Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11261)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11261 is the "First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act."
The main policy of the State under RA 11261 is to promote full employment and equality of gainful work and opportunities for its citizens, expanding accessibility to government services and providing incentives to improve a first time jobseeker's access to employment.
The beneficiaries are first time jobseekers who are applying for employment and applying for certain government documents required for employment locally or abroad.
Fees and charges for the issuance of licenses, proofs of identification, clearances, certificates, or other documents usually required in the course of employment are waived, including police clearance, NBI clearance, barangay clearance, medical certificate from public hospitals (excluding lab tests), birth and marriage certificates, transcripts from state colleges/universities, TIN, UMID card, and other employment documentary requirements.
Exemptions include fees related to professional licensure exams by the PRC, Philippine passport authentication and red ribbon by the DFA, Career Service Examination with the CSC, and driver's license application from the LTO.
First time jobseekers must present a barangay certification stating that the applicant is a first time jobseeker.
Any person found guilty of fabrication or falsification of barangay certification or other related documents shall be liable under the Revised Penal Code.
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at the provincial, city, and municipal levels is tasked to assist first time jobseekers in securing required documents.
No, the benefits provided under this Act shall only be availed of once.
The interagency committee, chaired by the Secretary of Labor and Employment with various member agencies, monitors compliance of government agencies to this Act, and may recommend administrative complaints against persons who refuse to comply with its provisions.
No, beneficiaries of the Jobstart Program under Republic Act No. 10869 and similar laws that give exemptions for these documents or transactions are excluded from availing benefits under RA 11261.
Government agencies must maintain and update a roster of all individuals who have been issued documents under this Act and regularly submit this to the DICT to compile a comprehensive database accessible to all relevant agencies.
No, Section 9 clarifies that the Act shall not be construed as granting implied authority to impose or collect fees if no such authority is granted under their respective charters or other laws.
This clause mandates that any ambiguity in interpreting the Act should favor the applicant, and that unduly restrictive regulations negating benefits are penalized as administrative offenses.