Section 17Sec./Art. 17

Fee of Agents, Attorneys, Etc. - No agent, attorney or other person in charge of the preparation, filing or pursuing any claim for benefit under this Act shall demand or charge for his services any fee, and any stipulation to the contrary shall be null and void. The retention or deduction of any amount from any benefit granted under this Act for the payment of fees for such services is prohibited: Provided, however, That any member of the Philippine Bar who appears as counsel in any case heard by the Commission shall be entitled to attorneys fees not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the benefits awarded by the Commission, which fees shall not be payable before the actual payment of the benefits, and any stipulation to the contrary shall be null and void.

Any violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five hundred pesos (₱500.00) nor more than Five thousand pesos (₱5,000.00). or imprisonment for not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year, or both, at the discretion of the court.