Finding a job can be tough, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.
In the Philippines, there’s a new law called the “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act” that wants to help people like you who are looking for their first job.
This law was made by the leaders in the Philippines to make things easier for new job seekers.
The goal of this law is simple: it wants to make it easier for you to get the important papers you need for a job without having to pay a lot of money.
Imagine not having to worry about the fees or charges usually needed for certain documents when applying for a job.
That’s what this law aims to do—make these important papers more accessible for you without the financial stress.
In this guide, we’ll explore what this new law is all about.
We’ll break down the main points, explain how it helps people looking for jobs, and why it’s a big deal for anyone starting their job hunt in the Philippines.
This law is here to make your first steps into the working world a bit easier, and we’re here to help you understand how.
Understanding the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act
A. Short Title and Declaration of Policy
The “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act” has a fancy name, but its purpose is straightforward. It’s all about helping first-time job seekers like you.
The leaders who made this law want everyone to have a fair chance at finding work. They believe that everyone should have equal opportunities when it comes to jobs.
The law talks about making things fairer for job seekers by making government services more accessible.
This means you won’t have to worry about paying fees or charges for certain important documents needed for jobs, at least for the first time you apply for them.
B. Waiver of Fees and Charges
Now, let’s get into the main part of the law. It says that certain fees and charges usually needed for papers like police clearance, birth certificates, and more won’t have to be paid by first-time job seekers.
However, some things, like medical tests, might still require payment. But overall, it’s a way to save money for people starting their job hunt.
C. Proof of Eligibility and Database Maintenance
To get the benefits of this law, you’ll need to show proof that you’re a first-time job seeker.
That’s usually done through a document called a barangay certification. It’s a way to make sure only those who really need this help get it.
The government will also keep a record of everyone who gets these papers under this law.
This is to keep things organized and ensure the benefits go to the right people.
D. Assistance through One-Stop Shops
There are places called Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) that will help you get these documents from different government offices.
These offices are there to assist you and make the process smoother.
E. Exceptions and Non-Authority to Charge Fees
While this law helps with many documents, there are some things it doesn’t cover, like professional exams or passport applications.
Also, this law doesn’t give new power to offices that didn’t have the right to charge fees before.
F. Interpretation and Enforcement
This part is about making sure the law is clear and fair to everyone. It says that if something in the law isn’t clear, it should be seen in a way that helps job seekers.
It also makes it a violation if any office makes rules that take away the benefits of this law.
The law creates a group that keeps an eye on things to make sure everyone follows the rules.
This group includes important people from different government departments who will watch how this law is put into action.
G. Implementation and Provisions
Soon after this law was made, the government had to start making rules to make it work.
This section talks about the timing of when these rules need to be ready and how the law will come into effect.
In the next section of this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of this law for people like you who are starting their job hunt.
We’ll see how it might make things better and easier as you step into the working world.
Benefits Covered by the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act
The “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act” is a game-changer for those embarking on their job-seeking journey in the Philippines.
It specifically outlines the documents for which first-time job seekers won’t have to pay any fees or charges. Let’s break down these benefits:
A. Police Clearance Certificate
- Normally needed when applying for certain jobs, this certificate proves you have a clean record with the police.
- Thanks to this law, you won’t need to pay any fees for it when you apply for the first time.
B. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
- Similar to the police clearance, this certificate shows that you’re free from any ongoing investigations or issues.
- First-time applicants won’t have to worry about the fees for this either.
C. Barangay Clearance
- A document from your local community verifying your residency.
- The law allows first-time jobseekers to get this without paying any fees.
D. Medical Certificate from a Public Hospital
- This is needed to show you’re fit for work.
- While the law doesn’t cover all medical expenses, it ensures that first-time job seekers won’t have to pay for the certificate itself, although they might still have to pay for certain tests or procedures.
E. Birth Certificate
- A vital document verifying your birth details. You can get this without any charges under this law.
F. Marriage Certificate
- For those who are married, this document proves the marriage legally. First-time job seekers can obtain this without fees.
G. Transcript of Academic Records from State Colleges and Universities
- Necessary for many job applications, especially for recent graduates. First-time job seekers won’t have to pay for this document from state schools.
H. Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- An essential identification number needed for tax purposes. First-time job seekers won’t be charged for getting this number.
I. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Card
- A multi-purpose identification card that includes various government IDs. First-time job seekers can get this without fees.
J. Other Government-Issued Documentary Requirements
- This covers any other documents that employers might ask for during job applications. If it’s required by the government and you’re a first-time job seeker, you won’t have to pay for it.
How to avail these Benefits?
To avail these benefits, first-time job seekers need to show proof that they’re eligible.
This proof usually comes in the form of a barangay certification confirming that you’re indeed a first-time job seeker.
It’s important to note that falsifying this certification is against the law and can lead to serious consequences as per the Revised Penal Code.
This law is designed to ease the financial burden on new job seekers, making it more affordable for them to acquire the essential documents needed to start their careers.
Challenges and Monitoring
A. Exceptions and Limitations
- While this law aims to make things free for first-time job seekers, it’s essential to know the exceptions.
- Some things, like specific professional exams, passport applications, career service exams, and driver’s license applications, still need payment. The Act lists these exceptions to make things clear.
B. No Extra Charges Allowed
- The law says that if a government office wasn’t allowed to charge fees before this law, they still can’t charge now.
- This means the law isn’t creating new powers for offices to start charging fees where they couldn’t before.
C. Exclusion of Jobstart Program Applicants
- People who benefit from other similar programs providing exemptions for the same documents listed in this Act won’t be able to take advantage of this new law.
- It’s a way to avoid duplicate benefits for the same documents or transactions.
D. Interpretation and Protection for Applicants
- If there’s any confusion or doubt about what the law means, it should be understood in a way that helps job seekers.
- Additionally, no government office is allowed to create rules that take away the advantages this law provides. Doing so is considered a violation and can be punished under the law.
E. Monitoring Committee
- To make sure everyone follows the rules of this law, a committee has been formed. It’s made up of important people from different government departments.
- This committee’s job is to keep an eye on how this law is being put into action. If anyone doesn’t follow the rules, this committee can recommend taking action against them.
This Act isn’t just a set of rules on paper. It’s a way to make sure that first-time job seekers get a fair chance without unnecessary fees or charges for essential documents needed for employment. It was passed to help those taking their first steps into the working world, aiming to make their journey smoother and more affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act” in the Philippines is a big deal for people starting their job hunt.
It’s there to help new job seekers by not making them pay for certain important documents needed for jobs.
This law is all about fairness and making sure everyone has an equal chance when they’re looking for work.
It covers things like police clearances, academic records, and IDs that job seekers need without charging any fees for first-timers.
But there are some things, like certain exams and passport applications, that still need payment.
The law also protects job seekers by making sure government offices follow the rules. If they try to make things difficult for job seekers, they could get in trouble.
Overall, this law is like a guiding light for those starting their career journey.
It’s meant to make things fairer and easier for new job seekers, showing that the government cares about giving everyone a fair shot at finding work.
If you want to visit the File of this Republic Act. No 11261, you can visit the file provided below.
References
- Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines: First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act Retrieved date: December 2, 2023 from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2019/04apr/20190410-RA-11261-RRD.pdf