FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Sessiou 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S. NO. _3,:;:",:':;:.:;..l6=--· 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
. i.l , 
i lL 
The Bureau of Immigration came into existence upon the passage of Commonwealth Act 
No. 613, or the "Philippine Immigration Act of 1940". This law governs the entry and 
admission of foreigners into the Philippines. Though amendments were introduced to this 
Act, there is a pressing need to modernize the Bureau of Immigration to become more 
responsive to the challenges brought about by the advancement in science and 
technology, and attuned to the current needs especially with the onset of globalization, 
transnational crimes, and human trafficking. 
This bill seeks to reorganize the Bureau of Immigration by defining the functions of the 
departments Imder it as well as to modernize the systems and procedures on immigration 
in our country. It also seeks to institutionalize policies and procedures that would make it 
easier for foreigners to visit the country or do business here. The bill also strengthens the 
penalties that may be meted out to foreiltners who engage in unlawful activities. 
It is hoped that thru the modernization of the Bureau of Immigration, the agency will be 
an effective agent of economic development by attracting businessmen to pour the 
needed investments in the country, 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
Senator 
1 
11' 'iOlj 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S. NO. _-",3,-",1,-,,6<-
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
"PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 2010" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
1 
TITLE I 
2 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
3 
4 
SECTION 1. Title of the Act. -This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Immigration 
5 
Act of 201 0." 
6 
7 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared that the Philippine immigration 
8 
structures, policies, rules and regulations established under this Act, shall be designed, operated, 
9 
and administered in such a manner as to promote the domestic and international interests of the 
1 0 
(a) Administer the entry and admission of visitors into the Philippines for the purpose of 
II 
fostering investments, trade and commerce, cultural and scientific activities, tourism and I I 
12 
international understanding; 
13 
(b) Enrich and strengthen the cultural and social fabric of the Philippines; 
14 
(c) Ensure that any person who seeks admission into the Philippines on either permanent or 
15 
temporary basis is subject to standards of admission that are not inconsistent with the basic 
16 
principles of justice and fair play, the generally accepted principles of international law and state 
17 
obligations under treaties and international agreements that the Philippines is a party to; 
18 
(d) Take an active participation in the advancement of national security and national interest; 
19 
(e) Foster the development of a strong and viable economy and the prosperity of the country; 
20 
(f) institutionalize and strengthen the mechanisms for the protection of the family, health, morals, 
21 
safety, and good order ofthe Philippine society; 


I 
(g) Promote international order and justice by denying the use of Philippine territory to persons 
2 
who are engaged or likely to engage in terrorism, human smuggling and trafficking, criminal, 
3 
and other nefarious activities; 
4 
(h) Streamline and strengthen the existing governmental structures charged with the 
5 
administration and enforcement of immigration, asylum and related laws, rules and regulations in 
6 
order to make them adaptive to the growing immigration demands ofthe country; and 
7 
(i) Professionalize the immigration service by instituting a rigid system of screening and 
8 
selection of immigration officials and employees and promoting their development. 
9 
10 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. -As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as 
11 
follows: 
12 
(a) "Admission" - shall mean the process in which a foreigner arriving at a port of entry in the 
13 
Philippines is allowed into the country by the immigration authorities; 
14 
(b) "Asylum Seeker" - a foreigner who seeks recognition and protection as a refugee; 
IS 
(c) "Authority" - shall refer to the Philippine Immigration Authority; 
16 
(d) "Board" -shall refer to the Board of Directors General provided for in this Act; 
17 
(e) "Border Control Officer" - shall refer to any person appointed under Section 26 of this Act or 
18 
any employee of the Authority designated by the Director General to perform the powers, duties 
19 
and functions of a Border Control Officer as specified under this Act; 
20 
(f) "Captain"- shall mean the master of a 'vessel or pilot of an aircraft; 
21 
(g) "Child"- shall refer to a person below eighteen (18) years of age: 
22 
(h) "Citizen" - shall refer to any person who is a citizen ofthe Philippines as provided for under 
23 
Section I, Article IV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution; 
24 
(i) "Director General" - shall refer to the Director General ofImmigration; 
25 
(j) "Consular officer" - shall refer to any official of the government of the Philippines 
26 
designated/appointed by the President for the purpose of issuing visas to foreigners as required 
27 
[offoreigners 1 by this Act; 
2 


, 
I 
(k) "Entry" - shall refer to the arrival of a foreigner into any designated port of entry in the 
2 
Philippines from a place outside thereQf, except when a toreigner having a lawful permanent 
3 
residence in the Philippines shall not be regarded as making an entry for the purpose ofthis Act, 
4 
if the foreigner proves that his departure. to a place outside the Philippines was for a temporary or 
5 
limited period, or his continued absence from the Philippines was occasioned by removal 
6 
proceedings, extradition, or other legal process; 
7 
(I) "Exclusion" - shall refer to the act of Immigration Officers denying admission of a foreigner 
8 
into the county on grounds provided for in this Act; 
9 
(m) "Foreigner" or "Foreign National" - shall refer to any person not a citizen of the Philippines; 
10 
(n) "Husband" and/or 'Wife" -shall refer to those regarded as such by the laws ofthe country of 
II 
which they are nationals but shall not include husband or wife by reason of proxy or "picture 
12 
marriage"; 
13 
(0) "Immigrant" - shall refer to any foreign national departing from any place outsidethe 
14 
Philippines destined for the Philippines, other than a ,non-immigrant; 
15 
(p) "Immigration laws" - shall refer to this Act and any other law presently existing or which 
16 
may hereafter be enacted relating to movemeht of natural persons to and from the Philippines, 
17 
and their exclusion, interception, removal and repatriation; 
18 
(q) "Immigration Officer" -- shall refer to any person appointed under Section 29 0 f this Act or 
19 
any employee ofthe Authority designated by the Director General to perform the powers, duties 
20 
and functions of an Immigration Officer as specified under this Act; 
21 
(r) "Interception" - shall refer to the act ofImmigration Officers denying departure clearance to 
22 
any person leaving the country on grounds provided for in this Act; 
23 
(s) "Naturalization" - means either a judicial or administrative process by which a foreign 
24 
national acquires Philippine citizenship; 
25 
(t) "Non-immigrant" - shall refer to any foreigner departing from any place outside the 
26 
Philippines who is allowed entry and admission into the Philippines for a temporary or limited 
27 
period of stay; 
3 


I 
(u) "Passport" - shall refer to a document issued by the Philippine government to its citizens and 
2 
requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass safely and freely, and in case of need to 
3 
give lJim all lawful aid and protection; 
4 
(v) "Person" - shall refer to natural and juridical person such as partnerships, corporations, 
5 
companies, and associations; 
6 
(w) "Port of entry" - shall refer to any port designated by competent authority in accordance with 
7 
law through which a foreigner may apply to the immigration officer thereat for admission into 
8 
the Philippines; 
9 
(x) "President" - shaH refer to the President ofthe Republic of the Philippines; 
10 
(y) "Refugee" - shall refer to a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for 
II 
reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political 
12 
opinion, is outside the country of their nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is 
13 
unwilling to avail him!herselfofthe pr~tection of that country; 
14 
(z) "Seaman," "Seafarer" or "Crewmember" - shall mean a person actually employed in the 
15 
operation or service in any capacity on board a vessel; 
16 
(aa) "Secretary" -shall refer to the Secretary ofthe Department of Justice; 
17 
(bb) "Stateless Person" - a person who is not considered a national by any state under the 
18 
operation of its laws; 
19 
(cc) "Travel document" - shall refer to a certification or identifying document containing the 
20 
description and other personal circumstances of its bearer, issued for direct travel to and from the 
21 
Philippines valid for short periods or a particular trip. It is issued only to persons whose claim to 
22 
Philippine citizenship is doubtful or who fall under the category enumerated in Section 13 of the 
23 
Philippine Passport Act; 
24 
(dd) "Vessel" - shall refer to all means of conveyances, whether aircraft or sea craft; and 
25 
(ee) "Visa" - shall mean an endorsement on a passport or any travel document issued by a 
26 
consular officer abroad authorizing the holder thereofto proceed to a designated port of entry in 
27 
the Philippines and there to apply for entry an,d admission under the status specified therein; or 
28 
Immigration status granted andlor issued to foreigners by the Board under this Act. 
29 
4 


1 
2 
3 
4 
TITLE II 
PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITY 
CHAPTER 1 -THE AUTHORITY 
5 
SEC. 4. Creation. -A Philippine Immigration Authority is hereby created which shall be 
6 
principally responsible for the administration and enforcement of immigration, alien registration, 
7 
citizenship laws, including but not limited to those dealing with the admission, exclusion, 
8 
registration, removal and repatriation of foreigners, and the implementation of all laws, rules, 
9 
regulations or orders of any competent authority concerning the entry and admission into, stay in, 
10 
and the departure from the Philippines of all persons. For administrative purposes, 
11 
the Authority shaH be under the supervision of the Department of Justice or under any other 
12 
executive department which the President may subsequently determine. 
13 
14 
SEC. 5. Composition and Qualification.- The Authority shall be administered by a 
15 
Board of Directors General headed by the Director General as chairman, and four (4) Deputy 
16 
Directors General as members, all of whom shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and, 
17 
at the time oftheir appointment, at least thirty-five (35) years of age, holders of a college degree 
18 
and with proven capacity for administration. After completion of their term, they shall be entitled 
19 
to retirement benefits as that in the manner of the Constitutional Offices. 
20 
21 
CHAPTER 2 -THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS GENERAL 
22 
23 
SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board of Directors General shall 
24 
have the following powers and functions: 
25 
(a) Decide on removal cases; 
26 
(b) Act on applications or recommendations for revocation of immigration status; 
27 
(c) Act on applications for recognition of Philippine citizenship by reason of marriage, birth, 
28 
repatriation or reacquisition under Republic Act No. 9225; 
5 


