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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
AUG 13 P3:14 
SENAT:E 
S. No. 1279 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article II, Sec. 4 of the Constitution states that ''the State recognizes the vital role 
of communication and information in nation-building." Further, Section 18 of the same 
Article declares it a policy of the State to "protect the rights of workers and promote their 
welfare." 
Pursuant to state policy, an employee or worker who is aware of his rights and 
privileges under law is one who is empowered to assert the same to protect his welfare 
and development, benefits, and privileges. 
An understanding of labor laws would 
ensure that employees or workers are not susceptible to abuses common in the 
workplace. 
I i" 
The proposed bill seeks to make incoming members of the work force well-
informed about existing laws, statutes, rules and regulations, and other policies 
concerning labor and employment. The relevant labor policies shall include, but not be 
limited to, the salient features of the Labor Code of the Philippines and its amendments, 
Maternity Benefits Act, Paternity Leave Act, Solo Parents' Welfare Act, Anti-Sexual 
Harassment Act, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Anti-Violence Against Women and 
Children Act, and Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women and Children. 
The passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
MA"Q,~ 
Senator 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
, 
S. No. 1279 
) 
) 
) 
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'13 
AUG 13 P3 :15 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
MANDATING A LABOR LAW SEMINAR FOR ALL STUDENTS 
GRADUATING FROM TERTIARY LEVEL EDUCATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SEC. 1. 
Short TI'tle. - This Act shall be known as the "Labor Law 
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Awareness Act of 2013". 
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SEC. 2. 
Dec/aration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to afford 
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protection to labor, promote full employment, ensure equal work opportunities 
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regardless of sex, race, and creed, and regulate relations between workers and 
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-employers. ·As .such, the State shall instill·consclousness and promote awareness of 
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existing labor laws and policies for all members of the work force. 
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SEC. 3. 
Mandatory Labor Law Seminar. - All graduating students at the 
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tertiary level of education shall be required to undergo a Labor Law Seminar (LLS) to be 
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administered by duly authorized representatives of the Department of Labor and 
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Employment (DOLE). 
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The LLS shall be a seminar which shall include, but shall not be limited to, 
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discussions on labor standards, labor relations, and rights and benefits of laborers. The 
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LLS shall discuss, among other relevant labor laws and policies, the salient features of 
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the Labor Code of the Philippines and its amendments, Maternity Benefits Act, Paternity 
18 
Leave Act, Solo Parents' Welfare Act, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Anti-Trafficking in 
19 
Persons Act, Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, and Prohibition on 
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Discrimination Against Women and Children. 
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The LLS shall not be given course credits, but shall be an essential requirement 
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for eligibility for graduation of tertiary level students. 
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SEC. 4. 
Penalty Clause . • Any student who fails to comply with attendance 
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in the Labor Law Seminar shall be disqualified from graduation and shall only be 
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considered eligible for graduation upon completion of the course. 
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SEC. 5. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Department of Labor 
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and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education 
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(CHED) and other pertinent agencies, shall formulate the implementing rules and 
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regulations of this Act within six months from its passage into law. 
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SEC. 6. 
Separability Clause. -
Should any provision or part of this Act 
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subsequently be held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions or parts not affected 
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thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 7. 
Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
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executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation, or parts 
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thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, 
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modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SEC. 8. 
Effectivity Clause . • This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspaper~ pf general circulation. 
Approved, 
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