THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Luisa “Loi” P. Ejercito Estrada 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, ArticIe 2, Section 14 mandates the state to recognize the role of 
women in nation-building. This mandate requires the State to give women opportunities 
that will enhance their welfare and realize their full potential in the service of the nation. 
In order to help our economy recover, the 111 potential of every Filipino must be 
realized. Every Filipino must be given a chance to be productive and play his or her part 
in building a nation we can all be proud of. Every one must be given a chance 
notwithstanding the person’s gender, age, or creed. 
This bill seeks to empower women in business enterprise by giving them the 
necessary assistance to attain their fbllest potential in the field of trade and business. 
Considering the foregoing, the early passage of this proposed measure is earnestly 
solicited. 
LUISA “LOI” & EjERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S.B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Luisa “Lei" P. Ejercito-Estrada 
AN ACT 
EMPOWERING WOMEN BY PROVIDING THEM WITEl FINANCIAL, 
EDUCATIONAL, AND INFORMATION ASSISTANCE IN ORDER FOR THEM 
TO EXCEL IN COMMERCE AND TRADE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Women 
Empowerment in Enterprise Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - In accordance with the mandate of the 
Constitution, it is declared a State policy to grant women assistance and opportunities in 
enterprise that will enhance their welfare and realize their potential in order for them to 
play their role in nation-building and serve the nation. 
SECTION 3. DeJinition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the terms: 
(A) 
(B) 
“Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Labor and Employment; 
“Department” refers to the Department of Labor and 
Employment; and 
“Committee” refers to the Women in Enterprise Assistance and 
Advisory Committee. 
(C) 
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SECTION 4. Development Bugram. - The Secretary shall adopt and implement 
a Women in Enterprise Development Program which provides women with financial, 
educational and information assistance, as provided for in the subsequent sections of this 
Act. 
SECTION 5. Financial Assistance. - The Secretary shall provide financial 
assistance to women: 
to support the creation of small to medium-size business in which women 
can readily participate; 
to foster investment in business substantially owned or managed by 
women; and 
to enable such women to fbrther their education. 
SECTION 6. Educational Assistance - The Secretary shall, with the aid and 
cooperation of the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports, provide scholarship and 
educational assistance: 
to prepare women to participate in the processes of local and 
national government, and to stimulate the interest of women in business; 
to prepare women for involvement in government and business; 
to provide opportunities for women to gain practical experience 
in government and in business through internships or on-the-job 
apprenticeships while in the school; and 
to identiijr women with leadership potential to serve as role 
models, and to assist such women in fbrthering their education and 
obtaining suitable positions in the public or private sector. 
The Secretary of Education Culture and Sports shall take the interest of women in 
consideration, specially their development in enterprise, in adopting curricula, policies 
and guidelines for secondary and post-secondary education. 
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SECTION 7. Informatiun Assistance - The Department shall create and establish 
a local resource centers in its provincial offices which offer to women careers in business, 
government, or related fields: 
(A) 
basic courses in accounting, bookkeeping, and marketing practices, 
and other courses; and 
(B) 
workshops, informational materials, career counseling, and 
assistance in the local community. 
SECTION 8. Establishment of a Committee. - The Secretary shall establish a 
Women in Enterprise Assistance and Advisory Committee. 
SECTION 9. Composition. - The Committee shall be composed of the Secretary 
as the Chairman and eight (8) members appointed by the said Secretary, including: 
One (1) representative of a labor organization; 
Two (2) representatives of the Department of Labor and 
Employment; 
Two (2) representatives of the Department of Education, Culture 
and Sports; and 
Three (3) members of the general public, of whom at least two (2) 
shall be women engaged in an enterprise as an owner or part 
owner. 
10. Functions of the Committee. - The Women in Enterprise 
Assistance and Advisory Committee shall have the foilowing hnctions: 
(A) 
make recommendations regarding prevention of gender 
discrimination in the province of business and trade; 
study and recommend ways to empower women in the field of 
business and trade; 
(B) 
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(C) 
identifjr areas around the country where women may excel not 
only in the field of business and trade but also in career service in 
government; 
approve or disapprove application of women candidates 
applying for any assistance under this Act; 
develop a criteria for identieing the women who are eligible to 
avail of the assistance given under this Act; and 
formulate the necessary rules and regulations. 
(D) 
(E) 
(F) 
SECTION 11. Term of Of$ce. - Members of the Committee shall be appointed 
for a term of office of three (3) years, except that of the members first appointed, three 
(3) shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, two (2) shall appointed for a term of two 
(2) years, and two (2) shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years, as determined by 
the Secretary. 
SECTION 12. Meetings. - The Committee shall meet not less than four (4) times 
a year or at the call of the Secretary. 
SECTION 13. Compensation.- Members of the Committee shall be compensated 
at a rate equivalent to an employee of the National Government occupying a salary grade 
25 position, except those already employed by the Philippine Government. 
SECTION 14. Apprupriatiuns. - To carry out the provisions of this Act, such 
Sums as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National 
Treasury. Thereafter, the sums necessary for the continuous operation of the centers shall 
be included in the annual appropriations of the Department of Labor and Employment. 
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SECTION 15. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof, is held 
provision not otherwise 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to 
or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 17. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
GE/slee bills1 violet/empowering.women 
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