Free Professional Examinations Act

: Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) APR 13 P3:28 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: Senate Bill No. 2035 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT EXEMPTING QUALIFIED INDIGENT FILIPINOS FROM PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION FEES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 1, Article Ill of the 1987 Constitution provides that the

Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good. Access to professional licensure examinations is a crucial step for Filipino graduates seeking to enter regulated professions and contribute to national development. However, for many indigent Filipinos, the cost of professional examination fees imposed by regulatory bodies remains a significant financial barrier. Despite possessing the necessary education, training, and competence, countless qualified individuals are unable to take licensure examinations due to economic constraints. This situation not only deprives them of opportunities for upward social mobility but also limits the country's pool of licensed professionals in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, engineering, and social services.

This bill seeks to address this inequity by exempting qualified indigent Filipinos from the payment of professional examination fees for their first attempt. Removing financial barriers will empower deserving individuals to pursue their professions, enhance workforce participation, and ultimately contribute to economic growth. In view of the foregoing, the passage of the measure is earnestly sought.

Sentate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) Office of the Sorcretarp REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session APR 13 P3:28 SENATE RECEIVED BY: Senate Bill No. 2035 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT EXEMPTING QUALIFIED INDIGENT FILIPINOS FROM 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

2 Professional Examinations Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State hereby declared the

policy of the State to promote social justice and equitable access to professional opportunities. The State recognizes that professional > licensure examinations are essential in nation-building and seeks to 8 remove financial barriers that prevent qualified indigent Filipinos from 9 pursuing professional careers.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a) Professional Examination refers 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; and 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

11 of the benefit of this Act, an examinee shall secure a certification from 12 the DSWD that he/she is a qualified indigent. Such certification shall 13 be presented to the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), or the Supreme Court of the Philippines, as the case may be, in lieu of the payment of examination fees. No other fees shall be charged against the qualified indigent for 17 purposes of the professional examination.

SEC. 5. Limitations on Availment. - The benefits under this Act

may be availed of once per year by a qualified indigent.

SEC. 6. Information, Education and Communication (IC)

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 Requirements. - 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 Regulation. - Within ninety (90)

2 days from the 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. 8. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act

8 or part hereof be declared unconstitutional, the other provisions or parts 9 not affected thereby shall remain valid and effective.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,

12 issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,