1 
(d) Act on petitions/applications for issuance, conversion, adjustment, amendment, extension or 
2 
waiver of immigrant, non-immigrant and special non-immigrant visas, as the case may be; 
3 
(e) Decide on applications for legalization ofresidence; 
4 
(f) Decide applications for refugee statlls or asylum; 
5 
(g) Prescribe rules governing proceedings before it; 
6 
(h) Punish for contempt in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the Revised Rules of 
7 
Court; 
8 
(i) Prepare and publish an organizational policy and procedures manual, to include requirements, 
9 
time periods and fees for the perfection of all transactions entered into by the Authority with the 
10 
pUblic: 
11 
(j) For the purpose of public policy, public interest and the efficient administration of 
12 
immigration laws, createvisa and special permits, not otherwise provided for in this Act; 
13 
(k) Formulate policies, directives, programs and projects, as well as the rules and regulations and 
14 
guidelines to implement the provisions of this Act; and 
15 
(1) Perform such other functions and powers as may be provided by existing laws, rules and 
16 
regulations of the Authority not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act and other 
17 
existing laws. 
18 
19 
SEC. 7. Decisions of the Board. - In any case or proceeding before the Board of 
20 
Directors General, the decision of the majority of those present shall prevail. Decisions of the 
21 
Board shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof. A motion for 
22 
reconsideration may be filed with the Board before the finality of the said decision. No further 
23 
motion for reconsideration shall be allowed. 
24 
Decisions in removal cases may be appealed to the Office of the President, within fifteen (15) 
25 
days from receipt thereof, whose decision shall be final and executory unless stayed by an order 
26 
of the Court of Appeals on certiorari under Rule 65 of the Revised Rules of Court. The appeal 
27 
shall stay the execution of the decision appealed from unless the Board, in the interest of national 
28 
security andlor public safety, directs its execution pending appeal. 
29 
6 


I 
SEC. 8. Period for Decision by the Board. - The Board of Directors General shall decide 
2 
removal cases within thirty (30) days from the date they are submitted for decision or resolution. 
3 
4 
SEC. 9. Meetings of the Board. - In all cases, the Board of Directors General shall 
5 
convene and act as a collegial body in all matters referred to in Section 10 of this Act. The Board 
6 
shall meet at least twice a month, or as the need arises. Members of the Board shall be notified 
7 
accordingly and the presence of the Chairman and two (2) members shall constitute a quorum. 
S 
9 
SEC. 10. Board Executive Office and Secretariat. - That Board shall be assisted by the 
10 
Board Executive Office and Secretariat headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the 
11 
President, upon the recommendation of the Director General. He must be a member of the 
12 
Philippine Bar in good standing for at least three (3) years prior to his designation. He shall set 
13 
the agenda for the regular meeting of the Board of Directors General; prepare the Minutes of the 
14 
Meeting of the Board of Directors General and shall be in charge of the implementation of 
15 
approved petitions/application for issuance, conversion, adjustment, amendment, extension of 
16 
visa approved by the Board of Directors General; He shall also keep a docket book for removal 
17 
cases, applications for revocation of immigration status, applications for recognition of 
18 
Philippine citizenship by reason of marriage, birth, repatriation or reacquisition under Republic 
19 
Act No. 9225, applications for legalization of residence, and applications fiN refugee status or 
20 
asylUm. 
21 
22 
23 
CHAPTER 3 -THE DIRECTOR GENERAL 
24 
SEC. 11. Appointment, Rank and Tenure of the Director GeneraL - The Director 
25 
General shall be appointed by the President and shall hold office for a term of seven (7) years 
26 
without reappoinbnent. He shall have the rank, salary, and privileges equivalent to an 
27 
undersecretary of a department. At the expiration of the term of the Director General, the most 
28 
senior Deputy Director General shall temporarily assume and perform the duties and functions of 
7 


I 
the Director General until a permanent Director General is appointed by the President. Any 
2 
vacancy prior to the expiration of the term of the Director General shall be filled for the 
3 
unexpired term only. 
4 
5 
SEC. 12. Powers and Functions of the Director GeneraL - In addition to his duties as 
6 
Chairman of the Board of Directors General, the Director General ofImmigration shall exercise 
7 
the following powers and functions: 
8 
(a) Supelvise, direct and coordinate the overall operations of the Authority; 
9 
(b) Exercise immediate control, direction and supervision of all officers and personnel of the 
10 
Authority; 
11 
(c)Issue (i) letter orders after determination of the existence of probable cause; (ii) commitment 
12 
or release orders; (iii) writ of removal; (iv) hold departure orders in cases of pending preliminary 
13 
investigation, for a non-extendible period of60 days or upon the date of the order of resolution 
14 
of the prosecutor handling the case, whichever is shorter; (v) allow entry or departure orders; (vi) 
IS 
orders for blacklisting; and (vii) orders implementing watchlist orders issued by the Department 
16 
ofJustice; 
17 
(d) Delegate authority to subordinate officers and employees of the Authority; 
18 
19 
(e) Act on petitions for declaration ofindigency, 
20 
(f) Declare such control posts, landing places, airports or port points of entry or exit, whether 
21 
limited or unlimited, as may be deemed necessary; 
22 
(g) Participate and decide in all petitions before the Special Committee on Increase, reduce or 
23 
waive immigration fees, fines, penalties and other charges; 
24 
(h) Naturalization created under Republic Act No. 9139, as member thereof; 
25 
(i) Issue certificates of identification to foreigners who have obtained Filipino citizenship; 
26 
U) Issue letter orders and permits to carry firearms, ammunition and communications equipment 
27 
to authorized immigration operatives for use in enforcement operations and in the execution of 
28 
warrants: Provided, That such firearms are owned and issued by the Authority; 
8 


(k) Inspect or through his duly authorized representatives the documents of person and the 
2 
premises and records of entity covered by this Act, subject to the provisions of existing laws, 
3 
rules and regulations; 
4 
(I) Deputize any official or employee of the national and local government unit, including 
5 
uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and 
6 
Philippine Coast Guard to perform immigration duties and functions subject to the concurrence 
7 
of the Board; 
8 
(m) Authorize and prescribe the forms and the amount of cash bonds for the provisional release 
9 
of respondents in removal proceedings; 
10 
(n) Authorize immigration employees to do overtime work at rates fixed by him when the 
11 
services rendered is to be paid for by the shipping companies, airlines or other persons served; 
12 
(0) For and in behalf of the Authority, accept donation of materials, equipment or technical 
13 
services from any foreign government, international or domestic organization, to upgrade its 
14 
efficiency and operations; 
15 
(p) Accredit schools and learning institutions that can officially accept and enroll foreign 
16 
students; 
17 
(q) Accredit law firms, liaison officers, travel agencies, and other individuals and organizations 
18 
transacting with the Authority; 
19 
(r) Submit to the President, and to Congress, annually or as may be directed, a report on the 
20 
number and the status of foreigners in the Philippines; on foreigners admitted or granted change 
21 
of status as permanent residents; on foreigners who have been excluded or removed from the 
22 
Philippines; on the number of foreigners estimated to be present illegally in the Philippines in 
23 
each calendar year and actions taken to arrest them; and other such transactions of the Authority; 
24 
(s) Prepare and submit supplemental budget.ofthe Authority for the consideration of 
25 
the Department of Budget and Management; 
26 
(t) Prescribe such rules, regulations or other administrative issuances to govern proceedings or to 
27 
carry out the provisions of this Act and the resolutions and policies approved by the Board; 
28 
(u) Prescribe such forms and bonds, reports, entries, and other papers; and 
29 
(v) Perform such other functions inherent to the Director General. 
9 


2 
CHAPTER 4 -THE DEPUTY DIRECTORS GENERAL 
3 
4 
SEC. 13. Appointment, Rank and Tenure of the Deputy Directors GeneraL - There 
5 
shall be four (4) Deputy Directors General who shall be appointed by the President and shall 
6 
hold office for a term of seven (7) years without reappointment. The first two (2) appointed 
7 
Deputy Directors General shall hold office for seven (7) years and the next two (2) for five (5) 
8 
years, without reappointment. They shall have the rank, salary and privileges equal to an 
9 
assistant secretary 0 f a Department. Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired 
10 
term of the predecessor 
11 
12 
SEC. 14. Duties of the Deputy Directors GeneraL - In addition to their duties as 
13 
members of the Board of Directors General, the Deputy Directors General shall exercise powers 
14 
and functions, as may be assigned to them by the Board, in the following areas of concern as: 
15 
a. Deputy Director General for Administration, Finance, Planning, Legal and Information and 
16 
Communications Technology, 
17 
b. Deputy Director General for Regional Operations, Registration, Immigration Regulation and 
18 
Visa and Special Permit; 
19 
c. Deputy Director General fur Intelligence,. Enforcement, Fraud Prevention and Complaint and 
20 
Prosecution; and 
21 
d. Deputy Director General for International Policies, Cooperation and Social Integration. 
22 
23 
24 
CHAPTER 5 -THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
25 
SEC. 15. Appointment; Tenure; Rank.- There shall be an Executive Director of the 
26 
Authority who shall likewise be appointed by the President upon the recommendation 0 f the 
27 
Director General, with a rank, salary and benefits of Director III, who shall exercise 
28 
administrative supervision over different departments ofthe Authority. He must be a natural born 
29 
citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty five (35) years of age with at least five (5) years of 
10 


experience performing supervisory and executive functions. He shall be assisted by a Deputy 
2 
Executive Director II. 
3 
4 
CHAPTER 6 -THE BOARD OF SPECIAL INQUIRY 
5 
6 
SEC. 16. Constitution of a Board of Special Inquiry. - Twelve (12) Boards of Special 
7 
Inquiry are hereby constituted, each to be composed of a chairman and two (2) members. Each 
8 
Board shall be designated according to their areas of specialization, to be determined by the 
9 
Board. 
10 
II 
SEC. 17. Appointment; Qualification and Tenure ofthe Members of the Board of Special 
12 
Inquiry. - The Chairmen and members of the Boards of Special Inquiry shall be appointed by the 
13 
Secretary upon the recommendation of the Director General, all of whom shall be natural-born 
14 
citizens ofthe Philippines, and at the time oftheir appointment, at least thirty (30) years of age, 
15 
members of the Philippine Bar in good standing, with at least three (3) years in actual practice. 
16 
They shall hold office during good behavior, unless sooner removed for cause. 
17 
18 
SEC. 18. Powers and Functions of the Board of Special Inquiry - The Boards of 
19 
Special Inquiry shall: 
20 
(a) Administer oaths; 
21 
(b) Punish for· contempt in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the Rules qfCourt; 
22 
(c) Issue subpoena duces tecum and subpoena to witnesses to appear in a case being heard by the 
23 
Board of Special Inquiry; 
24 
(d) Recommend to the Board the imposition, waiver or reduction of fees, fmes, penalties, and 
25 
other charges subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; 
26 
(e) Exercise original authority to hear and recommend to the Board for final resolution of the 
27 
following cases: 
28 
1. Removal; 
29 
2. Applications for revocation of immigration status; 
I I 


