House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House bill (HB) seeking to grant poor job applicants a 20 percent discount when paying fees and charges for certain government certificates and clearances has been approved on second reading.

Approved via simple voice vote (ayes vs. nayes) was HB No.8008, or the proposed Act providing indigent jobseekers discounted or waived fees and charges in the issuance of certain pre-employment documents issued by government agencies.

It is also known as the "Kabalikat Sa Hanapbuhay Act". The bill previously hurdled the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation chaired by 1-PACMAN Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero.

Before the HB No.8008's second reading passage, the measure was sponsored on the plenary floor by Romero.

"If we are able to shepherd the passage of this bill we would expect a higher propensity of seeking jobs among the poor and unemployed individuals of our society," he said.

"Consistent with the advise to teach them how to fish, we increase the number of productive citizens who can actively participate in nation building rather than remain recipient of government assistances," added the former deputy speaker.

Romero said the measure seeks to provide discounts to indigent job seekers getting clearances from the barangay, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and even medical certificates from any government hospitals among others.

As per HB No.8008, the discounts and waivers may be availed once every six months.

This benefit is in addition to the Republic Act (RA) No.11261, or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. As the name of the law implies, it covers all first-time jobseekers.

Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur 2nd district Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, who presided over session Tuesday, declared the measure's passage on second reading.

The bill is expected to get passed on third and final reading next week.