TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
649
i/) TIME:
BILLS
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ENHANCING WORKERS' PROTECTION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN 
COURSE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY JOB DISRUPTION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2024, the Philippine digital economy accounted for 8.5% of the country's 
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is a 7.6% increase from the previous year. A 
research from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) further 
forecasted that the digital economy will sustain robust growth in 2025, with a 
projected expansion of 15% to 20%. This manifests the need to meet the demand for 
skilled workers who will turn the gears for the industry's continuous expansion.
Consequently, the rights and welfare of these workers must be protected. As 
such, this bill aims to safeguard workers' interests and promote their professional 
growth during the rapidiy-changing digital landscape brought about by advancements 
in science, technology, and e-commerce in the Philippines. This measure seeks to help 
Filipino workers effectively navigate the challenges resulting from job displacement 
and disruption caused by the emergence of this nascent sector.
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 and even mismatch issues, and 
actively seeks opportunities to enhance workers' capabiiities in the face of 
technological advancements.
In light of the foregoing, approval of this bill is sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 649
lymi
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:
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Section 1. Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the State to ensure the
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welfare and protection of workers, recognizing their vital role in nation-building. The
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State shall provide support for workers at risk due to technoiogical advancements,
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promote upskiiiing and reskiiiing, and facilitate career transition in the digitai economy.
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Sec. 2. Creation of the National Task Force on Digital Economy Job Disruption-
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A National Task Force on Digital Economy Job Disruption (Task Force) shall be created,
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composed of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of
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Information and Communications Technoiogy (DICT), the Technical Education and
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Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other pertinent agencies, to deveiop and
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implement programs and initiatives reiated to this Act.
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Sec. 3. Early Warning System - The Task Force shall establish an Early Warning
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System to identify industries at high risk of digitai disruption and assess the potential
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impact on workers' empioyment. This system shall provide vital information for
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preparing intervention measures and updating policies.
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Sec. 4. Safety Nets and Financial Assistance - A Workers' Adjustment Program
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(WAP) shall be established to provide financial assistance to workers affected by digital
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disruption. The WAP shail inciude wage compensation, unempioyment benefits, and
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temporary income support.
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Sec. 5. UpskiHing and Reskilling Initiative -The Task Force, in collaboration with
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the private sector, shall design and implement a comprehensive upskilling and
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reskilling program focused on digital skills and emergent technologies. These
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programs shall include:
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a. Digital skills assessments for workers to identify opportunities for skill
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development.
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b. Development of industry-specific training and certification programs,
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which cater to the needs and requirements of the digital economy.
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c. Financial assistance and scholarships for workers seeking to upgrade or
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acquire new skills through technical and vocational training, short-term
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courses, or formal education.
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Sec. 6. Support for Career Transition - The Task Force shall develop a career
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transition support system to help workers find new opportunities in the digital
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economy, which shall include:
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a. Career counseling and job placement services.
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b. Establishment of an online platform to connect workers with job
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opportunities, training programs, and mentorships.
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c. Collaboration with employers and industry groups to develop strategies
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for the seamless integration of displaced workers in the rapidly changing
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digital economy.
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Sec. 7. Stakeholder Consultation and Collaboration - The Task Force shall
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maintain regular consultation and cooperation with stakeholders, including labor
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unions, employers' organizations, and industry associations, to ensure that the policies
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and programs are effective and meet the needs of workers and businesses.
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Sec. 8. Annual Report to Congress - The Task Force shall submit an annual
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report on the implementation of this Act, the status of displaced workers, and the
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progress of skills development and job transition programs.
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Sec. 9 Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act shall
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be sourced from the DOLE, DICT, TESDA's share in the annual General Appropriations
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Act (GAA).
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Sec. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -The DOLE, DICT, TESDA, and


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