I 
3. Applications for recognition of Philippine citizenship by reason of marriage, birth, repatriation 
2 
or reacquisition under Republic Act No. 9225; 
3 
4. Applications for legalization of residence; and 
4 
5. Applications for refugee status or asylum; 
5 
(f) Perform such other functions and duties as may be directed by the Board or the Director 
6 
General. 
7 
8 
SEC. 19. Proceedings Before the Board of Special IInquiry. - The proceedings before 
9 
the Boards of Special Inquiry shall be public and faithfully recorded. in ail cases, each of 
10 
the Boards of Special Inquiry shall meet and act as a collegial body. Only members of the 
II 
Philippine Bar in good standing shall appear for and in behalf of any party before the Boards of 
12 
Special Inquiry. 
13 
14 
SEC. 20. Resolutions of the Board of Special Inquiry. - Cases before the Boards of 
15 
Special Inquiry shall be resolved within five (5) working days from the date the same are 
16 
submitted for resolution. Said resolution shall be submitted immediately 10 the Board for action. 
17 
18 
CHAPTER 7 - DIRECTORATES AND PERSONNEL OF THE AUTHORITY 
19 
20 
SEC. 21. Directorates and Other Operating Offices of the Authority. - The Authority 
21 
shall have the following directorates and other operating offices, namely: (a) Directorate for 
22 
Administration; (b) Directorate for Finance; (c) Directorate for Information and Communications 
23 
Technology; (d) Directorate for Planning and Research; (e) Directorate for International Policies 
24 
and Cooperation; (9 Directorate for Social Integration; (9) Directorate for Intelligence; (h) 
25 
Directorate for Law Enforcement; (i) Directorate for Fraud Prevention; G) Directorate for Legal; 
26 
(k) Directorate for Immigration Regulation; (I) Directorate for Registration; (m) Directorate for 
27 
Visa and Special Permit; (n) Directorate for Complaint and Prosecution (0) Internal Audit 
28 
Office; (p) National Operations Center; and (4) Immigration Academy of the Philippines. 
29 
12 


SEC. 22. Heads of the Directorate and Other Operating Offices. - Each directorate and 
2 
other operating offices shall be headed by a Director: Provided, however, That the Director for 
3 
Directorate for Legal and Directorate for Complaint and Prosecution shall be members of the 
4 
Philippine Bar in good standing and the Director for Directorate for Finance Department shall be 
5 
a Certified Public Accountant. 
6 
7 
SEC. 23. Duties and Functions of the Directorates and Other Operating Offices. - The 
8 
different Directorates and other operating offices of the Authority shall operate in accordance 
9 
with their respective duties and functions as defmed by the Director General, subject to the 
10 
requirements of efficiency, economY, transparency, accountability and effectiveness, and 
11 
pertinent budget and civil service laws, rules and regulations. 
12 
13 
14 
CHAPTER 8 -THE FIELD OFFICES 
15 
SEC. 24. Field Offices of the Authority. - The Authority shall operate and maintain a 
16 
Regional Immigration Office in each of the administrative regions including the National Capital 
17 
Region and also a Provincial Immigration Office in every province of the country. 
18 
The Regional and Provincial Immigration Offices of the Authority shall each be headed by a 
19 
Regional Immigration Officer and Provincial Immigration Officer, respectively, all of whom 
20 
shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the recommendation ofthe Director General. 
21 
22 
SEC. 25. Border Control Stations - There shall be established Border Control Stations 
23 
which shall be manned by Border Control Officers. The Border Control Stations shall be placed 
24 
in specific areas in the Philippines which will be determined by the Board. Border Control 
25 
Officers shall be appointed by the Secretary of Justice, upon recommendation of the Directbr 
26 
General. Their duties and responsibilities shall also be determined by the Board. 
27 
28 
SEC. 26. Changes in the Composition, Distribution of Assignment of Field Offices. -
29 
The Director General may make change~ in the composition, distribution and assignment of field 
13 


offices, as well as its personnel, based on the demographics of Philippines' foreigner population 
2 
and as the exigency of the service may require. 
3 
4 
5 
CHAPTER 9 - OTHER OFFICERS OF THE AUTHORITY 
6 
SEC. 27. Philippine Immigration Representatives - The positions of Philippine 
7 
Immigration Representatives are hereby created. No person shall be appointed to the position of 
8 
Immigration Representative unless he has attended the training program prescribed by the 
9 
Authority for such position and has the appropriate qualifications as that of the Attache 
10 
prescribed in the Qualification Standards by the Civil Service Commission. He shall also have 
II 
the rank, salary and emoluments equivalent to an Attache. He shall perform functions as may be 
12 
provided by the Board. 
13 
14 
SEC. 28. Immigration Officers.' - The position ofImmigration Officer is hereby created. 
IS 
No person shall be appointed to the position ofImmigration Officer unless he is a holder of a 
16 
bachelor's degree and a first grade civil service eligible. The Immigration Officers shall perform 
17 
the following duties: 
18 
(a) Examine, with the assistance an~ advice of medical authorities in appropriate cases, 
19 
foreigners at the port of entry concerning their admissibility to enter and their qualifications to 
20 
remain in the Philippines; 
21 
(b) Exclude foreign nationals not properly documented, and to admit foreign nationals 
22 
complying with the applicable provisions of immigration and related laws; 
23 
(c) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of their duties; 
24 
(d) Board and search for foreign nationals on any vessel believed to be used to illegally bring 
25 
foreign nationals into the Philippines, and to arrest without warrant any foreigner who in his 
26 
presence or view is entering or is about to enter the Philippines in violation of immigration and 
27 
related laws, rules and regulations; 
28 
(e) Act as control officer with authority to prevent the departure of passengers not complying 
29 
with the departure requirements; and 
14 


(f) Perfonn such other functions as may be assigned by the Director General from time to time. 
2 
3 
SEC. 29. Appointment and Designation of Employees. - The appointment of all other 
4 
personnel 0 f the Authority, including the designation 0 f Acting Immigration Officers, shall be 
5 
vested in the Secretary upon the recommendation of the Director General; Provided, that the 
6 
Director General may designate or assign any employee to other offices within the Authority 
7 
and lor assign him additional or other duties as the best interest or exigency of the service may 
8 
require. 
9 
10 
SEC. 30. Assignment of Employees to do Overtime Work. -The Director General may 
II 
assign immigration employees to do overtime work or services pursuant to rules and regulations 
12 
to be prescribed at rates fixed by the Director General when the work or service to be rendered is 
13 
to be paid by the airline, shipping companies or other persons served. 
14 
15 
SEC. 37. Manning Levels - On the average nationwide, the manning levels of the 
16 
Authority shall be approximately in accordance with immigration officer-to-number of arrival or 
17 
port of entry ratio, whatever is deemed practicable which will be determined by the Board. 
18 
Provided, That the number of employees, as provided in the staffing pattern in accordance with 
19 
Section 127 of the Act, shall not be decreased. 
20 
21 
22 
23 
TITLE III 
24 
IMMIGRATION 
25 
CHAPTER 1 - NON-IMMIGRANTS 
26 
27 
SEC. 32. Categories of Non-immigrants and Types of Visa Issued. -Foreign nationals 
28 
departing from any place outside the Philippines who are otherwise admissible and who qualify 
29 
within one of the following categories may be admitted as non-immigrants: 
15 


