Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING AND ENHANCING THE SKILLS CERTIFICATE EQUIVALENCY 
PROGRAM (SCEP) OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (CSC) AND THE TECHNICAL 
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 1080 automatically grants civil service eligibility to passers of bar examinations 
and other licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). 
Presently, several laws also grant appropriate civil service eligibility to qualified individuals. In the 
same spirit, this measure seeks to grant civil service eligibility to holders of Technical Education 
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certificates through the institutionalization of 
the Skills Certificate Equivalency Program (SCEP). SCEP is currently a collaborative partnership 
between TESDA and the Civil Service Commission which grants civil service eligibility to competent 
and skilled government employees and those seeking entrance into the service for Category I 
positions.  
Ultimately, this proposed measure aims to: (1) give equal opportunity to certified technical-
vocational education and training (TVET) graduates to enter the civil service, (2) uplift the dignity 
of middle-skill workers, and (3) improve the image of technical and vocational education in the 
country. Through the institutionalization of the SCEP, we allow qualified skilled workers to enter 
the civil service—ensuring their security of tenure and at the same time, improving the image of 
tech-VOC in the country.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
September 20, 2022
11:26AM
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING AND ENHANCING THE SKILLS CERTIFICATE EQUIVALENCY 
PROGRAM (SCEP) OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (CSC) AND THE TECHNICAL 
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
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 “Skills Certificate Equivalency Program 
Act.”  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The Constitution provides that appointments in the civil service 
shall be made only according to merit and fitness. Towards this, it is hereby declared the policy 
of the state to institutionalize and enhance the Skills Certificate Equivalency Program (SCEP), and 
to give equal opportunity to certified technical-vocational education and training (TVET) 
graduates to enter the civil service, uplift the dignity of middle-skill workers, and improve the 
image of technical and vocational education in the country.  
SEC. 3. Skills Certificate Equivalency Program. – There shall be established a Skills 
Certificate Equivalency Program (hereinafter, the Program), which shall grant civil service 
eligibility to holders of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National 
Certificates (NCs).  
The Program shall involve the issuance of NCs to individuals who shall successfully demonstrate 
the required competence in specific qualifications. For this purpose, an NC shall be provided 
equivalent civil service eligibility by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). 
SEC. 4. Coverage. – The benefit under this Act shall apply to those currently working in the 
government or seeking entrance into the civil service for positions requiring eligibility thru an 
appropriate TESDA-issued NC.  
SEC. 5. Identification of Positions with Qualification Standards Requiring eligibility 
through TESDA-Issued National Certificates. – The CSC and TESDA, in consultation with 
relevant stakeholders, shall identify and regularly update the qualification standards requiring 
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eligibility through an appropriate TESDA-issued NC, taking into account the changing 
requirements of the workplace and the needs of the government in ensuring the delivery of 
efficient and effective service to the public; Provided, That the NC remains in the roster of 
promulgated national qualifications of TESDA: Provided, further, That the grant of civil service 
eligibility shall be based on an unexpired NC.  
 
SEC. 6. Application for an Award of Eligibility. – Any holder of TESDA- issued NC shall apply 
for civil service eligibility at any office of the CSC. For this purpose, the CSC shall ensure that 
there are designated personnel at its field offices nationwide who shall be responsible for the 
conversion of TES DA-issued NCs to appropriate civil service eligibilities.  
 
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The CSC and the TESDA shall jointly issue 
the implementing rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within sixty 
(60) days from the effectivity of this Act.  
 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, memoranda, rules, 
and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly.  
 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.  
 
Approved,