Free Professional Examinations Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES P2:29 ML 14 First Regular Session SENATE Senate Bill No. Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT EXEMPTING QUALIFIED INDIGENTS FROM THE PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION FEES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Education and self-development are the cornerstones of progress for the country. The 1987 Philippine Constitution underscores this principle, as Article I1,

Sec. 17 clearly states that "the State shall give priority to education, science and

technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development." Laws like Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Education Act, which institutionalizes free tuition and exempts students from other fees in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs), are remarkable and effective governmental efforts to recognize the importance of education for the less privileged. In 2019, Republic Act No. 11261, otherwise known as the First Time Jobseekers Act, was enacted to support fresh graduates and first- time jobseekers by waiving fees for the issuance of documents commonly required in job applications. This law aimed to ease the financial burden on first-time jobseekers as they begin their pursuit of employment. Aside from the financial burden in applying for a job, many graduates are still required to take a professional examination to obtain their license to practice. This incurs additional burdens on graduates, especially on the indigents. For instance, the fee for the 2025 Philippine Bar exam costs P12,800.00 for each applicant.* This is on top of the numerous other expenses that barristers must shoulder during the 1 Manila Bulletin. Online registration for 2025 Bar exams starts Jan. 8 - SC. Published on 7 January 2025. Available at https://mb.com.ph/7/1/2025/online-registration-for-2025-bar-exams-starts-jan-8-sc (Accessed on 3 July 2025).

months of review leading up to the exam, which may include bar review fees, books and other review materials, transportation costs, and more. This measure seeks to support graduates in their transition to the workforce by facilitating access to opportunities that will enable them to build productive and meaningful careers in their field of choice. In addition to existing free tertiary education and waivers of fees for applicable government documents, this bill grants qualified beneficiaries with free fees for professional examinations, upon presenting a certification of indigence from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Poverty should not be a hindrance to self-development and achieving one's goal of having a better life for themselves and their family. Thus, this bill seeks to extend the necessary aid to indigent students, ensuring that financial constraints and examination fees do not hinder their ability to acquire a professional license, build professional credibility, and advance in their careers. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JI. 14 P2:29 MECCA COGN SENATE Senate Bill No. 533 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT EXEMPTING QUALIFIED INDIGENTS FROM THE PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION FEES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1, Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Professional

Examinations Act. "

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to

promote full employment and to provide equal employment opportunities for all. It is likewise the policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic social order that will free the people from poverty through policies and programs that provide adequate social services and improve the quality of life for all. Pursuant to these, efforts should be made to ease the financial burden of aspiring professionals in the payment of professional and other examination fees.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms

are hereby defined as follows: a) Professional Examination refers to the licensure examination conducted by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) and other certifying bodies of the government as a prerequisite to the issuance of a license to engage in a profession. It shall also include the examination administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to qualify certain persons for government service

and the Bar Examinations conducted by the Supreme Court of the Philippines; 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 their family, as may be determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

SEC. 4. Requirements for Availment. - For purposes of availing the

benefits of this Act, an examinee shall secure a certification from the DSWD that he/she is a qualified indigent. Such certification shall be presented to the PRC, CSC or other certifying body, as the case may be, in lieu of the payment of examination fees: Provided, That a first time applicant may be entitled to one hundred percent (100% of the examination fees: Provided, further, That in the event that the examinee needs to retake the professional examination, he/she shall only be entitled to an assistance equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the examination fee for the second take, and no other subsidy shall be given for further retake. For the proper implementation of this Act, the DSWD shall also enter into an appropriate memorandum of agreement (MOA) and coordinate with the Supreme Court and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). For this purpose, the DSWD, the Supreme Court and the IBP shall issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SEC. 5. Reportorial Requirements. - For purposes of determining the

effectiveness and social impact of the provisions of this Act, an Inter-Agency Committee, hereinafter referred to as the Committee, is hereby created with the Secretary of the DSWD as Chairperson and the heads of the PRC, CSC, and other relevant agencies, the participation of which is deemed necessary by the Committee. The Committee shall submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines and to the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress. This annual report shall include the status of implementation of this Act, such as the challenges encountered in the process of its implementation. The said report shall also include, as much as possible, the geographic distribution, demographic characteristics, and socioeconomic profile of all applicant-beneficiaries of this Act. The Committee shall monitor the compliance of the concerned government

agencies and may recommend to the proper authorities the filing of an administrative complaint against any person or departments/agencies that refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Interpretation in Favor of the Applicant. - In all cases, any

ambiguity in the interpretation of the provisions of this Act shall be in favor of the applicant. No agency shall issue unduly restrictive regulations which will render nugatory the benefits provided under this Act. Such shall constitute an administrative offense punishable under the Administrative Code and other pertinent laws.

SEC. 7. Information, Education, and Communication Campaign. - The

Committee, in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the IBP, shall conduct regular information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in order to inform potential beneficiaries of the procedures and guidelines in availing the benefits of this Act. As far as practicable, such IEC campaigns shall be made available in print, television, radio broadcast, and online platforms, with appropriate translation into regional languages.

SEC. 8. Non-Duplication of Benefits. - Examinees who are already

receiving similar benefits under other laws and programs of the government shall not be entitled to the benefits of this Act. However, nothing herein shall diminish or decrease the benefits being received by the beneficiaries under pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 9. Exceptions. - The waiver of fees under this Act shall not include

those collected in connection with an application to take other examinations, such as 24 specialization examinations administered by professional organizations, and the fees relating to the application for a driver's license.

SEC. 10. Non-Authority to Charge Fees. - This Act shall not be construed

as an implied authority for government agencies to impose or collect charges and fees in the discharge of their functions with regard the administration of professional 29 examinations, if no such authority is already granted under their respective charters or other relevant laws.

SEC. 11. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial

32 implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current years appropriations

of the departments/agencies concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary 2 for the continued implementation shall be included in the annual General 3 Appropriations Act (GAA).

SEC. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - In addition to the rules

5 to be formulated as provided under Section 4 of this Act, the Committee, upon 6 proper consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall also formulate the rules and 7 regulations for the effective implementation of this Act, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 13. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is

10 declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 14. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

executive order, letter of instruction, rute, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,