Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Fifteenth Congress

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, _L

Introduced by: Hon. MARY MITZI “MITCH” L. CAJAYON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill is anchored on the belief that the only way to close a revolving prison door is to
open another one which offers ex-inmates, including their children and families, a second
chance.

The measure seeks to provide assistance to former inmates as they reintegrate and
become productive members of the community as part of comprehensive crime intervention,
prevention and law enforcement effort, especially in the area of employment as former prisoners
have a slimmer opportunity of being employed after their release since employers are reluctant to
hire them because of their past.

It also aims to provide tax incentives to private establishments hiring former inmates
through an additional deduction from the gross income, equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of
the total amount paid as salaries and wages to former prisoners, to be given to business
establishments employing former prisoners.

Moreover, this bill proposes to create a committee on former prisoners’ assistance
program under the Department of Justice which will be tasked to implement the assistance
program including, but not limited to, the training and employment of former prisoners,
provision of discharge allowance and other basic social services to help pave the way for their
reintegration from prison to the broader community.

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

Sptapp-

MARY MITZI “MITCH” L. CAJAYON


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
Fifteenth Congress

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. L

Introduced by: Hon. MARY MITZI “MITCH” L. CAJAYON

AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE FORMER PRISONERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,

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 “Former Prisoners’ Assistance
Program Act of 2008.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. Itis the policy of the State to assist former prisoners
to continue their reformation, and help them reintegrate into society after they have been released
from prison.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
have the meaning as indicated hereunder:

(a) “Business establishments” refer to private companies that employ former prisoners.

(b) “Committee” refers to the Committee on Former Prisoners’ Assistance Program,
under the Department of Justice.

(©). “Former prisoners” refer to those convicted by final judgment and who have been
released on probation, parole, pardon, or after having served their sentences.

SECTION 4. Committee on Former Prisoners’ Assistance Program. The Committee on
Former Prisoners’ Assistance Program under the Department of Justice, hereinafter referred to as
the Committee, is hereby created with the task of drafting provisions for assistance of former
prisoners.

SECTION 5. Structural and Personnel Organization. The Committee shall be headed by
a Chairman and assisted by a Vice Chairman, who shall both be appointed by the Secretary of
the Department of Justice. Appointees to the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman must be
holders of a master’s degree in business or public administration with no less than two years
experience in penology management. The Committee shall have a Technical Service Arm to
assist it to carry out its duties and functions.

SECTION 6. Tax Credit. Business establishments that will employ former prisoners upon
the effectivity of this Act shall be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income,
equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to former
prisoners, subject to Section 4 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 7. Discharge Allowance. Prisoners discharged upon completion of their term
or released on parole or mandatory conditional release may be supplied, in accordance with the


rules and regulations of this Act, within budget requirements, with transportation allowance to
the point of destination within the country if the inmate or the inmate's family is not financially
capable to provide the same.

SECTION 8. Adequate Social Services. The Committee shall work to find ways to
provide adequate basic social services to former prisoners to facilitate their efficient community
integration.

SECTION 9. Rules and Regulations. The Department of Justice and the Department of
Labor and Employment shall, within thirty (30) days from effectivity of this Act, issue such rules
and regulations necessary for the proper implementation of the provisions of this law.

SECTION 10. Appropriations. The sum of Five Million Pesos (P5,000,000.00) shall be
appropriated from the General Appropriations Act for the initial implementation of this Act.
Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for its continued implementations shall be included in
the annual budget of the Department of Justice.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree, issuance, executive
order, fetter of instruction, administrative order, rule and regulation contrary to or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected hereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 13. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following

its complete publication in any national newspaper of general circulation or in the Official
Gazette.

Approved,