(a) Temporary visitors (A Visas) - visitors coming to the Philippines for a temporary period for 
2 
reasons of business, pleasure or health: . 
3 
1. Business (A-I visa) -Temporary visitors engaged in activities of a commercial or professional 
4 
nature for a foreign employer or for themselves that will not result in gainful employment in the 
5 
Philippines. As used herein, the term "business" refers to conventions, conferences, consultations 
6 
and other legitimate activities of a commercial or a professional nature, but does not include 
7 
local employment or labor for hire; 
8 
2. Pleasure (A-2 visa) - Stay in the Philippines for holiday, including sightseeing, recreation or 
9 
visiting relatives; and 
10 
3. Health (A-3 visa) -Stay in the Philippines to avail of medical treatment. 
II 
(b) Transit Persons (B Visa) - Persons .passing through the Philippines solely for a "stop over" 
12 
who have confIrmed connecting flight to another country or passengers in immediate and 
13 
continuous transit through the Philippines to a destination outside thereo f; 
14 
(c) Crew members (C Visa) - Members of the crew of vessels required for the normal operation 
15 
and servicing of the vessels, who come' to the Philippines temporarily as part of their jobs either 
16 
arriving with or coming to join the vessels; , 
17 
(d) Treaty Traders (D-I Visa) & Treaty Investors (D-2 Visa) - Citizens and their family members 
18 
from a country that has a trade treaty with the Philippines and coming to work in the Philippines 
19 
for either a company they own or one that is at least fifty percent (50%) owned by other nationals 
20 
of their home country and which company is engaged in substantial trade between the 
21 
Philippines and their home country shall be granted a D-I visa. 
22 
Citizens and their family members of a country that has an investor treaty with the Philippines 
23 
and coming to work in the Philippines for a business they own or one that is at least fifty percent 
24 
(50%) owned by other nationals of their home country and which business is supported by a 
25 
substantial investment from nationals of their home country shall be granted a D- 2 visa; 
26 
(e) Accredited Foreign Government Officials, Their Families and Attendants (E Visas) - Foreign 
27 
government officials, their families and attendants coming to the country for official purpose, 
28 
pursuant to international conventions and bilateral agreements, shall be granted E Visas divided 
29 
into three (3) types, namely: 
16 


l. Persons entitled to B-1 Visa - The E-1 Visa shall be issued to persons enjoying diplomatic 
2 
immunities and privileges, particularly,the following classes offoreign nationals: 
3 
a. Heads ofthe State and Heads of Government and their personal representatives; 
4 
b. Members of reigning royal families tecognized by the Philippine Government; 
5 
c. Governors-general, governors, and high commissioners of dependent territories and their 
6 
personal representatives; 
7 
d, Cabinet ministers and their deputies and officials with cabinet rank of ministers; 
8 
e. Presiding officers of national legislative bodies; 
9 
£ Justices of the highest national judicial bodies; 
109. Diplomats and career consular officials; 
11 
h, Diplomatic couriers regularly and professionally employed as such; 
12 
i. Military, naval, air and other attaches' assigned to a diplomatic mission; 
13 
j. All members of official adhoc missions of a diplomatic character; 
14 
k. Representatives of international organizations who have diplomatic status and bearing 
15 
diplomatic passports issued by their governments; 
16 
1. Officials of international organizations bearing diplomatic passports when traveling on official 
17 
business; 
18 
m. Members of delegations proceeding to or from an international conference of an official 
19 
nature; 
20 
n, Accompanying wives and unmarried minor children of foreigners within the abovementioned 
21 
categories; and 
22 
o. Such other officials going to the Philippines on Diplomatic missions. 
23 
2. Persons entitled to E-2 Visa - The E-,2 visa shall be issued to any other person not included in 
24 
the foregoing list, who is an officer of a foreign government recognized by the Philippines, is a 
25 
national of the country whose government he represents, and is proceeding to the Philippines in 
26 
connection with official business for his government. 
27 
This category includes, inter alia, the members of the staff of an embassy or consulate, the staff 
28 
of international organizations, and official students or participants in programs under the 
17 


auspIces of the Philippine Government or recognized international institutions. The family 
2 
members of the abovementioned persons shall also be issued E"2 Visa. 
3 
3. Persons entitled to E-3 Visa - The E-3 Visa shall be issued to the members of the household, 
4 
the attendants, servants and employees ofpersons to whom E-1 and E-2 visas have been granted; 
5 
(f) Students (F Visa) - Foreign students having means sufficient for their support and education 
6 
in the Philippines who seek to enter the Philippines temporarily for the sole purpose of taking up 
7 
a course of study higher than high school at a university, seminary, academy or college 
8 
accredited for such foreign students by the Director General: Provided, That the Director General 
9 
shall, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education, regularly monitor the status 
10 
and activities of said foreign national students in the Philippines under such arrangements as may 
11 
be agreed by the two agencies; 
12 
(9) Foreigners Under Prearranged Ell;lployment (G Visa) - Foreign nationals coming to the 
13 
Philippines on prearranged employment, including their family members accompanying or 
14 
following to join them within the period oftheir employment. These include intra-company 
15 
transferees, professionals, performing artists and athletes, and cultural exchange workers under 
16 
a work exchange program; 
17 
(h) Religious Workers (H Visa) - Dlily ordained or professional missionaries and religious 
18 
ministers including members of their family coming to the Philippines to join a religious 
19 
congregation or denomination duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, 
20 
upon invitation, sponsorship or guarantee of such religious congregation or denomination, solely 
21 
for the purpose of propagating, teaching and disseminating the doctrines, dogmas or tenets of 
22 
their faith or religion; 
23 
(i) Representatives oflnternational Organizations and Government Agencies (I Visa) " Officials 
24 
and principal representatives and foreign workers of accredited international organizations as 
25 
well as missions, including their family members, staff and servants. As used herein, the term 
26 
"accredited international organization". includes any public international organization in which 
27 
the Philippines participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any act of the 
28 
Congress 0 f the Philippines authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such 
29 
participation and such other international organizations, institutions, agencies, programs, 
18 


foundations and entities which are recognized by the government of the RepUblic of the 
2 
Philippines, including those existing and already recognized as such at the time of the effectivity 
3 
of this Act. The tenn "servants" refers to members of the households and employees of persons 
4 
to whom the E-3 visa has been granted; 
5 
(j) Media Workers (J Visa) - Foreign media personnel or correspondents, duly accredited by the 
6 
government agency concerned, who are bona fide representatives of a foreign press, radio, 
7 
satellite, television, film, or other information media, and are coming to the Philippines so lely to 
8 
engage in gathering unrestricted information principally for dissemination abroad, including their 
9 
family members accompanying or following to join them during the period of the assignment in 
10 
the Philippines; 
11 
(k) Exchange Visitors (K Visa) - Foreign nationals entering the Philippines to teach, study, 
12 
observe, conduct research or receive training in a specific Exchange Visitor Program duly 
13 
approved by the Philippine Government; 
14 
(I) Refugees (L-'I Visa) & Stateless Persons (L-2 Visa) - Refugees as defined in Section 3(x) 
15 
hereof shall be issued L-I Visa. Stateless persons, whose admission for humanitarian reasons and 
16 
not inimical to public interest has been approved by the Director General or the President in such 
17 
class of cases and under such conditions as he may prescribe, shall be issued L-2 Visa: and 
18 
(rn) Special Non-Immigrants (M Visas) - Such other foreign nationals including their family 
19 
members who may be admitted as non-immigrants under special laws or foreign nationals not 
20 
otherwise provided for by this Act who are coming for temporary periods only, and whose 
21 
admission is authorized by the Directol' General or the President in the interest of the public or 
22 
for humanitarian considerations and under such conditions as he may prescribe. 
23 
24 
CHAPTER 2 -IMMIGRANTS 
25 
SEC. 33. Quota Immigrants. - Subject to conditions set forth in this Act, there may be 
26 
admitted into the Philippines, immigrants, tenned "quota immigrants". not to exceed two 
27 
hundred (200) of anyone nationality based on immigration reciprocity for anyone calendar year, 
28 
and upon allotment by the Director General of the corresponding quota number. In the allotment 
29 
of quota numbers, the following order of preference shall be observed: 
19 


(a) First Preference - those whose service and qualifications show high educational attainment, 
2 
technical training, specialized experience, or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, professions, 
3 
or business as would reasonably enhance and contribute sUbstantial benefits prospectively to the 
4 
national economy, or cultural or ,educational interests or welfare of the Philippines, including 
5 
their family members, accompanying or following to join them, who shall likewise be allotted 
6 
individual quota numbers; 
7 
(b) Second Preference - Parents of a naturalized Philippine citizen; 
8 
(c) Third Preference - Spouses or minor children of foreign nationals who are lawful permanent 
9 
residents of the Philippines; and 
10 
(d) Fourth Preference - Parents of foreign nationals who are lawful permanent residents of the 
II 
Philippines. 
12 
13 
SEC. 34. Allotment of Quota. - The Director General shaH, in aHotting quota numbers 
14 
for the first preference, allot not more than fifty percent (50%) of the annual quota aHotment up 
15 
to the end ofJune each year: Provided, however, That if the fifty percent (50%) is not utilized by 
16 
the first preference, the balance thereo f ,shall be given to the second and third preferences 
17 
following the order of preference specified under Section 31 of this Act. Any unused quota 
18 
allotment for a calendar year cannot be carried over and utilized for the ensuing calendar year. 
19 
20 
SEC. 35. Basis in Determination of Quota Allotment - The nationality of an immigrant 
21 
whose admission is subject to the numerical limitation imposed by Section 31 of this Act shall be 
22 
that of the country of which the immigrant is 'a national or a citizen. The nationality of an 
23 
immigrant possessing dual nationality may be that of either of the two countries regarding him as 
24 
a national or citizen if he applies for a visa in a third country. If he applies for a visa within one 
25 
of the two countries regarding him as it national or citizen, his nationality shall be that of the 
26 
country in which he shaH file his application for a visa to enter the Philippines. 
27 
20 


