HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader Erwin T. Tulfo and four other lawmakers filed a bill on Monday exempting the payment of review fees for Board and Bar examinations for qualified indigents on their first take.
The House Bill 9800 was filed by Rep. Erwin Tulfo and his colleagues from the ACTCIS Partylist, Reps. Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap; and two other solons, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Cong. Ralph Tulfo.
The lawmakers said, the bill serves as a crucial step towards achieving educational and professional equity in our society.
“Its primary aim is to remove the financial barriers that often impede the progress of indigent individuals who aspire to become professionals in their chose fields,” they said in the explanatory note.
It also said, the bill focuses specifically on exempting qualified persons from the burden of paying review fees for board and bar examinations when they take these critical tests for the first time. However, it was clearly stated that the bill outlines specific eligibility criteria to ensure that the benefits of this exemption are extended to those who genuinely need it.
These criteria are designed to identify indigent students who have shown the highest levels of commitment and academic merit.
By targeting this demographic, the bill maximizes the positive impact of the exemption while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
“The passage of this bill represents a significant investment in our nation’s future. It empowers indigent individuals, granting them the opportunities they rightfully deserve,” the bill said.
“By breaking the cycle of poverty through education, we unlock the untapped potential of our youth, who will undoubtedly contribute to the progress and development of our society,” it added.
