‘S
RECEIVED

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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2489

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that “The State shall promote a
just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence
of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide
adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living,
and an improved quality of life for all. (Article II, Section 9).

Republic Act No, 11032, or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient
Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (EODB), mandates all offices and
agencies providing government services to regularly undertake cost compliance
analysis and time and motion studies and undergo evaluation and the same if
deemed necessary to reduce bureaucratic red tape and processing time.

The undersigned representative lauds the Republic Act No. 11261, or “An
Act Waiving Government Fees and Charges in the Issuance of Documents
Required in the Application for Employment of First-Time Jobseekers, including,
the cash aids grant by the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) in its several assistance programs. In reference to the existing Philippine
laws and programs, the State, through this measure, is not just offering free
documentation but actual cash assistance where it is most needed by its citizens,
especially the new members of the country’s labor force.

This bill seeks to institutionalize the granting of a one-time cash payment
of Ten Thousand Pesos (P 10,000.00) to qualified beneficiaries. To be eligible, the
beneficiary must be a Filipino citizen, at least eighteen (18) years of age, and a
first-time employee or worker from a private sector with a minimum wage. The
DSWD shall act as the lead agency of this measure in coordination with DOLE

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and DEPDEV. The cash assistance program is aligned with the State’s broader
goal to alleviate unemployment and promote inclusive economic growth. The
assistance will address the transition of the beneficiaries into their gainful
participation in the workforce as human capital of the country. It will cover basic
employment-related costs such as transportation, work uniforms, medical
clearances, lodging, and meals.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this prqposed measure

is earnestly sought.

ROY

Lone District of Santa City, Laguna


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2489

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A ONE-TIME CASH ASSISTANCE OF TEN THOUSAND
PESOS (P10,000) TO FIRST-TIME EMPLOYEES OF MINIMUM WAGE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “First Time Employee
Assistance Act of 2025,”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared policy of the State to
promote economic inclusion and equal employment opportunities by providing
initial financial support to first-time employees or workers in the private sector
with a minimum wage. The State recognizes the cost burden of entering
employment and seeks to ease the transition into the workforce through direct
cash assistance.

SECTION 3. Definitions of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following
terms shall mean:

(a) “Cash Assistance” refers to a one-time, non-repayable cash grant of Ten
Thousand Pesos (PhP 10,000) to an eligible or qualified beneficiary;

(b) “Employee or Worker” refers to any person working for businesses and
organizations not owned or operated by the government;


(0) “Eligible or Qualified Beneficiary” refers to any person who is a Filipino
citizen, at least eighteen (18) years of age, and a first-time employee froma
private sector; and

(d) “Minimum Wage” refers to the lowest wage permitted by law or by a
special agreement such as one with a labor union.

SECTION 4. Coverage and Requirements for Availment. - This Act shall
prioritize the employee or worker from any private company, institution, or sector,
the reference minimum wage shall be that applicable to the sector where the
individual is employed.

The DSWD shall disburse the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP 10,000) within
fifteen (15) working days upon the submission and approval of the requirements
by the eligible or qualified beneficiary.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 11032, the Cash Assistance Program shall
adopt the list of documentary requirements, as far as practicable. Any change in
the list of requirements must be contained in a supplemental issuance of
guidelines as may be deemed necessary to prevent abuse, fraud, and corruption
in compliance with the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 5. Complementarity and Limitations with Other DSWD Programs. -
Insofar as the Cash Assistance Program is concerned, the limitation shall be
interpreted to refer to instances where a beneficiary received exactly similar
financial or in-kind assistance provided in the AICS or AKAP program of the
DSWD within the period covered by the frequency of availing assistance from
the government. Provided, That, subject to the assessment of the DSWD, the
beneficiary may be provided with another kind of intervention from any other
program to restore the social functioning of the beneficiary. Provided, further, That
benefits of this Act may be availed by a qualified beneficiary only once within
the first (1st) month of employment or contract. Provided, furthermore, That, for
equitable distribution, the assistance under the Cash Assistance Program may be
provided to a maximum of two (2) individuals per family or household.

SECTION 6. Anti-Corruption Measures. - The DSWD shall implement
safeguards to prevent abuse, fraud, and corruption in the administration of the
Cash Assistance Program.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement the
provisions of this Act shall be charged against the allocation in the General


Appropriations Act (GAA) of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD).

SECTION 8. Reportorial Requirement, - For purposes of determining the
effectiveness and social impact of the provisions of this Act, the DSWD shall
submit an annual report to both Houses of Congress indicating the number of
beneficiaries from this Act.

SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DSWD, in coordination with DOLE and
DEPDEY, shall promulgate and issue the rules and regulations to carry out the
provisions of this Act.

SECTION 10. 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 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, and
rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,