SEC. 36. Non-Quota Immigrants. - The following immigrants, termed "nonquota 
2 
immigrants", may be admitted without regard to numerical limitation and immigration 
3 
reciprocity: 
4 
(a) The spouse of a Philippine citizen: Provided, however, That the abandonment and failure to 
5 
give support by the foreign spouse' to his Filipino wife and family, legal separation, or 
6 
termination of the marital status by annulment or divorce where the cause is attributable to the 
7 
foreign spouse, shall constitute grounds for cancellation of the immigrant visa issued to the 
8 
foreign spouse; 
9 
(b) A child born to a foreign mother during her temporary visit abroad, the mother being a lawful 
10 
permanent resident of the Philippines, if accompanied by or coming to join the mother who 
II 
applies for admission within five (5) years from the birth of the child; 
12 
(c) A child born subsequent to the iss)lance of the immigrant visa of the accompanying parent, 
13 
the visa not having expired or revoked; 
14 
(d) A foreign national who had been previously lawfully admitted into the Philippines for 
15 
permanent residence, who is returning from a temporary visit abroad to an unrelinquished 
16 
residence in the Philippines; and 
17 
(e) A natural born citizen who becomes a naturalized citizen of a foreign country, and is 
18 
returning to the Philippines for permanent residence therein, including his spouse and minor 
19 
children accompanying or following to join him, except those who have re-acquired or retained 
20 
their Philippine citizenship pursuant to Republic Act No. 9225. 
21 
22 
SEC. 37. Status of Children Born to Foreign Nationals. - A 
child born in the 
23 
Philippines to parents who are foreign nationals and lawful residents of the Philippines shall be 
24 
deemed a native born permanent resident. However, a child born to parents who are both non-
25 
immigrants shall be deemed a native born non-immigrant or temporary resident and may remain 
26 
in the Philippines only during the period of authorized stay of the parents, unless he reaches the 
27 
age of eighteen (18) years while continuously residing in the country, in which case he may 
28 
apply for an appropriate visa or naturalization under existing laws. 
29 
21 


2 
3 
CHAPTER 3 -ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS 
4 
SEC. 38. Conditions for Adjustment of Status of Foreign Nationals. - The status of a 
5 
foreign national admitted into the Philippines as non-immigrant may be adjusted by the Board, in 
6 
their discretion and under such regulations as the Director General may prescribe, to that of a 
7 
foreigner lawfully admitted for permanent residence if: (a) the foreigner makes an application for 
8 
such adjustment; (b) the foreigner is eligible to receive a quota or non-quota visa and is 
9 
admissible to the Philippines for permanent residence: and (c) a quota immigrant visa, if such is 
10 
the case, is immediately available to him at the time his application is filed, without the need of 
11 
first departing from the Philippines. In. all such cases, the personal appearance of the foreigner 
12 
shall be required during the consideration of his application. 
13 
14 
SEC. 39. Effect of Approval on Application. for Adjustment. - Upon the approval of an 
15 
application for adjustment of status under the preceding section, the Director General shall 
16 
record the foreign national's lawful admission for permanent residence as of the date of approval 
17 
of the application. The Director General shall reduce by one the number of the preference 
18 
immigrant visa authorized to be issued under Section 33 of this Act within the class to which the 
19 
foreign national is chargeable for the calendar year then current, if such be the case, 
20 
21 
SEC. 40. Adjustment of Status, When Mot Allowed. - Adjustment of status under 
22 
Section 36 of this Act shall not be applicable to (a) a foreign crewman, (b) a foreign national 
23 
who hereafter continues in or accepts unauthorized employment prior to filing of his application 
24 
or who 'is in unlawful immigration status on the date of filing of his application or who has failed 
25 
(other than through no fault of his own or for technical reasons) to maintain continuously a 
26 
lawful status since entry into the Phil'ippines, (c) a foreign national admitted as a temporary 
27 
visitor without visa, and (d) transients. 
28 
29 
CHAPTER 4 - DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF NON-IMMIGRANTS 
22 


2 
SEC. 41. Documentary Requirements of Non-immigrants. - Non-immigrants must 
3 
present for admission into the Philippines valid passports issued by the governments of the 
4 
countries to which they owe allegiance or other travel documents showing their origin and 
5 
identity as prescribed by regulations and a valid visa granted by the Authority or Philippine 
6 
Consular Officer, if required under existing laws, rules, regulations, or multi-lateral or bilateral 
7 
agreements. 
8 
9 
SEC. 42. Conditions and Period of Authorized Stay of Temporary Visitors. - The initial 
10 
period of authorized stay of a foreign national admitted as a temporary visitor under Section 30, 
11 
paragraph (a) of this Act shall not exceed two (2) months from the date of arrival. Extensions of 
12 
authorized stay may be granted under terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Director 
13 
General Provided, That the total period of authorized stay shall not exceed twenty-four (24) 
14 
months: Provided further, That during the foreign national's authorized stay: (a) he shall not take 
15 
any employment, whether paid or unpaid; (b) he shall not establish or join in any business; or (c) 
16 
he shall not end and become a student at a school, college, university, academy, or other 
17 
educational institution, unless he is granted, upon proper application, a conversion to another 
18 
immigration status provided under this Act. 
19 
20 
SEC. 43. Conditions for Issuance of Pre-arranged Visas. - A visa for a nonimmigrant 
21 
referred to in Section 30, paragraph (9) of this Act who is corning to the Philippines for 
22 
prearranged employment shall not be issued by a consular officer until the consular officer shall 
23 
have received authorization for the issuance of the visa. Such authorizations shall be given only 
24 
upon petition filed with the Board establishing that no person can be found in the Philippines 
25 
willing and competent to perform the work or service for which the nonimmigrant is desired and 
26 
that the non-immigrant's admission would be beneficial, to the public interest. The petition shall 
27 
be made under oath, in the form and manner prescribed by regulations, by the prospective 
28 
employer or his representative. The petition shall state fully the nature of the work or service for 
29 
which the nonimmigrant is desired, the'probable length oftime for which he is to be engaged, the 
23 


salary and other compensation which he is to receive, the reasons why a person in the Philippines 
2 
cannot be engaged to perform the work or service for which the nonimmigrant is desired and 
3 
why the non-immigrant's admission would be beneficial to the public interest. The petition shall 
4 
be accompanied by a certified copy of any written contract or agreement entered into for the non-
S 
immigrant's service and shall contain such additional information as may be deemed material. 
6 
Substantiation 0 f all the allegations made in the petition shall be required and the allegations that 
7 
no person can be found in the Philippines willing and competent to perform the work or service 
8 
for which the nonimmigrant is desired and that the non-immigrant's admission would be 
9 
beneficial to the public interest shall be established beyond doubt by convincing and satisfactory 
10 
evidence. 
11 
If the Board finds that the petition complies with the requirements of the preceding 
12 
paragraph and that the petitioner has established the facts entitling him to the authorization, the 
13 
Board shall grant the petition and he shall so inform the petitioner and promptly transmit 
14 
authorization to the Consular Office at which the non-immigrant is to apply for a visa. 
15 
16 
SEC. 44. Submission of Crew List and Passenger Manifest to the Authority. -
17 
Simultaneous to the departure from the vessel's port of origin, the master, captain, agent, owner 
18 
or consignee of any commercial vessel arriving to the Philippines shall submit to and received by 
19 
the Authority within a reasonable time prior to such arrival, the crew lists, passenger manifests 
20 
and such other information concerning the persons arriving on such vessel. In the same manner 
21 
and condition, the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of any commercial vessel departing 
22 
from any port in the Philippines shall submit to the Authority within a reasonable time prior to 
23 
such departure, the crew list, passeng.er manifest and such other information concerning the 
24 
persons departing on such vessel. The crew lists of an incoming sea craft shall be duly visaed by 
25 
the appropriate Philippine official abroad. 
26 
27 
SEC. 45. Inspection of Crewmembers. - It shall be the duty ofthe master, agent, owner 
28 
or consignee of any vessel arriving in the Philippines to have available on board, for inspection 
29 
by the immigration 0 fficer, any fureign crewmember emplo yed on such vessel and to detain such 
24 


crewmember on board after inspection and to remove such crewmember when required by the 
2 
immigration authorities. No crewmember employed on board such vessel shall be paid off or 
3 
discharged while the vessel is in port without the permission ofthe Director General. 
4 
5 
SEC. 46. Permission for temporary landing of foreign crewmembers. - A foreign 
6 
crewmember employed on a vessel arriving in the Philippines may be permitted to land 
7 
temporarily under such conditions as shall be prescribed by the Authority. The expenses incurred 
8 
while on land or awaiting repatriation, for medical treatment in a hospital or elsewhere, burial in 
9 
the event of death, and for transfer to the vessel in the event of return of any crewmember shall 
lObe borne by the master, captain, agent,. owner or consignee of the carrying vessel. 
11 
12 
CHAPTER 6 -ASYLUM 
13 
SEC. 47. Asylum Seekers, Grant of Refugee Status. - Asylum seekers may apply for 
14 
recognition of refugee status upon seeking admission at any port of entry or at any reasonable 
15 
time after admission. Refugee status shall be granted after a determination by the Board that an 
16 
applicant meets the qualifications of a refugee as defined in Section 3 hereof Refugee status 
17 
shall not be granted to an applicant if: 
18 
(a) He has committed a crime against peace, a war crime, or crime against humanity as defmed 
19 
in international laws; 
20 
(b) He has committed a serious non-political crime outside the Philippines prior to his admission 
21 
as a refugee; or 
22 
(c) He has been guilty ofan act contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 
23 
24 
SEC. 48. Cessation of Refugee Statlls. - Refugee status granted under the previous 
25 
section shall cease if a refugee: 
26 
(a) Voluntarily re-availed of the protection of the country of his nationality, or having lost his 
27 
nationality voluntarily re-acquired the lost nationality, or voluntarily re-established himself in the 
28 
country he left or outside of which he remained owing to fear of persecution; 
29 
(b) Acquired a new nationality and enjoys the protection of the country of the new nationality; or 
25 


