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      Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
 HOUSE BILL NO.  2892
Introduced by Representative JESUS R. MARQUEZ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to exempt indigent degree holders from licensure and qualifying 
examination fees, thereby allowing them to take the exams free of charge. This measure was 
approved on Third and Final Reading in the 19th Congress. Its refiling underscores our continued 
commitment to easing the financial burden faced by graduates from poor families, empowering 
them to pursue professional careers without economic barriers.  
Taking a licensure examination marks the first step in a college graduate’s journey toward 
entering their chosen profession. Typically administered after graduation, these exams assess a 
graduate’s knowledge, competencies, and readiness to practice their field of study. 
At present, professional licensure examination fees can cost up to ₱1,300, especially for 
exams with both theoretical and practical components. For those seeking to work in government 
service, the Civil Service Examination imposes a non-refundable fee of ₱500. For many fresh 
graduates from low-income families, these fees present a significant barrier. The burden of having 
to save for these costs delays their ability to earn and help support their families, especially for 
those pursuing careers in public service, a path that demands much but offers immense value to 
our communities. 
By removing this financial barrier, the bill upholds the principle of equal access to 
professional opportunities, regardless of economic status. It seeks to empower deserving 
graduates who possess the talent and dedication but lack the financial means to realize their full 
potential. Under this measure, qualified indigents shall be granted full exemption from licensure 
and qualifying examination fees, upon presentation of a valid Certificate of Indigency issued by 
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 
This initiative aligns with the 1987 Constitution’s mandate to promote social justice, equal 
opportunity, and accessible education. It affirms the State’s duty to prioritize education, 
accelerate social progress, and advance holistic human development. 
The Free Professional Examinations Act is more than a policy. It is a transformative tool 
for inclusive development. It opens doors for generations of young Filipinos, ensuring that no 
dream is deferred simply because of poverty. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is highly sought. 
HON. JESUS “Jess” R. MARQUEZ
August 4, 2025
10:34 am


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2892 
Introduced by Representative JESUS R. MARQUEZ 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING FOR FREE PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATIONS TO QUALIFIED 
INDIGENTS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This as shall be known as the “Free Professional 
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Examinations Act”. 
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SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is declared the policy of the State to promote 
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full employment and to provide equal opportunities for employment for all. Furthermore, 
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it is the policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic social order that will free the 
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people from poverty through policies and programs that provide adequate social services, 
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and improve the quality of life for all. In this regard, the State shall provide the poor access 
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to mechanisms that expand opportunities for better employment.  
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 SEC 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
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(a) Professional Examinations refer to the licensure examinations conducted by
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the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) leading to the issuance of professional 
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licenses to successful examinees. It shall also include examinations conducted by the Civil 
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Service Commission (CSC) leading to eligibility for employment in the government.    
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b) Qualified Indigents refer to persons who have no visible means of income or
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support, or whose income may not be sufficient for the subsistence or basic needs of the 
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family, as may be determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development 
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(DSWD). 
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SEC  4. Requirements for Availment. - For purposes of availing the benefits 
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of this Act, an examinee shall secure Certificate of Indigency from the DSWD. Such 
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certification shall be presented to the PRC and CSC, as the case may be, to be exempt from 
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the payment of examination fees. No other fee shall be charged against the qualified 
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indigents for purposes of taking the professional examinations.  
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SEC 5. Limitations on Availment. – Benefits of this Act may be availed of by 
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a qualified indigent only once a year. 
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 SEC 
6. 
Information, 
Education, 
and 
Communication 
(IEC) 
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Campaign. – The DSWD, PRC, and CSC, in cooperation with the Philippine 
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Information Agency (PIA), is hereby mandated to conduct an annual IEC campaign in 
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order to inform the people of the procedures and guidelines in availing the benefits of this 
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Act. 
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SEC  7. Reportorial Requirement. - For purposes of determining the 
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effectiveness and social impact of the provisions of this Act, the DSWD, PRC, and CSC 
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shall submit an annual report to both Houses of Congress indicating therein the number 
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of indigent examinees who benefited from this Act. 
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 SEC 8. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared invalid 
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or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force 
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and effect. 
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SEC 9. Repealing clause. -All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules 
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and regulation or parts thereof inconsistent with any provisions of this Act are hereby 
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repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
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SEC 10. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in the official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved,