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

Sixteenth Congress.
Second Regular Session

5346

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Catalina “Baby” G. Leonen-Pizarro
EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution provides that it is a policy of the State to promote full
employment and to provide equal opportunities for employment for all. In connection with
thi

professionals to grow and expand their horizons, Personal growth and development will

s the responsibility of the State not only to provide employment, but also to allow its

ideally lead to progress for the nation.

It is also 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. Freedom from poverty can only be attained
through the joint efforts between the individual and the State; the individual, by earning
income through his livelihood, and the State, by providing opportunities for employment,
growth, and at the same time giving social services to help the individual stand on his own
two feet,

Oftentimes, it has been said that a college diploma is a ticket to employment, a ticket
to improving one’s life. By graduating from college after years of hard work and burning the
midnight oil, one is able to exponentially increase his/her chance to be employed. The same
can be said of having professional status stamped before one’s own name. It is one thing to
be a college graduate, indeed; however, it is definitely better to be a specialist in a particular
field, or a Professional,

The State has already provided for avenues in order to attain a college diploma —

scholarships are offered, and free tertiary education is supplied in many State Colleges and


Universities. This bill intends to add another avenue for the realization of the Filipino
Youth's dream to become a leader in his field and to become the government's partner in
nation-building, This bill intends to breathe life into the State’s policy to provide
opportunities of development for all — by allowing select, qualified individuals to take
professional examinations for free, without any fee, in order to help them attain their dreams
and maximize their opportunity to help them stand on their own. By providing free
examinations for professional licenses for select, qualified individuals, those aspiring for
professional status will be encouraged to try out without the distraction of any monetary
obstacles to success.

‘The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought



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

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

5346

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Catalina “Baby” G. Leonen-Pizarro
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE,

CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY AND POLICE ELIGIBILITY EXAMINATIONS
FEES.

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 Licensure,
Civil Service Eligibility and Police Eligibility Examinations Fees Act of 2015".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to promote full employment
and to provide equal opportunities for employment for all. In relation to such policy is the
responsibility of the state to ensure that there are no inroads that may effectively hinder the
professional growth of the citizens, providing all avenues to allow them to develop
themselves in their respective chosen fields. 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. The enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all people to human
dignity and reduce social, political, and economic inequalities shall be given the highest
priority. 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 (PRC) leading to the issuance of a professional
license, It shall also include examinations conducted by the Civil Service
Commission (CSC) leading to eligibility for employment to the government as a
civil service professional or —_sub-professional including Police eligibility
examination administered by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) 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).

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“Certification” refers o a document issued personally by the DSWD to the qualified
indigent after the latter applies for such. It shall only be issued to the applicant, who
shall personally apply for it. No fee shall be charged for such certification.

Sec. 4. Requirements for Availment. For purposes of availing of the benefits of this
‘Act, an examinee shall personally secure a certification from the DSWD being a qualified
indigent. Such certification shall be presented to the PRC, the CSC, the NAPOLCOM, the
Supreme Court of the Philippines as the case maybe, or any other government regulatory
office handling any profession, 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 personally be availed of

by a qualified indigent only once for every year.

Sec. 6. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign. The
DSWD, PRC, CSC, NAPOLCOM 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


See. 7. Reportorial Requirement. For purposes of determining the effectiveness and
social impact of the provisions of this Act, the DSWD, PRC, CSC, NAPOLCOM and the
Supreme Court of the Philippines shall submit an annual report to both Houses of Congress
indicating therein 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 (IRR). Within ninety (90) days from
the date of effectivity of this Act, the DSWD, PRC, CSC, NAPOLCOM 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. Separability 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.

See, 10, Repealing Clause. Any law, dectee, ordinance or administrative circular not
consistent with any provision of this Act is hereby amended, repealed or modified

accordingly.

See. 11. Effectivity 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.