(c) Can no longer continue to refuse to avail the protection of the country of his nationality or, 
2 
not having a nationality, is able to return to the country of fonner habitual residence in view of 
3 
the cessation 0 fthe reasons that resulted to his being a refugee: Provided, That this ground shall 
4 
not apply if a refugee is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution 
5 
for his refusal to avail of the protection of his country ofhabitual residence or nationality. 
6 
7 
SEC. 49. Effect of Grant of Refugee Status to Refugee Dependents. - A spouse, minor 
8 
child, and other dependents ofa refugee who is granted asylum may, ifnot otherwise eligible for 
9 
asylum under Section 45, be granted the same status as the refugee to assure family unity or 
10 
when it is in the public interest. 
II 
12 
SEC. 50. Confidentiality of Information. - In proceedings for the recognition of asylum 
13 
or refugee status, the confidentiality of infonnation shall be respected and no information 
14 
relating to the refugee or asylum seekers shall be shared with the country of origin, directly or 
15 
indirectly. 
16 
17 
SEC. 51. Burden of Proof. - In proceedings for the recognition of asylum or refugee 
18 
status, the burden of prooflies with the applicant, subject to the principle of non-refoulment. 
19 
20 
SEC. 52. Stay of Exclusion or Removal of Asylum Seeker. - Notwithstanding the 
21 
provisions of Sections 75 and 83, the exclusion from entry and removal of a foreigner shall be 
22 
stayed during the pendency of an application for asylum, refugee, or humanitarian status. Where 
23 
grounds under Section 75 are present, the asylum seeker or refugee shall be allowed entry and 
24 
the application shall be immediately referred by the Immigration Officer to the Board of Special 
25 
Inquiry. 
26 
27 
SEC. 53. Detention of Asylum Seeker. - Detention of asylum seekers shall only be 
28 
resorted to in cases arising out of illegal entry or unauthorized stay after consideration of other 
29 
alternatives, as may be determined by the Director General. 
26 


2 
3 
CHAPTER 6 - DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF IMMIGRANTS 
4 
Section 54. Documentary Req'uirements of Immigrants; Instances when not required. -
5 
Immigrants must present for admission into the Philippines valid passports or travel documents 
6 
issued by the government of the country to which they owe allegiance, showing their origin and 
7 
identity and valid visas issued by the Board or Philippine consular 0 fficer indicating the date 0 f 
8 
issue and the period of validity thereof Immigrant visas, howeve6 shall not be required of the 
9 
following: 
10 
(a) A child born subsequent to the i~suance of a valid immigrant visa to the accompanying 
II 
parent; 
12 
(b) A child born during the temporary visit abroad of the mother who is a lawful permanent 
13 
resident of the Philippines and a holder ofa valid reentry permit, if the child is accompanied by 
14 
either parent within five (5) years from the date of the child's birth; and 
IS 
(c) A foreigner who is returning to an unrelinquished lawful permanent residence in the 
16 
Philippines after a temporary residence"abroad arrl presents for admission a valid reentry permit. 
17 
18 
CHAPTER 7 -VISA ISSUANCE 
19 
20 
SEC. 55. Nature of Visa. - Nothing in this ,Act shall be construed to automatically entitle 
21 
any foreign national to whom a visa or other travel document has been issued to enter the 
22 
Philippines if, upon arrival at a port of entry, he is found to be inadmissible under this Act or any 
23 
other law. 
24 
25 
SEC. 56. Requirements for Issuance of Visa. - Under the conditions and subject to the 
26 
limitations prescribed in this Act or regulations issued hereunder, the Board may approve the 
27 
issuance of the following visa, upon the recommendation of a consular officer: 
27 


1 
(a) A non-immigrant visa to a foreign national who has made proper application therefor, which 
2 
shall specify the classification of the non-immigrant under Section 30 of this Act, the period 
3 
during which the visa shall be valid, and such additional information as may be required; and 
4 
(b) An immigrant visa to a foreign national who has made a proper application therefor, which 
5 
shall specify the foreign country, if any, to which quota the number is charged, the immigrant's 
6 
particular status in such country, the preference to which the foreigner is classified, the date on 
7 
which the validity of the visa shall expire, and such additional information as may be required. 
8 
9 
SEC. 57. Requirementsfor Physical and/or Mental Examination Prior to Issuance of 
10 
Immigrant Visa. - Prior to the issuance 0 f an immigrant visa to any foreign national, the consular 
II 
officer shall require such person to submit to a physical and mental examination in accordance 
12 
with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Board. 
13 
14 
Section 58. Validity of Visa. -A non-immigrant or immigrant visa issued by a consular 
15 
officer abroad pursuant to the immediately preceding section shall be valid for a period not 
16 
exceeding six (6) months. In prescribing the period of validity of a non-immigrant visa, the 
17 
consular officer shall, insofar as practicable, accord to such nationals the same treatment upon a 
18 
reciprocal basis as such foreign country accords to citizens of the Philippines who are within a 
19 
similar class. An immigrant visa may be replaced uncfer the original number during the calendar 
20 
year in which the original visa was issued for a foreigner who establishes to the satisfaction of 
21 
the consular officer that he was unable to use the original immigrant visa during the period of its 
22 
validity for reasons beyond his contro!: Provided, That the foreign national is found by the 
23 
consular officer to be eligible for another immigrant visa and has paid all the fees. 
24 
25 
SEC. 59. Denial of Visa, Grounds Thereof - The consular officer may deny the 
26 
application for visa (a) if it appears from the statements in the application or in the documents 
27 
submitted the applicant is not entitled to a visa under this Act; or (b) if he fails to comply with 
28 
the requirements ofthe provisions of this Act. 
29 
28 


1 
. SEC. 60. Revocation of Visa Issued by Consular Officer. - The Director General may, 
2 
for valid cause, revoke the visa issued by any Philippine consular office and the latter shall be 
3 
notified thereof through the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs. If the notice of 
4 
revocation is not received and the visa holder applies for admission into the Philippines, his 
5 
admissibility shan be detennined by the Immigration Officer upon his arrival at the port of entry. 
6 
7 
CHAPTER 8 - RE-ENTRY AND EMIGRATION CLEARANCE 
8 
9 
SEC. 67. Reentry. - Every time a registered foreign national, except a temporary visitor, 
10 
departs or about to depart temporarily from the Philippines with intention to return must pay a re-
11 
entry fee, emigration clearance fee and, head tax: Provided, That said foreign national returns to 
12 
the Philippines within a period of one (1) year from his departure in order to maintain his visa 
13 
category, otherwise, he shall apply fOLan extension of the period within which to return prior to 
14 
its expiration and pay the prescribed fees and charges therefor: Provided, further, that if his 
15 
authorized stay is less than one (1) year, he shall pay a special return fee, emigration clearance 
16 
fee and head tax for every departure: Provided, finally, that in both cases, if the registered 
17 
foreign national depart permanently from the Philippines, he shall surrender all his Philippine 
18 
immigration documents to the Authority, and apply for and be issued an Emigration Clearance 
19 
Certificate upon payment of the prescribed fees and charges therefor; subject to the following 
20 
conditions: 
21 
(a) He has no pending obligation with the government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities; 
22 
(b) He has no pending criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding which requires his continued 
23 
presence in the counby: and 
24 
(c) There is no ongoing legislative inquiry where he is called upon to testifY as a witness. 
25 
26 
SEC. 62. Emigration Clearance. - Any temporary visitor departing from the Philippines 
27 
shall, after the expiration of his initial authorized stay, apply for emigration clearance with the 
28 
Authority and pay the prescribed fees and charges therefor. 
29 
29 


CHAPTER 9 - PRESIDENTIAL PREROGATIVES 
2 
3 
SEC. 63. Presidential Prerogatives. - Any provision of this Act notwithstanding, the 
4 
President may: 
5 
(a) Deny the entry and admission into the Philippines of any foreign national or a class of foreign 
6 
nationals whenever the President finds that the entry would be detrimental to the interest ofthe 
7 
Philippines or impose such restrictions as he may deem appropriate: 
8 
(b) Waive passport and/or documentary requirements for non-immigrants and immigrants under 
9 
such terms and conditions as he may prescribe: 
10 
(c) Change the status of non-immigrants by, allowing them to acquire permanent residence status 
11 
without necessity of a visa: 
12 
(d) Deport any foreign national, subject to the requirement of due process; 
13 
( e) Admit non-immigrants not otherwise provided for in this Act, for humanitarian consideration 
14 
and when not detrimental to public interest, under such terms and conditions as he may 
15 
prescribe: 
16 
(f) Prohibit the departure from the Philippines of any person who is likely to disclose national 
17 
security Information, or who is likely to organize a rebellion abroad against the Philippines: or 
18 
whose presence in the country is necessary to face or be a witness in criminal proceedings; and 
19 
(g) Exercise with respect to foreign nationals in the Philippines such powers as are recognized by 
20 
the generally accepted principles of international law. 
21 
22 
TITLE IV 
23 
PROVISIONS RELATING TO fNTRY 
24 
CHAPTER 1-CLASSIFICATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY 
25 
26 
SEC. 64. Authority to ClassifY Ports. - The Director General shall classifY and designate, 
27 
from among the ports of entry established by law for immigration purposes, limited or unlimited 
28 
ports of entry through which foreigners may be admitted into the Philippines. Only such classes 
29 
of foreigners as provided under the rules and' regulations prescribed by the Director General may 
30 


1 
be admitted at limited ports of entry. The Director General may, after due notice to the public, 
2 
close designated ports of entry in the interest of national security or public safety. 
3 
4 
5 
CHAPTER 2 ~PROCEDURES ON ARRIVAL 
6 
SEC. 65. Inspection by Immigration Officer. - A foreigner seeking admission or 
7 
readmission shall present his valid passport and visa, if required, to the immigration officer at the 
8 
port of entry to the Philippines and shall be subject to primary inspection. The decision of the 
9 
examining immigration officer, if favorable to the admission of any foreigner, may be challenged 
10 
by another immigration officer. The final determination of admissibility of such foreigner shall 
II 
be determined by a Director General, in case no resolution is reached between the immigration 
12 
officers on the challenged admission. In case of admission, the immigration officer shall indicate 
13 
in the passport the date, the port of entry and the identity of the vessel boarded. 
14 
15 
SEC. 66. Detention or Quarantine for Examination. - For the purpose of determining 
16 
whether a foreigner arriving at any port in the Philippines belongs to any of the classes 
17 
excludable under this Act, by reason of being afflicted with any of the contagious or 
18 
communicable disease or mental disorder set forth under Section 75(a) ofthis Act or whenever 
19 
the Director General has received information showing that foreigners are coming to the 
20 
Philippines from a country or have embarked at a place where any of such diseases are prevalent 
21 
or epidemic, the foreigner shall be detained or quarantined for a reasonable period of time to 
22 
enable the immigration and medical officers to subject such person to observation and 
23 
examination. 
24 
25 
SEC. 67. Medical Examination Requirement - Any arriving foreign national whom the 
26 
examining immigration officer believes to belong under the class of excludable foreign nationals 
27 
specified in Section 78(a) herein shall be referred to designated medical officers for physical and 
28 
mental examination. Such medical officer shall certifY his medical findings for the information 
29 
of the immigration officer. 
31 


