Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5954

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE IRENE GAY F. SAULOG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the State policies embodied in the Constitution provides that:
The State affirms labor as a Primary social economic force. It shall

Protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare. (Article Il, Section
13)

Article XIN, Section 3, also states that the State shall afford full protection to labor,
Promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all

to labor by the iaw, ordinary workers still continue
‘0 suffer. Earning only the minimum wage set by law, many struggle coping with the expenses in
daily life. This is worsened by the persistent labor contractualization in the country where
‘workers do not become permanent employees and are forced to transfer from one job to another.
Examples of these are the salespersons in malls and service crew in fast food outlets. Included in
these disadvantaged workers are the skilled and semi-skilled workers in the construction industry
who transfer from one project to another.


In 2017, the Department of Finance estimates that there are 2 million minimum wage
earners. It is the intent of this bill to help alleviate their plight. With their very meager income,
they are often burdened with the documentary costs incurred in their periodic job hunt. This is on
top of the other related expenses like food and transportation. As they transfer from one short-
term job to another, they need not suffer from the financial burden of repeatedly obtaining these
government-issued documents.

Through the waiver of fees and charges for certain government requirements often
required in the job application process, we are enacting a pro-poor legislation that will help them
as they strive to provide a better future for their families. It is admitted that there might be a
slight decrease in revenue as a result of this hill. However, it would he a small subsidy that

would yield huge dividends with the increase in employment, productivity, and the contribution
to the economy. This bill is a social legislation that is not a dole out, Rather it is a means of
helping the ordinary Filipino have a gainful employment.

In the view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

TRI 930 SAULOG

Kalinga Party-list


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bi No,__ S954

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE IRENE GAY F. SAULOG

AN ACT
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS BY WAIVING
GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ISSUANCE OF BGCUMENTS REQUIRED IN THEIR APPLICATION FOR
EMPLOYMENT

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 "Assistance to Minimum
Wage Jobseekers Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — itis hereby the policy of the State to protect the rights
of workers, promote the welfare of workers, and promote equality of employment opportunities

for all. As such, the State shall expand accessibility to government services and provide

mi Wage jubseekers.

SEC. 3. Definition. A minimum wage jobseeker is either (a) a jobseeker who eamed
‘minimum wage or below in his/her previous employment or (b) a jobseeker who is applying for

‘nat will pay hinvher minimum wage or below.


SEC. 4. Waiver of Fees and Charges. ~ Subject to exceptions provided in Section 7 of
this Act, all governmem agencies and. instrumentalities, including government-owned and
-controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units (LGUs), and governny tals
Shall not collect fees or charges from a minimum wage jobseeker: Provided, That such fee or
charge is paid in connection with the application for and the granting of licenses, proofs of
‘dentfication, clearances, certificates or other documents usually requied in the course of local
employment.

SEC. 5. Covered Governmental Transactions. — No fees and other charges shall be
collected from minimum wage jobseekers when obtaining the following, subject to the
requirement in Section 6:

(@) Police clearance certificate;

(b) National Bureau of Investigation clearance;

(©) Barangay clearance;

(€) Medical certificate from a public hospital, provided that fees and charges
collected for laboratory tests and other medical procedures required for the grant
of a medical certificate shall not be free of charge;

(©) Birth Certificate;

(f) Marriage Certificate;

(2) Transcript of academic records issued by state colleges and universities;

(h) Tax Identification Number (TIN);


(i) Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card; and

@) Other documentary requirements issued by the goverment that may be
required by employers from job applicants.

SEC. 6. Proof of Eligibility: — Minimum wage jobseekers availing of the benefits
Provided under this Act shall present a barangay certification sta iespieeea
‘minimum wage jobseeker: Provided, That before the issuance of the sid certificate, the applicant

shall submit proof of being a minimum wage jobseeker including but not limited to the
following: payslip from previous employment, certification from previous employer, or
certification fram prospect ployer. Provided further, That any person found guilty of
fabrication or falsification shall be liable under the Revised Penal Code.

SEC. 7. Exceptions. - The waiver of fees and charges provided under this Act shall not
include those collected in connection with an application to take a professional licensure
examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission, application for a Philippine
Passport authentication and red ribbon of documents from the Department of Foreign Affairs,

ion (CSC), and

application for a Career Service Examination with the Civil Serv:
application for a driver's license from the Land Transportation Office.

SEC. 8. Non-Authority to Charge Fees. ~ This Act shall not be construed as an implied
agencies iv impose or collect charges and fees in relation to the
Aischarge of their functions if no such authority is already granted under their respective charters
or other relevant laws.

authority for all

SEC. 9. Interpretation in Favor of the Applicant. — In all cases, any ambiguity in the
interpretation of the provisions of this Act shall be in favor of the applicant.


No government agency or instrumentality shall issue unduly restrictive regulations which
will render nugatory the benefits Provided under this Act.lawphil Such shall constitute an
administrative offense punishable under the Administrative Cade and oth

ii jaws,

SEC. 10. Monitoring. — The Department of Labor and Employment shall monitor the
compliance of the concemed government agencies and instrumentalities, and may recommend

the proper authorities the filing ‘sitative compiaint against any person who refuses to

implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. — if any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional
or otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.

'g Classe, All laws, decrees, orders, ordinances, rules and regulations
parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in

the OF r in & newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,