Republic of the Philippines 
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
PasayCity 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
Senate BiG No. 
a''] 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
'13 ,U -1 
,~11 :44 
It has always been said that a college diploma is the most potent tool for one to 
be able to eke out of poverty. Thus, free tertiary education was in order and support to 
state-run universities and colleges providing free tertiary education poured in. The poor 
who dreamt of salvation from the chains of poverty now have a college diploma to pin 
their hopes on. 
It should be realized that finishing college is just one part of a much promising 
professional career. A college diploma may define the fitness and aptitude of an 
individual but it is the title as a registered professional which is the culmination of one's 
proficiency and competence. Thus, to complete the formula of a ticket to a rewarding 
employment either in the government or the private sector, one must have a diploma 
and professional license. A good employment is assured a college graduate but better 
employment opportunities are in store for those who are graduates holding 
professional licenses. 
The grant of professional license is only extended to select individuals who shall 
undergo specific examinations prescribed by law. To a regular graduate, the schedule of 
fees required to take the examination are minimal but to some, particularly indigents 
who finished their degrees without spending a dime as scholars or as students in state 
run institutions, the fees may seem restrictive that they would forego taking the 
examination altogether for lack of funds to pay the examination fees. 
The Government should open up more opportunities to a better employment for 
those qualified indigents and in this line, this measure seeks to exempt them from 
paying the examination fees to government administered professional examinations. 
Early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
<~. 
MlNuEL ": 0" M. LAPID 
t1 


Republic of the Philippines 
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Pasay City 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
Senate Bill {j~. ~_8_7_ 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
'13 
JUL -1 
A11 :44 
:" B'J· .Y-
o "'--U--
AN ACT PROVIDING A MECHANISM FOR FREE PROFESSIONAL 
EXAMINATIONS 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 "Free Professional 
Examinations Act of2013". 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to promote full 
employment and to provide equal opportunities for employment for all. 
Corollary to this is the concomitant responsibility of the state to ensure that there 
are no inroads that may effectively hinder the professional growth of the citizens. 
Furthermore, it is the policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic 
social order that will free the people from poverty through policies and 
programs that provide adequate social services and improve the quality of life 
for all.In this regard, efforts should be initiated so as we may afford the poor 
access to mechanisms that may expand opportunities for better employment. 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As provided for in this Act; 
a) "Professional Examinations"shall refer to the licensure examinations 
conducted by Professional Regulations Commission leading to the 
issuance of a professional license. It shall also include examinations 
conducted by the Civil Service Commission leading to eligibility for 


employment to the government as a civil service professional or sub-
professionals and the Bar Examinations conducted by the Supreme Court 
of the Philippines. 
b) "Qualified Indigent" refers to a person who has no visible means of 
income or support, or whose income is insufficient for the subsistence or 
basic needs of his family, as may be determined by the Department of 
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 
Sec. 4. Requirements for Availment. - For purposes of availing of the benefits of this 
Act, an examinee shall secure a certification from the DSWD that he! she is a 
qualified indigent. Such certification shall be presented to the Professional 
Regulations Commission (PRC), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) or the 
Supreme Court of the Philippines as the case maybe, in lieu of the payment of 
examination fees. 
No other fee shall be charged against the qualified indigent for purposes 
of the professional examination. 
Sec. 5. Limitations on Availment.Benefits of this Act may be availed of by a 
qualified indigent only once for every year. 
Sec. 6. Information, Education and Communication (lEC) Campaign. - The DSWD, 
PRC, CSC and the Supreme Court of the Philippines, in cooperation with the 
Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is hereby mandated to conduct an annual 
IEC campaign in order to inform the people of the procedures and guidelines in 
availing the benefits of this Act. 
Sec. 7. Reportorial Requirement. - For purposes of determining the effectiveness 
and social impact of the provisions of this Act, the DSWD, PRe, CSC and the 
Supreme Court of the Philippines shall submit an annual report to both Houses 
of Congress indicating therewith the number of parties who benefited from this 
Act. 


The report shall state in detail, among others, the geographic location, 
demographic characteristics and socioeconomic profile of the beneficiaries of this 
Act. 
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR). - Within ninety (90) days from 
the date of effectivity of this Act, the DSWD, PRC, CSC and the Supreme Court 
of the Philippines shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
proper and effective implementation of the provisions of this Act. 
Sec. 9. Separabilihj Clause. -
If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected by such declaration 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, decree, ordinance or administrative circular 
not consistent with any provision of this Act is hereby amended, repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
Sec. 11. Effectivihj Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,