TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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SENATE
s. No. 342
of i<it S»f ■'■,5V
25 JULIO PI -IS
RECEIVED BY:, 4>
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
GRANTING OFFICIAL PASSPORTS TO NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 5 AND 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
11983, OR THE "NEW PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT", AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Filipino athletes bring honor and pride to the country through their remarkable 
performances on the international stage. Among them are Filipino Olympian and Asia's 
top pole vaulter, Ernest John "EJ" Obiena, as well as Alexandra "Alex" Eala, the first 
Filipina to break into the Top 100 of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), a runner- 
up in the recent Eastbourne Cup, and the first Filipino to compete in the Open era of 
the Wimbledon Championships' singles main draw.1 Yet, behind their victories lie 
persistent challenges that our athletes should not have to endure. Time and again, 
they have encountered preventable systemic barriers, particularly in securing visas 
and travel documents necessary for their international training and competitions.
For instance, in September 2020, Obiena was unfortunately prevented from 
competing in the Doha Leg of the Diamond League2 due to logistical challenges and 
administrative delays in his travel arrangements. Similarly, tennis sensation Eala has 
encountered hurdles in the timely issuance of her visa that directly affected her
1 Dioquino, D. (2025, July 3). “Living my dream’: Alex Eala revels in historic Wimbledon stint. Rappler. 
https://www.rappler.com/sports/alex-eala-revels-historic-wimbledon-stint-2025/
2 Villar, J. (2020). Visa woes sidelines Obiena from Doha pole vault tourney. Philippine Star. 
https://www.philstar.eom/sports/2020/09/19/2043643/visa-woes-sidelines-obiena-doha-pole-vault- 
tourney


participation in high-level tournaments.3 These are not isolated incidents. They reflect 
a broader systemic gap that hinders the growth and performance of our national 
athletes. Each missed competition represents a lost opportunity for our athletes to 
earn ranking points, gain crucial experience, and represent the Philippines on the 
global stage.
While athletes in many other nations benefit from streamlined systems and 
diplomatic facilitation, Filipino national athletes often face bureaucratic complexities 
and administrative inefficiencies that sometimes lead to withdrawal from events they 
have trained years for.
Recognizing the urgency to examine and address this issue, this representation 
filed Senate Resolution No. 1312 in the 19th Congress. The said Senate Resolution 
underscores that national athletes, when competing internationally, represent the 
country akin to diplomats and deserve adequate government support to allow them 
to focus fully on their performance.
This proposed measure seeks to amend the New Philippine Passport Act to 
allow national athletes, including para-athletes, and national coaches to apply for and 
be issued official passports. By formally recognizing them as representatives of the 
Philippine government on official sports business, the official passport will help 
facilitate smoother travel and visa processes for their training and competitions 
abroad. It simplifies the application process by requiring only a travel authority from 
the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, or Paralympic 
Committee, and a certification from their respective National Sports Association.
The grant of official passports to our athletes is more than a procedural change, 
it is a tangible expression of the country's recognition for their service and a necessary 
step in removing avoidable obstacles to their international participation. With this
3 Agcaoili, L. (2025, April 10). Alex Eala opens up on visa challenges with Philippine passport. 
Inquirer, https://sports.inquirer.net/618424/alex-eala-opens-up-on-visa-struggles-with-philippine-
passport


measure, we not only empower our athletes to perform their best, we also ensure that 
no red tape stands in the way of Filipino excellence on the world stage.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 342
'S’! - 'il'Jf.M of t«f * ’ f
25 JULIO PI :13
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
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AN ACT
GRANTING OFFICIAL PASSPORTS TO NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 5 AND 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
11983, OR THE "NEW PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT", AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 11983, or the New Philippine 
Passport Act, is hereby further amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 5. Requirements for the Application and Issuance of a Passport. - 
The DFA Secretary, or a duly authorized consular official, shall issue a 
passport to an applicant who is a Filipino citizen and who has complied 
with the following requirements:
XXX
(M) FOR NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, AS DEFINED 
UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10699, OR THE "NATIONAL 
ATHLETES AND COACHES BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES ACT," 
SEEKING TO APPLY FOR OFFICIAL PASSPORT, THEY SHALL 
SUBMIT A TRAVEL AUTHORITY ISSUED BY THE HEAD OR DULY 
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PHILIPPINE SPORTS 
COMMISSION (PSC), THE PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 
(POC), OR THE PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (PPC), WHICHEVER 
IS APPLICABLE, AND A CERTIFICATION AND ENDORSEMENT


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FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS 
(NSAs)."
Sec. 2. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 11983, or the New Philippine Passport 
Act is hereby further amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 7. Types of Passports. - The DFA Secretary or the authorized 
consular official may issue the following types of passports:
XXX
(b) Official Passports are issued to all government officials and 
employees, AS WELL AS OTHER QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS,
AS PROVIDED IN THIS ACT, on official trip abroad but who are 
not on a diplomatic mission or have not been accorded diplomatic 
status, such as:
XXX
(5) NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, AS DEFINED 
UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10699, OR THE "NATIONAL 
ATHLETES AND COACHES BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES 
ACT," WHO ARE TRAVELING ABROAD TO PARTICIPATE IN 
TRAINING PROGRAMS OR INTERNATIONAL 
COMPETITIONS AND ARE OFFICIALLY ENDORSED BY THE 
PSC, POC, OR PPC, WHICHEVER IS APPLICABLE, AND 
ENDORSED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE NSAs.
Sec. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Foreign Affairs, PSC, and 
POC, in consultation with NSAs, shall promulgate the implementing rules and 
regulations.
Sec. 4. Separability Clause. -If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall 
remain in force and effect.
Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


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Sec. 7. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
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its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,