REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES | erCENVED
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES || RECEIVE!

24 AUG 2016

Quezon City i

NTEENTH CONGRI
First Regular Session

3246

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representatives Enrico A. Pineda and Michael Odylon L. Romero, PH.D,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the more critical resources of the country that has been
contributing much to the improvement of its economy is its labor force. It
accounts for over half of the national population placing the Philippines 13" in
the world among countries with the most available pool of workers. The
abundance of labor in the Philippines plus the fact of having one of the more
educated and highly skilled people in our side of the world makes the country
one of the more attractive havens for investments.

In that regard, protection of the labor force has been an imperative for the
government and no less than the Philippine Constitution provides that the state
shall protect the rights of the workers and promote their welfare. Consequently,
numerous laws have been enacted regulating regular work hours, mandating a
minimum wage, rest periods and overtime pay, among others and many regard
that the Philippine labor policy is one that is more biased to labor.

However, much has to be achieved to ensure that the labor force is made
aware of the rights and privileges extended by the existing labor policies. It is
but fitting that individuals undergoing tertiary education, before they are
immersed into work and be part of the labor force, be educated of the labor laws
through a compulsory subject offered in college.

Immediate passage of this measure is earnestly prayed for.

IDYLON L. ROMERO, PH.D,



REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH Ci ONG ;RESS
First Regular 5

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representatives ENRICO A, PINEDA and
MICHAEL ODYLON L. ROMERO, PH.D.

AN ACT
ATING LABOR EDUCATION INTO THE SOCIAL SCIENCE
SUBJECTS IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SEC. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Labor Education Act of 2016

SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect the rights of
workers, promote their welfare, their living and working conditions, and terms of
employment. Towards this end, the State shall promote a mechanism to educate
the youth on the rights and welfare of the workers and promote a society that is
responsive and sensitive to the needs of the labor sector.

SEC.3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
mean:

(a) Labor education ‘shall refer to the teaching of labor rights,
workers' welfare and benefits, core labor standards, labor laws and
regulations, the national and global labor situation, labor market
concerns, labor issues, overseas work and related problems, the
nature of human labor, the role of labor in the self-realization of the
human being, the foundations of the dignity of labor and other topics
related to labor and employment.

(b) Tertiary education curriculum shall refer to the general education
curriculum designed for students taking up courses leading to a
degree.

(0) Social Science subjects shall refer to the subjects pertaining to the
branches of science that deal with the institutions, functioning and
aspects of human society and with the inter-personal relationships
of individuals as members of society.

SEC. 4. Integration of Labor Education into the Social Science subjects in the
Tertiary Education Curriculum. - Labor education shall be integrated into the


mandatory Social Science subjects being offered under the general education
curriculum at the tertiary level of education.

‘The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), pursuant to its mandate
under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of
1994", shall develop the program to execute and implement this Act.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions, rules
and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are
hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,