Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo._ 7493

Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM, PROVIDING JOB
OPPORTUNITIES TO PERSONS DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is a State Party to United Nations treaties and instruments
concerning persons deprived of liberty. It is obligated to implement the treaty
commitments, primarily through the passage of domestic laws based on internationally
recognized standards that set benchmarks and indicators of success.

For persons deprived of liberty, the United Nations Minimum Standards for the
Treatment of Prisoners is a comprehensive tool to help policy makers and implementers
ensure that detention provide opportunities for correction and reform.

In this light, this bill seeks to institutionalize the provision of opportunities to
persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) by mandating the establishment of a skills training
program for PDLs in all correctional facilities in the country.

According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), there are
approximately 94,098 PDLs in 470 jails nationwide who are mostly 18 to 41 years old.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) reported that there are 49,083 PDLs in
seven prisons as of May 2022. To rehabilitate the PDLs, BJMP and BuCor provided
technical-vocational classes or incorporated vocational programs into their job
assignments in most correctional facilities.

Transition services, especially technical vocational education and_ training
(TVET), provide PDLs the opportunity to reform by affording them assistance in seeking
for jobs once they are released back into society.

» With employable skills, they can find new life when they leave detention. Tech-
Voc training will also bring new hope to the offenders because they know they have the
skills that can be their passport to employment opportunities once they leave
confinement. Aside from these, tech-voc training will also aid in breaking the cycle of
recidivism of certain prisoners.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

_—

Kom A
Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan

4th District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO._7493

Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM, PROVIDING JOB
OPPORTUNITIES TO PERSONS DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Skills Training
Program for Prisoners Act.”

SEC. 2. Establishment of Skills Training Program for Persons Deprived of Liberty
(PDLs). - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in
coordination with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), the Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology (BJMP), and other relevant agencies shall establish a skills training
program for all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

The program shall equip PDLs with technical and vocational skills which they can
use in seeking employment or starting their own business after release from
confinement.

SEC. 3. Post-Prison Employment. - There shall be created in every penal
institution a Job Assistance Office (JAO). Without prejudice to other existing
government employment programs, the JAO shall, together with the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE), establish and maintain a Post-Prison Employment
Program (PPEP) that will raise awareness regarding available job opportunities which a
prisoner may avail upon release.

The JAO shall encourage private sector participation by proposing incentives and
privileges to private business establishments that will open job opportunities to former
prisoners. The JAO shall ensure that the job opportunities, both in the public and private
sectors, shall not create undue and unlawful discrimination against former prisoners
seeking employment.

SEC. 4. PPEP Tax Credit. - Employers who shall participate in the PPEP shall be
entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income, equivalent to fifteen percent
(15%) of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to former prisoners, subject to
Section 4 of the National Internal Revenue Code for a period of five (5) years from the
time of employment or until such employment is terminated, whichever is shorter.

Any company or individual who has hired a former prisoner within five (5) years
from his or her release, is entitled to avail of tax credit granted under this Act. The said
tax credit should be collected immediately on the next tax period.

SEC. 3. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this
Act shall be sourced from the current budgets of TESDA, DOLE, BuCor and the BJMP.


Thereafter, the funds necessary for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the
effectivity of this Act, the TESDA, DOLE, BuCor and the BJMP, in consultation with
relevant stakeholders, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,