For Filipinos already struggling to make ends meet, the cost of completing employment requirements can become another hurdle before they even get a chance to earn. Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal is seeking to cut government-issued pre-employment document fees by 50 percent for indigent jobseekers, arguing that securing basic requirements should not prevent people from pursuing work.
The proposal would increase the discount under House Bill 8413 from the proposed 20 percent to 50 percent once the measure reaches plenary debates. Nazal said reducing the upfront expenses could make the employment process more accessible to Filipinos who have limited financial resources.
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“Expenses should not be a hindrance to any Filipino seeking employment,” Nazal said.
The House Committee on Ways and Means has already approved HB 8413, a substitute measure that combines 14 bills proposing discounts on pre-employment documents, including Nazal’s HB 2068.
Higher Discount Sought for Indigent Jobseekers
Nazal's proposal is specifically aimed at Filipinos whose income is below the official poverty threshold, including households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. He raised questions over whether the potential reduction in government agency revenues would be significant enough to warrant keeping the discount at 20 percent.
“While we support HB 8413 in principle, we believe that a discount of more than 20 percent on pre-employment documents would be more meaningful and appreciated by jobseekers who are among the poorest of the poor,” he said.
Beyond the size of the discount, Nazal is also proposing changes to make proof of indigency easier to obtain. Under his proposal, applicants could secure certification through local social welfare offices or Public Employment Service Offices if Philippine Statistics Authority or Community-Based Monitoring System records are unavailable or outdated.
Digital Process Seen as Way to Cut Costs
The lawmaker also wants the process of obtaining employment requirements to become more convenient through a one-stop or digital system. Such an arrangement could reduce additional transportation expenses and other costs incurred by jobseekers who need to visit multiple offices.
For low-income Filipinos, lowering the price of employment documents and simplifying the process could mean more resources remain available for transportation, food, and other immediate needs while searching for work. If adopted, the proposal could also make public employment assistance more accessible and reduce financial barriers that prevent qualified Filipinos from completing the requirements needed to enter the workforce.
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