2 
SEC. 68. Arrival Notice Requirements of Vessel. - The immigration authorities shall be 
3 
furnished with an advance notice of the arrival of any civilian vessel at or nearest such place of 
4 
first landing before such vessel comes into any area in the Philippines from any place outside 
5 
thereof. If dependable facilities for giving such notice are not available before departure from the 
6 
port of origin, any communication equipment or device in the vessel shall be used in giving 
7 
advance notice of vessel's arrival, otherwise a landing shall be made at a place where the 
8 
communication facilities exist. Such advance notice shall not be required in the case of vessels 
9 
with scheduled arrivals filed with the immigration officer in charge at the international port of 
10 
entry. 
II 
If, upon arrival in any area other than the designated port and there is no available immigration 
12 
officer therein, the master, pilot, captain, agent or consignee shall not allow the passengers and 
13 
crew members to disembark or leave the primary inspection area until the immigration officer 
14 
shall have conducted the primary inspection formalities. 
15 
16 
SEC. 69. Contents of Notice of Arrival. - The advance notice of arrival required in the 
17 
preceding section shall specifY the following: 
18 
(a) Type of vessel and registration marks; 
19 
(b) Visaed crewlist 
20 
(c) Passenger manifest; 
21 
(d) Port oflast departure; 
22 
(e) International port of intended destination, or other place authorized by the Director General; 
23 
(f) Estimated time of arrival; and 
24 
(g) Authorized agent or representative at the place of arrival. 
25 
26 
CHAPTER 3 ~ FOREIGN CREWMEMBER 
27 
28 
SEC. 70. Conditional Permit to Disembark. - A foreign crewmember of a vessel under 
29 
Section 30, paragraph (c) of this Act, may be granted a conditional permit, in a form prescribed 
32 


• 
by regulations, to disembark temporarily from the vessel on which he arrived while such vessel 
2 
remains in port under terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Director General. 
3 
4 
SEC. 71. Confiscation and Cancellation of Permit; Removal from the Philippines. 
5 
- Upon the determination that the foreigner is not a bonafide crewmember or does not intend to 
6 
depart on the vessel that brought him, the Director General shall cancel and confiscate the 
7 
conditional permit already issued, take such foreigner into custody, and require the owner, 
8 
operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel on which the foreigner arrived to 
9 
receive and detain him on board. The expenses for his removal, including the cost of detention 
10 
and other expenses incidental thereto, shall be borne by the owner, operator, captain, master, 
II 
pilot, agent or consignee of such vessel. 
12 
13 
SEC. 72. Liability for Overstaying Foreign Crewmen. - A foreign crewmember who 
14 
remains in the Philippines in excess ofthe period allowed in the conditional permit issued to him 
IS 
shall be solidarily liable with owner, 'operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the 
16 
vessel to pay the penalties prescribed in Section 124 of this Act. 
17 
18 
SEC. 73. Liability for Unauthorized Pay-off or Discharge Foreign Crewmen. - It shall 
19 
be unlawful for any person, including the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or 
20 
consignee of any vessel to pay-off or discharge any.'foreign crewman employed on board a 
21 
vessel arriving in the Philippines and whilst in pOlt, without first obtaining the permission ofthe 
22 
Director General, otherwise, such person or owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or 
23 
consignee of the vessel shall pay the Authority such fine as may be prescribed in Title VI, 
24 
Chapter 7 of this Act. No such vessel shall be granted clearance from any port in the Philippines 
25 
while such fine remains unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided. That 
26 
clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond 
27 
sufficient to cover such fine as approved by the Director General. 
28 
33 


• 
SEC. 74. Duty to Report Desertion or Illegal Landing of Foreign Crewmen. -The 
2 
owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of any vessel shaH immediately report, 
3 
in writing, to the immigration officer aH cases of desertion or illegal disembarkation in the 
4 
Philippines from the vessel, together With a description of such foreigner and any information 
5 
that shaH result in his apprehension. 
6 
7 
SEC. 75. Requirement for Submission of List of Newly Employed, Discharged and 
8 
Illegally Landed. - Prior to the departure of any vessel from the last port in the Philippines 
9 
destined to any place outside thereof, the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or 
10 
consignee thereof shaH deliver to the' immigration officer at that port a list containing: (a) the 
11 
names offoreign crewmen who were not employed thereon at the time of the vessel's arrival on 
12 
such port but will depart thereat on the same vessel; (b) the names of those, if any, who have 
13 
been paid off or discharged; and (c) those who have deserted or ilIegaHy landed at that port, if 
14 
any, The Director General may require said list to contain additional information as he deems 
15 
necessary. 
16 
17 
SEC. 76. Liability for Failure to Submit Complete, True and Correct Report. - In case 
18 
the owner, agent, consignee, or captain fails to submit a true and complete lists or report of 
19 
foreigners, or to report cases of desertion or illegal landing as required by Sections 75 and 76 of 
20 
this Act, such owner, agent, consignee, or captain shall pay to the Authority such sum as may be 
21 
prescribed in Title VI, Chapter 7 hereof. No such vessel shaH be granted clearance from any port 
22 
in the Philippines while such fine remains unpaid or white the validity thereof is being 
23 
determined: Provided. That clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit 
24 
0 f a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such fine as approved by the Director General. 
25 
26 
CHAPTER 4 - EXCLUSIONS 
27 
28 
SECTION 77. Exclusion Grounds. - The following classes offoreign nationals shall not 
29 
be aHowed entry and shaH be excluded ·from the Philippines: 
34 


(a) Health Related Grounds 
2 
I. Those who are found to be suffering &from a communicable, dangerous or contagious 
3 
disease; 
4 
2. Those who are found to be suffering from mental disorder or associated behavior that may 
5 
pose threat to persons or danger to property; 
6 
3. Those who are found to be suffering from addiction to prohibited or regulated substance; 
7 
(b) Economic Grounds 
8 
1. Those likely to become a public charge; 
9 
2. Those seeking entry for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor, without the 
10 
certification of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment as required by law; 
II 
(c) Moral Grounds 
12 
1. Those coming to the Philippines to practice polygamy or who advocates the practice of 
13 
polygamy unless his religion allows such practices; 
14 
2. Those who are pedophiles, sexual perverts or those coming to the Philippines for immoral 
15 
purposes; 
16 
3. Those who are engaged or who seek to engage in prostitution or to procure or attempt to 
17 
procure prostitutes, or who receives in whole or in part the proceeds of prostitution; 
18 
4. Those who at the time ofprimary inspection by the immigration officer exhibit any obljoxious 
19 
behavior, contempt or disrespect for the said officer or any government official or authority; 
20 
(d) Criminal and Security Grounds 
21 
1. Those who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or who admit to the 
22 
immigration officer having committed $uch crime, or who attempt and conspire to commit the 
23 
crime; 
24 
2. Those who have been convicted, or who admit having committed, or are committing acts 
25 
which constitute the elements of a violation or conspiracy to violate any law or regulation of the 
26 
Philippines or a foreign country relating to controlled, regulated or prohibited substance, or who 
27 
attempt or conspire to commit the crime; 
28 
3. Those that the Philippine government knows or has reason to believe is a trafficker in any 
29 
controlled, regulated or prohibited substance or knows or has reason to believe is or has been a 
35 


knowing assister, abettor, conspirator or colluder with others in the illicit trafficking in any 
2 
controlled, regulated or prohibited substance; 
3 
4. Those coming to the Philippines to engage in any other unlawful commercialized vice; 
4 
5. Those who are fugitives from justice; 
5 
6. Those who seek 10 enter the Philippines to engage in: 
6 
a. Espionage or sabotage, or a violation or evasion of any laws prohibiting export of goods, 
7 
technology or sensitive information; 
8 
b. Any activity aimed to promote membership In an organization of syndicated criminal 
9 
activities; 
10 
c. Any activity, the purpose of which is to overthrow the Philippine government by force, 
II 
violence or other unlawful means; and 
12 
d. Any other unlawful activity. 
13 
7. Those who are engaged or believed.(o be engaged or likely to engage in, aid, abet or finance 
14 
any terrorist activity and members or representatives of a foreign terrorist organization; 
IS 
8. Those who have been identified by competent authorities, local or foreign, as having engaged 
16 
or are engaging in human trafficking and smuggling; 
17 
9. Those who under fifteen years of age, unaccompanied by or not coming to a parent, except 
18 
that they may be admitted in the discretion of the Director General, if otherwise admissible; and 
19 
10. Those who have been identified by competent authorities, local and foreign, as having 
20 
engaged or are engaging in importation of contrabands and other prohibited articles into the 
21 
country. 
22 
23 
SEC. 78. Temporary Detention of Excludable Foreigners. - For the purpose of 
24 
ascertaining whether a foreigner arriving in the Philippines belongs to any of the excludable 
25 
classes of foreigners provided in this Act or related laws, the immigration officer may 
26 
temporarily detain for investigation svch foreigner, either on board the vessel or at a place 
27 
designated for the purpose at the expense of the master, captain, agent owner or consignee of the 
28 
carrying vessel. 
29 
36 


