NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
^enatk- 
of»»
23 JUL17 P2--41
SENATE
S. No. 2314
received BV..„
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ENHANCING WORKERS' PROTECTION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN 
COURSE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY JOB DISRUPTION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This measure aims to safeguard workers' interests and promote their 
professional growth during the rapidly-changing landscape brought about by 
advancements in science, technology, and the digital economy in the Philippines.
This may help Filipino workers effectively navigate the challenges resulting from 
job displacement and disruption caused by the emergence of the digital economy.
By addressing the challenges posed by the digital economy, this bill aims to 
ensure that Filipino workers remain competitive in the global job market and contribute 
to national economic growth. It is imperative that the Philippine government 
proactively addresses potential job displacement issues and actively seeks 
opportunities to enhance workers' capabilities in the face of technological 
advancements.
In light of the foregoing, approval of this bill is sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


tE
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
oi tl}9 ^'•£vet"v^
23 JUL17 P2’-41
SENATE
S. No. 2314
RV.CEiVEO 3V; 
-—
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ENHANCING WORKERS' PROTECTION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN 
COURSE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY JOB DISRUPTION
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the State to ensure the
2 
welfare and protection of workers, recognizing their vital role in nation-building. The
3 
State shall provide support for workers at risk due to technological advancements,
4 
promote upskilling and reskilling, and facilitate career transition in the digital economy.
5 
Sec. 2. Creation of the National Task Force on Digital Economy Job Disruption
6 
- A National Task Force on Digital Economy Job Disruption (Task Force) shall be
7 
created, composed of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the
8 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Technical
9 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other pertinent agencies,
10 
to develop and implement programs and initiatives related to this Act.
11 
Sec. 3. Early Warning System - The Task Force shall establish an Early Warning
12 
System to identify industries at high risk of digital disruption and assess the potential
13 
impact on workers' employment. This system shall provide vital information for
14 
preparing intervention measures and updating policies.
15 
Sec. 4. Safety Nets and Financial Assistance - A Workers' Adjustment Program
16 
(WAP) shall be established to provide financial assistance to workers affected by digital


1 
disruption. The WAP shall include wage compensation, unemployment benefits, and
2 
temporary income support.
3 
Sec. 5. UpskiHing and Reskilling Initiative - The Task Force, in collaboration
4 
with the private sector, shall design and implement a comprehensive upskilling and
5 
reskilling program focused on digital skills and emergent technologies. These
6 
programs shall include:
7 
a. Digital skills assessments for workers to identify opportunities for skill
8 
development.
9 
b. Development of industry-specific training and certification programs, which
10 
cater to the needs and requirements of the digital economy.
11 
c. Financial assistance and scholarships for workers seeking to upgrade or
12 
acquire new skills through technical and vocational training, short-term courses,
13 
or formal education.
14 
Sec. 6. Support for Career Transition - The Task Force shall develop a career
15 
transition support system to help workers find new opportunities in the digital
16 
economy, which shall include:
17 
a. Career counseling and job placement services.
18 
b. Establishment of an online platform to connect workers with job
19 
opportunities, training programs, and mentorships.
20 
c. Collaboration with employers and industry groups to develop strategies for
21 
the seamless integration of displaced workers in the rapidly changing digital
22 
economy.
23 
Sec. 7. Stakeholder Consultation and Collaboration - The Task Force shall
24 
maintain regular consultation and cooperation with stakeholders, including labor
25 
unions, employers' organizations, and industry associations, to ensure that the policies
26 
and programs are effective and meet the needs of workers and businesses.
27 
Sec. 8. Annual Report to Congress - The Task Force shall submit an annual
28 
report on the implementation of this Act, the status of displaced workers, and the
29 
progress of skills development and job transition programs.
30 
Sec. 9 Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act shall
31 
be sourced from the DOLE, DICT, TESDA's share in the annual General Appropriations
32 
Act (GAA).


1 
Sec. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOLE, DICT, TESDA, and
2 
the other relevant instrumentalities and stakeholders, shall develop the implementing
3 
rules and regulations, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.
4 
Sec. 11. Separability Clause. -Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be
5 
declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other
6 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still
7 
subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
8 
Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
9 
memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
10 
with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
11 
Sec. 13. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall be take effect fifteen (15) days after
12 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,