Solon: Stop collecting fees, charges from fresh graduates seeking jobs

A lawmaker is strongly pushing the provision of assistance to first- time job seekers by waiving government fees and charges collected in connection with requirements for employment.

AVE Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay filed House Bill 5565 prohibiting all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs), from collecting fees or charges from fresh graduates seeking employment within one year.

“Every year, fresh graduates from high school, college and vocational schools foray into the job market where competition is always tough. They have to contend with processes and formalities, particularly paper works which, if not circuitous or unnecessary, are expensive,” Magsaysay said.

Magsaysay filed the bill as he noted that many fresh graduates are at a loss on how to pay for the clearances and documents required by prospective employers.

Magsaysay said the bill, to be known as the First Employment Assistance Act of 2011, aims to provide a reasonable waiver of fees collected by government for various clearances, licenses and other documents from fresh graduates wanting to work and join the socio-economic mainstream.

“Employment is hampered with requirements such as the NBI clearance, SSS ID, certification from the local government and other fees. Such conditions appear oppressive and counter-productive, considering that these graduates, especially those coming from the vulnerable sectors are unemployed,” Magsaysay said.

Magsaysay seeks the immediate passage of the measure, citing the policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic social order and alleviate poverty. The State aims to provide adequate social services, promote full employment, raise the standard of living and improve the quality of life for all.

“In these endeavors, direct involvement of the youth and the educated class is imperative as they bring new perspectives and in-demand skills to various industries. As workers, they beef up the labor force by increasing the level of opportunity,” Magsaysay stressed.

Under the measure, fees or charges paid in connection with the application for the granting of licenses, proof of identification, clearance, certificate or other document usually required in the course of employment shall be waived within a period of one year after graduating from high school, college or any vocational or technical course.

In order to avail of the waiver, an applicant must submit to the government agency or instrumentality concerned a copy of his or her diploma, certification, document or communication from the academic, basic education, vocational or technical institution from which he or she has graduated, written or issued that the person has successfully completed the course required.

The bill provides that the diploma, certification, document or communication clearly states the date of graduation or completion and the course completed or degree earned and should be signed by the institution’s head or his/her duly authorized representative.

Under the bill, the diploma, certification or communication submitted may be an original or certified true copy which shall serve as prima facie evidence of the fact and date of graduation and shall be sufficient for the government agency to grant the waiver.

Any person, who is found guilty of fabricating or falsifying any proof of graduation as described in the bill, shall be liable under Article 172 (Falsification and Use of Falsified Documents) of the Revised Penal Code or the penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods and a fine of not more than P5,000.

A Monitoring Committee is created composed of the Civil Service Commission chairman, secretaries of the Departments of Labor and Employment, Finance, Education and the Commission on Higher Education which is tasked to monitor and ensure the compliance of various government agencies and instrumentalities within its scope.

The Monitoring Committee is directed to file an administrative complaint against any person, entity or instrumentality that refuses to comply with the provisions of this act.

“This measure is a relief for the unemployed as it encourages the State’s commitment to promote the interest of the youth. The waiver of these fees serves as leverage assistance by the government and an investment to its emerging labor force,” Magsaysay said.  –Charlie V. Manalo, Daily Tribune