EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. NO. 717
a>cnaic
of tl)f »?rr?tor?
•19 JUL 24 A 9 58
REClivi-D S1;._
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM 
AND PROVIDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO INMATES IN 
DETENTION FACILITIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), 
there are approximately 70,000 inmates in 989 jails nationwide who are 
mostly 18 to 39 years old. To rehabilitate these inmates, the Bureau of 
Corrections has incorporated vocational programs into the job assignments of 
inmates in most correctional facilities.
This bill seeks to institutionalize this practice by mandating the 
establishment of a skills training program for inmates in all correctional 
facilities in the Philippines. The implementation of the Program shall be 
spearheaded by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and 
Employment (DOLE), and Department of Justice (DOJ). 
In addition, skills 
advancement or training inside prison will be matched with job search 
assistance to help ex-inmates find work once outside of prison.
Indeed, transition services, especially technical vocational education 
and training (TVET), can improve the self-esteem of inmates. With 
employable skills, they can find new life when they leave detention, never to 
get back in jail. 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.
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR JO E L VILLANUEVA


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. NO. 7 1 7
Senate
fi( thf *»crrftnrp
*19 
J1JL 24 A 9 58
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM AND 
PROVIDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO INMATES IN DETENTION 
FACILITIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22 
23
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 “Kabuhayan for 
Offenders through Skills Advancement (KOSA) Act.”
SEC. 2. Establishment of Skills Training Program for Inmates. -  The 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department 
of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and 
Department of Justice (DOJ) shall establish skills training program for all 
inmates in the Philippines.
In addition, a Job Search and Livelihood Assistance Desk shall be established 
inside prisons to help ex-offenders create sustainable employment once they 
are released from prison.
SEC. 3. Appropriations. -The amount necessary for the implementation of 
this Act shall be sourced from the current budgets of TESDA, DepEd, DOLE 
and DOJ. 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, DepEd, DOLE and DOJ, in consultation 
with relevant stakeholders, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for 
the effective implementation of this Act.


1
2
3
4
5
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,