Lawmakers from Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats, led by former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, have filed a measure aimed at simplifying and modernizing the job application process for Filipinos.
House Bill No. 8192, also known as the “Ginhawa sa Paghahanap ng Trabaho Act,” forms part of the party’s broader GINHAWA KIT (Kuryente–Internet–Trabaho) legislative package.
The proposal seeks to ease the burdens faced by first-time jobseekers and young applicants who often spend days securing clearances, duplicating documents, and repeatedly submitting requirements.
Romualdez, who serves as president of Lakas-CMD, said the measure aims to respect the time and resources of job applicants.
“This is an important and integral reform that Lakas-CMD is pushing because job seekers deserve a process that respects their time, protects their documents, saves resources, and helps them get hired faster. Part ito ng GINHAWA KIT package we envision to deliver real relief to the underprivileged and underserved, so the first step into work becomes simpler, safer, and more dignified for Filipino families,” he said.
The bill also seeks to update the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act by recognizing that job applicants now face challenges beyond fees and charges.
“This bill modernizes the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act by recognizing that the burden on applicants is no longer just about fees and charges, but also about fragmented, repetitive documentary demands that can pile up even before any job offer is made, especially for first-time jobseekers,” Romualdez added.
Among the key provisions of the bill are limiting government-issued requirements to a standard set such as the Philippine National ID, National Bureau of Investigation clearance when relevant, and certified school records.
The proposal also prohibits employers from requiring applicants to surrender original civil registry documents, such as birth or marriage certificates. It introduces a “No Multiple Clearance Rule” to prevent overlapping requirements for police and local clearances once an NBI clearance has already been submitted.
In addition, the bill proposes an Employment Verification Service integrated with the eGovPH platform, allowing employers to verify applicant information through QR-enabled systems with the consent of the job applicant.