Senator Sonny Angara on Thursday filed a bill proposing free coronavirus (COVID-19) test for jobseekers to address the growing unemployment rate in the country due to the pandemic.

Angara noted jobseekers are now having a hard time complying with the requirements issued by potential employers who ask them to include a negative COVID test result together with the credentials they submit.

The senator noted that though the government does not require COVID-19 testing as a job application requirement, jobseekers have complained that some employers have made it a requisite for pre-employment.

“For jobless breadwinners, it is choosing between two sacks of rice or a RT-PCR swab,” Angara said in a statement.

“It is a big start-up cost for people who are at the end of their ropes,” he added, noting that the cost of a swab test ranges from P3,500 - P5,000.

In filing Senate Bill No. 2291, Angara said it is imperative that the government, through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), cover the cost of the COVID-19 testing of jobseekers.

Under the bill, the Department of Health (DOH), in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would be tasked to ensure that the COVID testing is free and accessible for all jobseekers.

This benefit, the lawmaker said, will run during the course of the pandemic national emergency.

Angara explained those who can avail of the free test include first-time jobseekers, unemployed person actively seeking employment and a displaced worker whose employment was permanently terminated for authorized reasons or other causes arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Considering the imperative for the national government to ensure the labor market’s recovery, there is a need for a human-centered policy that actually encourages people to go back to work while cognizant of many changes brought about by the pandemic,” he said.

“Through this measure, the government, by covering the additional pre-employment costs born from COVID-19 tests, promotes the safety of jobseekers and ensures the sustainability of businesses and jobs in the country by subsidizing the COVID-19 testing especially for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he added.

“Through this policy, we are not only recognizing the importance of ensuring the safety and health of our entire workforce but we are also providing equal employment opportunities for younger cohorts and those who became unemployed during the pandemic to enter the labor market,” Angara stressed.