IRR out for special student employment program; age limit now up to 30 years old, work period extended up to 78 days

Businessworld, Mar 29, 2017

THE IMPLEMENTING rules and regulations (IRR) for the amended law on employment of students has been signed and issued by the Department of Labor and Employment, the government’s Philippine Information Agency reported yesterday. Under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), contained in Republic Act No. 10917, the age qualification of applicants is now 15 to 30 years old while the employment period has been extended to 20-78 days from the previous 20-52 days. SPES aims to provide students as well as out-of-school youth with short-term job opportunities year-round, but especially during the summer and Christmas breaks, with compensation to help them continue their studies. Under the law, 60% of the salary will be paid by the employer, private or public, while the remaining 40% is shouldered by the government, both to be paid in cash.