Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
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 most recent data from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, as of 
September 30, 2022, a total of 131,311 individuals are currently sentenced and incarcerated in its 
477 facilities. More than 90% of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) fall within the age 
range of 18 to 59 years. In addition, there are 49,515 PDLs detained in the Bureau of 
Corrections' prisons and prison farms as of September 2022. 
While various non-governmental organizations provide vocational training and livelihood 
assistance to PDLs, there remains a significant need to formalize and institutionalize such 
programs to ensure that inmates are equipped with the skills necessary to reintegrate into society 
and become productive citizens upon their release.  
This proposed measure seeks to establish a structured skills training program for inmates, to be  
implemented through the collaborative efforts of key government agencies, including the 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Education 
(DepEd), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Justice 
(DOJ). The program would also encompass a livelihood assistance initiative, which would 
include job matching services and support for ex-PDLs seeking to establish new livelihoods. 
This bill is a continuation of the efforts made in the 18th Congress, where a similar measure was 
filed by Representative Eduardo "Bro. Eddie" Villanueva. The current proponent acknowledges 
11151
November 28, 2024
9:42 am


and appreciates the contributions and hard work of his predecessors in advancing this important 
initiative. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM AND PROVIDING 
JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO INMATES IN DETENTION FACILITIES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
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 "Skills Training for Inmates Act". 
SECTION 2. Institutionalization 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) 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. 
11151


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