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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2488

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

EXPLANATORY NOTE

No less than the 1987 Constitution explicitly declares that “The State shall
protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and
shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all” (Article
XIV, Section 1). It is one of the primordial duties of the State to promote and
protect the right to quality education at all levels and make it accessible to all.

The licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) serve as a pathway for college graduates to become
professionals in accountancy, criminology, medicine, nursing, social work, and
other professional careers. Expenses incurred from preparation to actual
examination cover examination fees, review center costs, rental fees,
transportation allowance, and other related charges that may arise.

The Constitution sets forth the duty of the State to guarantee accessible
and quality education to all Filipinos; however, the duty must not conclude by
completion of the degree. The burden of financial constraints from taking
professional licensure examinations becomes an unacceptable barrier for
potential and capable examinees to become licensed professionals in this
country, resulting in lost opportunities for employment and affecting social
mobility. This affects a reasonable number of graduates, especially our fellow
indigent college graduates.

This measure will address this prevalent problem by granting free
professional licensure examinations to qualified college graduate indigents. In its
passage, the State stands firm in its commitment to promote equal opportunity,
inclusive progress, and social justice. In effect, producing more licensed


professionals in the country will answer the need to meet the demands of a
growing population for public services and contribute to nation building.

A similar version of this laudable bill was approved on Third and Final
Reading in the 17th Congress and was transmitted to the Senate; however, the
same was not passed into law due to lack of material time. Subsequently, similar
bills were filed in the 18th and 19th Congresses, and the present proponent is
acknowledging the hard work and wisdom of his predecessors.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this proposed measure
is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2488

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

AN ACT
GRANTING FREE PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATIONS TO QUALIFIED
INDIGENTS

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 the “Free Professional
Examinations Act of 2025.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to promote full employment and to provide equal opportunities for employment
for all.

Furthermore, it is the policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic social
order that will free the people from poverty through policies and programs that
provide adequate social services and improve the quality of life for all. In this
regard, the State shall provide the poor access to mechanisms that expand
opportunities for better employment.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a.) “Professional Examinations” refers to the licensure examinations
administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to assess
the competence of individuals seeking to practice a profession. The term
can also refer to examinations conducted by the Civil Service Examination,
which are general ability tests for those seeking government positions.


b.) “Qualified indigents” refer to persons who have no visible means of income
or support, or whose income may not be sufficient for the subsistence or
basic needs of the family, as may be determined by the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

SECTION 4. Requirements for Availment. - For purposes of availing the benefits
of this Act, an examinee shall secure a Certificate of Indigency from the DSWD.
Such certification shall be presented to the CSC and PRC, as the case may be, to
be exempt from the payment of examination fees.

No other fee shall be charged against the qualified indigents for purposes of
taking the professional examinations.

SECTION 5. Limitations on Availment. - Benefits of this Act may be availed by
a qualified indigent only once a year.

SECTION 6. Communication, Education, and Information (CEI) Campaign. -
The CSC, DSWD, and PRC, in cooperation with the Philippine Information
Agency (PIA), are hereby mandated to conduct an annual CEI campaign in order
to inform the people of the guidelines and procedures in availing the benefits of
this Act.

SECTION 7. Reportorial Requirement. - For purposes of determining the
effectiveness and social impact of the provisions of this Act, the CSC, DSWD, and
PRC shall submit an annual report to both Houses of Congress indicating the
number of indigent examinees who benefited from this Act.

SECTION 8, Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, and rules
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,