Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers

Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid on Tuesday filed a proposed measure seeking to provide a 20-percent discount to indigent jobseekers when they acquire government documents and clearances required during their applications.

Once passed into law, Senate Bill 2382 or "Indigent Job Applicants Discount Act" would grant "20 percent discounts for indigent job applicants in the payment of fees and charges for certain certificates and clearances issued by government agencies for employment application."

"He who has less in life should have more in law," Lapid said, referencing former President Ramon Magsaysay Sr.'s credo which he said inspired him to craft the bill.

Lapid underscored the need to provide equal opportunities to indigent Filipinos seeking to be employed.

"It is the humble intention of this proposed measure to encourage and assist indigent job seekers in securing gainful employment," he said.

He said the labor opportunities "are seen to be one of the prospective windows that can help improve the well-being of indigent citizens and their family's quality of life."

"Therefore, availment of productive employment opportunities is essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development," he added.

SB 2382 will cover clearances issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, marriage and live birth certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority, and transcript of records and authenticated copy of diploma from state universities and colleges.

It also includes medical certificate for local employment from any government hospital licensed by the Department of Health, and medical certificate for foreign employment from any DoH-accredited medical facility for Filipino overseas workers; Tax Identification Number and other documentary requirements issued by the government that may be required by employers from indigent job applicants.

Qualified beneficiaries include those whose income falls below the official poverty threshold, and as identified and certified by the PSA based on the criteria set under the Community-Based Monitoring System, as established under Republic Act No. 11315.

The city or municipality shall issue the "certificates of indigence" based on the latest CBMS data.

Under the bill, any public officer or employee who refuses or fails to provide the benefit granted to the indigent job applicant shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less P5,000 but not more than P20,000.

Prosecution for an offense shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of any other existing laws, including civil service law, rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, a job applicant who misrepresents or falsifies any document to avail of benefits or abuses the privilege granted them shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, and shall suffer perpetual disqualification from availing of the privileges under this Act.

Lapid noted that a counterpart measure from the House of Representatives has been passed on third and final reading last 22 May.