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Republic of the Philippine:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

ky ‘i
[3 RECEIVED %
S uc, OLAUL 2013

EENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

794

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

This bill seeks to address this situation not by means of a dole-out, but by a reasonable
waiver of the fees collected by government for various clearances, licenses, and another
documents from fresh graduates wanting to work and to be productive members of society. Itis a
simple measure that intends not only to provide relief but also to show the State's commitment to
promote the interest of the youth. The waiver of these fees must be taken not as a loss of revenue
for the government, but as an investment in its emerging labor force, which would be in its best
interest to protect.

This measure was previously filed by Senator Manny Villar in the 15" Congress. The
urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought now in the 16" Congress.

BAY
Representative
First District of Northem Samar



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
794
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

ANACT
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO FRESH GRADUATES BY WAIVING GOVERNMENT
FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR
EMPLOYMENT

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 "Fresh Graduates Preemployment Assistance
Act of 2013."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the youth. It
shall endeavor to provide to them opportunities for development by creating policies that
improve access to employment.

Section 3. Waiver of fees and charges. Subject to exceptions in Section 5 of this Act, all
government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled
corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs), shall not collect fees or charges from
a Filipino citizen; Provided, that such fee or charge is paid in connection with the application for
and the granting of licenses, proof of identification, clearance, certificate, or other document
usually required in the course of employment, and; Provided further, that the person is applying
for such license, proof of identification, clearance, certificate, or other document within one (1)
year after graduating from high school, college or any vocational or technical course, as
evidenced according to Section 5 herein.

Section 4, Proof of Graduation. To avail of the waiver authorized this Act, a citizen must submit
to the govemment agency or instrumentality concerned a copy of his or her diploma,
certification, document or communication from the academic, vocational o technical institution
from which he or she has graduated, written or issued to the effect that such person has indeed
successfully completed the course required. The diploma, certification, document, or
communication should clearly state the date of graduation or completion and the course


completed or degree eared, and should be signed by the institution's duly authorized
representative. Such copy of the diploma, certification, document, or communication submitted,
even if not original or certified true copy, shall serve as prima facie evidence of the fact and
date of graduation and shall be sufficient for the government agency to grant the waiver;
provided, that any person found to be guilty of fabricating or falsifying any proof of

graduation as described in this Section, shall be liable under Article 172 (Falsification and

Use of falsified Documents) of the Revised Penal Code.

Section 5. Exceptions. The fees and charges to be waived shall not include those collected in
connection with the granting of a professional licensure examination, by the Professional
regulation Commission nor with granting of a Philippine passport.

Section 6. Administrative Offense. No government agency or instrumentality shall be issue
unduly restrictive regulations for the carrying out of its provisions to render nugatory the benefit
of the waiver prescribed. Such shall constitute an administrative offense punishable under the
Administrative Code and other pertinent laws.

Section 7. The Inter-agency Monitoring Committee. An inter-agency monitoring committee
(IAMC) is hereby created to be headed by the Executive Secretary as its Chair, and the heads of
the departments as its members. The [AMC's function is to monitor the compliance to this Act by
the various govemment agencies and instrumentalities within its scope. It may recommend to the
proper authorities the filing of an administrative complaint against any person who refuses

to comply with the provisions of this Act.

Section 8, Repealing clause, All laws, decrees, orders, ordinances, rules and regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 9. 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.

Section 10. Effectivity. This shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,