House OKs bill waiving fees for new grads seeking employment

The plenary hall of the House of Representatives. (Photo from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — At the resumption of its session on Monday, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to waive government fees and charges collected for documents required in the employment application of new graduates.

The lower chamber approved House Bill No. 172 with 200 affirmative votes, with no negatives votes nor abstentions.

Under the bill, government agencies, and instrumentalities would be barred from collecting fees or charges from new graduates if the fee “is paid in connection with the application for and the granting of licenses, proofs of identification, clearances, certificates, or other documents usually required in the course of employment.”

The exemption will only valid if the application for such documents is submitted within a year after graduating from high school, college or any vocational or technical course.

A copy of the applicant’s diploma or certification of graduation is also required under the proposed measure.

Also, fees collected when taking a professional licensure examination conducted by the Philippine Regulation Commission are exempted from being waived. /atm

READ THE BILL HERE: House Bill No. 172 – Waiver of fees for new graduates applying for employment