Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _3323

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution Article II Section 17 declares that the State shall give priority
to education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports for the purpose of fostering
patriotism and nationalism, accelerating social progress, and promoting total human
liberation and development. Further, it affirms labor as a primary social economic force,
protecting the rights of workers and promoting the welfare of the workers (Article II
Section 18).

The Labor Code of the Philippines was primarily enacted for the protection of labor
and ensuring industrial peace based on social justice. However, with over 37 million
Filipinos in the labor force, not all of them are aware of their rights. In this regard, it is
important for fully appreciate and implement its intention.

To respond to this situation and to mitigate the growing number of labor unrests,
it is timely to include in the college curriculum basic labor education. With this, the future
of the labor force will be equipped and ensured of the protection of their rights. In the
same vein, future members of the management will be aware of the rights of their
employees as well as the labor standards they should comply.

It is for these reasons that the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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S. TAMBUNTING

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3323

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING .

AN ACT
MANDATING THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) TO
INCLUDE LABOR EDUCATION IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION CURRICULUM

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 "Labor Education Act of
2019."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t is the policy of the State to protect the rights
of workers and promote their welfare, living and working conditions, and terms of
employment. Towards this end, the State shall put in place a mechanism to educate the
youth on the rights and welfare of the workers and promote a society that is responsive
and sensitive to the needs of the labor sector.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act: ’

(a) Higher education curriculum refers to the general education curriculum designed
for students taking up courses in higher education institutions leading to a degree;

(b) Labor education refers to the teaching of labor rights, workers’ welfare and
benefits, core labor standards, labor laws and regulations, the national and global
labor situation, labor market concerns, labor issues, overseas work and related
problems, the nature of human labor, the role of labor in the self-realization of the
human being, the foundations of the dignity of labor and other topics related to
labor and employment; and

(c) Social Science subjects refer to subjects pertaining to the branches of science that
deal with the institutions, functioning and aspects of human society and the
interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society.


SECTION 4. Labor education shall be integrated into the mandatory social science
subjects being offered under the general education curriculum in the higher education
courses.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), pursuant to its mandate under Republic
Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994", shall develop the
program to execute and implement this Act.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, presidential proclamation, rules, regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the ,
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions hereof.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,