MANILA — Senate President Win Gatchalian has filed a measure seeking to lower the cost of securing pre-employment documents for indigent job seekers by granting discounts and waiving certain fees.

Senate Bill No. 638, or the Kabalikat sa Hanapbuhay Act, aims to promote a more equitable distribution of employment opportunities while addressing the needs of underprivileged Filipinos.

Under the proposed measure, indigent job seekers would receive a 20% discount on fees for government-issued clearances and certificates required for pre-employment applications.

The bill also seeks to waive fees for obtaining transcripts of records, transfer credentials, authenticated copies of diplomas, and certificates of good moral character from state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs).

“Poor job seekers should not be deprived of employment opportunities simply because they cannot afford the cost of securing pre-employment documents from various government agencies,” Gatchalian said.

“Sa panahon ng mataas na presyo ng mga bilihin, dapat nating gawing mas madali, hindi mas mahal, ang paghahanap ng trabaho para sa ating mahihirap na kababayan,” he added.