Solon seeks to waive payment for clearances of new grads

CEBU, Philippines - A Nueva Ecija representative has proposed to exempt fresh graduates applying for a job from paying the required pre-employment documents from government offices.

Rep. Estrellita Suansing has proposed to grant exemption to new graduates to help them secure the needed documents without adding to their financial burdens.

Suansing has observed that job applicants are required to submit copies of their documents like diploma or certificates of their degree programs, and other clearances causing more expenses on their part.

Under the proposed House Bill 5088, a new graduate can avail of the exemption within one year after graduation. The applicant only needed to present his or her diploma stating the date of graduation and the course completed.

Under the proposal, a new graduate can be exempted from paying for the license, proof of identification, clearances or certificates in any government agencies.

However, fees for licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission could not be waived.

Suansing said the waiver of these fees must not be considered as a loss of revenue for the government but as “an investment in the labor force” since obtaining clearances and documents from the government can be burdensome for a cash-strapped job applicant.

 Among the documents commonly requested by job applicants from the government are clearances from the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, identification number from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Social Security System, and community tax certificate from the local government units.

 The bill is now pending before the House Committee on Labor and Employment. (FREEMAN)