Act of
2013."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the
youth and provide adequate social services and an improved quality of life. 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 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,
that the person is applying for such license, proof of identification, clearance, certificate, or other
document within one (1) year after graduating from high school, college or any vocational or
technical course, and : Provided, further that, this act shall not cover the fees collected in
connection with licensure examination and the granting of a professional license by the
Professional regulation Commission nor with the issuance of a Philippine passport.

Section 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, basic education, 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 head or his/her duly
authorized representative


The diploma, certification, document, or communication submitted, may be in original or
certified true copy which 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 this Act's provisions nor 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. Monitoring Committee. A monitoring committee is hereby created to be
headed by the Civil Service Commission Chairman as its Chair, Secretary of the Department of
Labor, Vice-Chair, Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Education, CHED Chair as members, and
other heads of the departments as it may deem necessary, stipulated in the subsequent
Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act. The Monitoring Committee's mandate is to
monitor and ensure the compliance to this Act by the various government agencies and
instrumentalities within its scope. It may recommend to the proper authorities the filing of an
administrative complaint against any person, entity or instrumentality who refuses to comply with
the provisions of this Act.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, ordinances, rules and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 8. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected thereof.

Section 9. Effectivity. This shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,