Senate Office of the see fury TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 MAR 16 P4:51 First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1978 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT EXEMPTING QUALIFIED INDIGENT FILIPINOS FROM THE PAYMENT OF • INDIGENT A PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION FEES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE According to Article II, Section 9 of the Constitution, "The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all" to which this measure aims for. While education is a key instrument in bolstering the Filipino workforce, many graduates still face financial barriers when applying for licensure examinations required for professional practice. The costs associated with examination fees, documentary requirements, and other related expenses may discourage or delay qualified graduates from pursuing their professional credentials. Several government initiatives have been introduced to improve Filipino learners' access to quality education. One of the most significant is the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931), which grants free tuition and other school fees to students enrolled in state universities and colleges. Through this law, students may also benefit from support under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), including assistance related to professional licensure or certification. However, such assistance generally
operates through a reimbursement scheme rather than direct financial support, requiring graduates to initially shoulder the examination fees before any reimbursement is provided. The recent passage of Republic Act No. 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, reflects the State's commitment to making education more accessible to Filipino learners. However, many graduates still face financial challenges when taking professional examinations. The Civil Service Examination costs around PHP 500 to PHP 680, while non-baccalaureate licensure examinations under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) cost P600. Meanwhile, the Philippine Bar Examination costs P12,800, based on the latest guidelines of the Supreme Court. These expenses may pose a burden for fresh graduates who are still seeking employment. Although self-rated poverty in the country declined to 37% in the fourth quarter of 2025, many Filipinos continue to face financial constraints. This proposed measure aims to ease the financial burden on indigent individuals seeking to obtain professional certifications and licenses. In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this legislation is earnestly sought. JV EJERCITO
Senate Offier of the eatertary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MAR 16 P4:51 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1978 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT EXEMPTING QUALIFIED INDIGENT FILIPINOS FROM THE PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION FEES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Free Professional
2 Examinations Act.
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to promote
4 full employment and to provide equal opportunities for employment for all. Corollary to this is the concomitant responsibility of the state to ensure that there are no inroads 6 that may effectively hinder the professional growth of our citizens. Furthermore, it is the policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic social 8 order that will free the people from poverty through policies and programs that provide 9 adequate social services and improve the quality of life for all. In this regard, efforts should be initiated so as we may afford the qualified but indigent Filipinos access to government certifications and other state mechanisms that will recognize their potential as professionals and partners to nation-building.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As provided for in this Act;
a) Professional Examination shall refer to the licensure examinations conducted by Professional Regulations Commission leading to the issuance of a professional license. It shall also Include examinations conducted by the Civil Service Commission leading to eligibility for employment to the government as
a civil service professional or sub-professionals 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).
Sec. 4. Requirements for Availment - For purposes of availing of the benefits
8 of this Act, an examinee shall secure a certification from the DSWD that he/she is a 9 qualified indigent. Such certification shall be presented to the Professional Regulations 10 Commission (PRC), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) or the Supreme Court of the Philippines, as the case maybe, 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 be availed of only
by a qualified indigent once per year.
Sec. 6. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign. - The
DSWD, PRC, CSC 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.
Sec. 7. Reportorial Requirement. - For purposes of determining the
effectiveness and social impact of the provisions of this Act, the DSWD, PRC, CSC and the Supreme Court of the Philippines shall submit an annual report to both Houses of Congress indicating therewith 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 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.
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, decree, ordinance or administrative
circular not consistent with any provision of this Act is hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 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,