MANILA – The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a proposed measure granting free licensure and civil service examinations to qualified indigents and members of indigenous peoples (IPs) and indigenous cultural communities.

House Bill No. 8869, also known as the proposed Free Professional Examinations Act, seeks to eliminate financial obstacles that prevent underprivileged Filipinos from obtaining professional licenses or qualifying for government positions.

The measure is part of the House’s efforts to broaden economic opportunities and improve access to government services for marginalized sectors.

Under the bill, qualified indigents and IP members would no longer pay examination fees for licensure tests administered by the Professional Regulation Commission and eligibility examinations conducted by the Civil Service Commission.

Applicants who wish to avail themselves of the benefit must submit either a certificate of indigency issued by their local government unit or certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

The proposed benefit may only be availed of once every year by qualified beneficiaries.

In a statement released Thursday, Ferdinand Alexander Marcos said the bill would provide poor but qualified Filipinos with better opportunities to pursue careers and improve their living conditions.

“For many poor Filipinos, the problem is not lack of talent or determination. The problem is that even examination fees can already be too expensive,” Marcos said.

“This bill gives them a genuine opportunity to become licensed professionals, enter government service, and build better futures for themselves and their families,” he added.

Marcos also said the measure highlights the need to make professional and government career opportunities more accessible to Filipinos living in remote and underserved communities.

“When we help more Filipinos become professionals and civil servants, we also strengthen our workforce, improve public service, and create more opportunities for inclusive national development,” he said.