Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

House BillNo.___ 5065

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 futl
‘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 govemment 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 goverment and an investment to its emerging
labor force.

Hence, approval of this proposed measure is eamestly sought.

EULOGIO “AMANG” R, MAGSAYSAY


<IFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )
House of Representatives

House Bill No,__ 9965

Introduced by Rep. Eulogio “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 2011."

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. tt 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 focal 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 concemed 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 eamad, 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 shail serve as prima facie evidence of the fact and date of graduation and shall
be sufficient for the goverment agency to grant the waiver, provided, that any person found to be
guilty of fabricating or falsifying any proaf 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 maridate is to monitor and ensure the
compliance to this Act by the various government agencies and instrumentalites within its scope.
!t 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 ciause. 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 fifleen (15) days after publication in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,