I 
SEC. 79. Finality of Exclusion Order. - An order by the immigration officer to exclude a 
2 
foreign national who is excludable under Section 75 hereof is fmal and executor unless revoked 
3 
by the Director General upon a timely appeal prior to the implementation of the exclusion order. 
4 
5 
SEC. 80. Authority to Waive Grounds for Exclusion. - Except for grounds of exclusion 
6 
under Section 78, paragraph D, subparagraphs I to 8 and subparagraph 10, the Director General 
7 
may waive any of the grounds for exclusion mentioned thereof 
8 
9 
SEC. 87. Procedure of Removal and Cost Thereof. -Any foreign national arriving in the 
10 
Philippines who is ordered excluded shall be immediately removed, in the same accommodation 
II 
to the country where he boarded the vessel on which he arrived, unless the Director General 
12 
determines that immediate removal is .not proper and practicable. The cost of detention and other 
13 
expenses incident thereto shall be borne by the owner, operator, master, pilot, captain, agent or 
14 
consignee of the vessel in which he arrived. 
15 
16 
SEC. 82. Country Where Removal is to be Directed. - If the government ofthe country 
17 
designated in the preceding section will not accept the foreign national into its territory, his 
18 
removal shall be directed by the Director General, in his discretion and without necessarily 
19 
giving or preference, either to: 
20 
(a) The country which he is a citizen or national; 
21 
(b) The country of birth; 
22 
(c) The country of his habitual residence; or 
23 
(d) The country willing to accept the foreign national into its territory, if removal to any of the 
24 
foregoing country is impractical or impossible. 
25 
26 
SEC. 83. Obligation of Captain or Transport Operator. - It shall be unlawful for an 
27 
owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel to refuse or fail to: 
28 
(a) board a foreigner ordered excluded and removed under Section 78 hereof in the same vessel 
29 
or another vessel owned or operated by the same company; 
37 


(b) detain a foreign national on board any such vessel at the port of arrival when required by this 
2 
Act or when so ordered by a immigration officer; 
3 
(c) deliver a foreign national for medical or other examination when so ordered by such officer; 
4 
(d) remove a foreign national from the Philippines to the country to which his removal has been 
5 
directed; or 
6 
(e) pay the cost of detention and other expenses incidental thereto ofa foreign national incurred 
7 
while being detained as required by Section 79 ofthis Act or other costs necessary or incident to 
8 
his removal as provided in subsequent sections of this Act. 
9 
10 
SEC. 84. Penalty for Non-compliance of Obligation. - The owner, operator, master, 
11 
captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel who violated Section 84 hereof shall pay the fine 
12 
imposed in Title VI, Chapter 7 of this Act. No such vessel shall be granted clearance from any 
13 
port in the Philippines while such fme remains unpaid or while the validity thereof is being 
14 
determined: Provided, That clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit 
15 
of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such fine as approved by the Director General. 
16 
17 
TITLE V 
18 
REMOVAL 
19 
20 
21 
CHAPTER 1 - REMOVABLE FOREIGN NATIONALS 
22 
SEC. 85. Classes of Foreigners Subject of Removal. - The following foreigners shall be 
23 
arrested upon the order of the Director' General and removed after hearing and recommendation 
24 
by the Board of Special Inquiry arid approval by the Board of Directors General: 
25 
(a) Those who entered the Philippines by means of false and misleading statements or 
26 
documents, misrepresentations, or without inspection and admission by the immigration 
27 
authorities; 
28 
(b) Those who entered the Philippines who were not lawfully admissible at the time of entry; 
38 


, 
(c) Those who engage, abet or aid in the practice prostitution including the owner, manager or 
2 
inmates of a house of prostitution or are procurers, pedophiles, or sexual perverts; 
3 
(d) Those who, at any time after the date of entry, have become a public charge; 
4 
(e) Those who remain in the Philippines in violation of any period of limitation or condition 
5 
under which they were admitted; 
6 
(9 Those who believe in, advise, advocate or teach the overthrow by force and violence of the 
7 
government of the Republic of the Philippines, or duly constituted authority, or who do not 
8 
believe in or are opposed to organized government, or those who advise, advocate, or teach the 
9 
assault or assassination of public officials because of their office, or who advise, advocate, or 
10 
teach the unlawful destruction of property, or who are members of or affiliated with any 
II 
organization entertaining, advocating or teaching such doctrines or who in any manner 
12 
whatsoever lend assistance, financial ot otherwise, to the dissemination of such doctrines; 
, 
13 
(g) Those who at any time after entry engage in, abet, aid or finance terrorist activity; 
14 
(h) Those who commit any violations of the provisions ofthis Act, independent of any criminal 
IS 
action which may be brought against them; Provided, however, That in the case of a foreigner 
16 
who for any reason is convicted and sentenced to snffer both imprisonment and removal, said 
17 
foreigner shall first serve the entire period of his sentence before being removed; Provided, 
18 
further, That the imprisonment may be waived by the President, and upon payment by the 
19 
foreigner concerned of such costs, fines and/or damages suffered by the government or any 
20 
aggrieved party; 
21 
(i) Those who, at any time after entry, are engaged in acts or omissions punishable under 
22 
Philippine penal laws cognizable by the Regional Trial Court; 
23 
U) Those who, at any time after entry, are convicted by final judgment of a crime punishable 
24 
under Philippine penal laws cognizable by the Municipal Trial Court; 
25 
(k) Those who are guilty of any offense penalized under the naturalization laws of the 
26 
Philippines or any law relating to the acquisition of Philippine citizenship; 
27 
(I) Those who defraud their creditors by absconding or alienating properties to prevent their 
28 
attachment or execution; 
39 


(m)Those who were admitted as nOil-immigrants and who obtained an adjustment of their 
, 
2 
admission 
status 
for 
convenience, 
or 
through 
fraud, 
falsification 
of documents, 
3 
misrepresentations, or concealment of material facts; 
4 
(n) Those who violated Philippine labor and taxation laws, rules and regulations; 
5 
(0) Those who, upon prior investigation and hearing, are found to be undesirable and whose 
6 
further stay in the Philippines is inimical to public welfare and interest, or the dignity 0 f the 
7 
Filipinos, or the Republic of the Philippines as a sovereign nation; 
8 
(p) Those who forge, counterfeit, alter, or falsely make any document; or use, attempt to use, 
9 
possess, obtain, accept, or receive or provide any forged, counterfeit, altered, or falsely made 
10 
document; or use or attempt to use or provide or attempt to provide other than the possessor 
II 
(including a deceased individual); or accept or receive or provide any document lawfully issued 
12 
to a person other than the possessor (including a deceased individual) for the purpose of 
13 
satisfying or complying with the requirements for his stay in the Philippines; and 
14 
(4) Those whose presence or activities in ,the country may result in adverse consequences to 
15 
Philippine foreign policy as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs. 
16 
17 
SEC. 86. Rules on Prescription in Removal Cases. - The right ofthe State to initiate at 
18 
any time removal proceedings for causes mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (0), (g), 
19 
(h), (m), (n) and (0) of Section 86 of this Act, shall not prescribe: Provided, That no removal 
20 
proceedings may be initiated under any other paragraphs of the aforesaid Section 86, unless the 
21 
apprehension in the removal proceedings is made within (5) years after the cause for removal 
22 
arises. Removal for causes mentioned in paragraphs (a), (c), (g), (i), (I), (0) and (4) of the same 
23 
section shall not be effective, unless the court when sentencing the foreigner recommends 
24 
otherwise. 
25 
26 
CHAPTER 2 - DETENTION AND REMOVAL 
27 
OF FOREIGN NATIONALS 
28 
40 


SEC. 87. Issuance of Summons. - If the Director General determines that there exists a 
2 
reasonable ground to remove a foreigner pursuant to Section 86 of tbis Act, he may issue 
3 
summons requiring the foreigner to appear in person before the designated investigating officer 
4 
at the time, date, and place stated therein. 
5 
6 
SEC. 88. Authority to Issue Letter Order. -The Director General may issue a letter order 
7 
if he determines that a probable cause ~xists for the filing of removal charges against a foreigner 
8 
for violation of the immigration and other related laws, rules and regulations or there is 
9 
a strong probability that a removable foreigner may flee from his place of abode, go into hiding 
10 
or surreptitiously leave the country. 
11 
12 
SEC. 89. Formal Charge of RemovaL -A formal charge for removal shall be issued upon 
13 
detennination of the existence of a prima facie case against the foreigner. Pending final 
14 
determination of his removal case, tlie foreigner shall, upon the discretion of the Director 
IS 
General: (a) remain under detention; or (b) be released on bailor recognizance. The bail maybe 
16 
revoked and confiscated in favor of the government .if there is sufficient evidence that the 
17 
foreigner is evading the proceedings or is attempting to abscond, in which case, he shall be taken 
18 
into custody and detained under the same letter order. 
19 
20 
SEC. 90. Detention of Foreigner Convicted of a Felony or an Offense. - After service 
21 
of his sentence or compliance with the conditions of his parole or probation, as the case may be, 
22 
the foreigner shall be taken into custody and placed under detention by order of the Director 
23 
General. Pending final determination of his removal case, he may be ordered released under such 
24 
tenns and conditions prescribed by the Director General. 
25 
26 
SEC. 91. Voluntary Removal, When Authorized. - In case the foreigner does not contest 
27 
the formal charge and opts to voluntarily leave thg country at his own expense, the Board may 
28 
waive the removal proceedings and order his departure within the period specified therein: 
41 


I 
Provided, That said foreigner shall be barred from re-entering the county without prior written 
2 
authorization from the Director General. 
3 
4 
SEC. 92. Contents of a Writ of RemovaL - The writ of removal shall be in the prescribed 
5 
form and shall state the grounds therefor, the specific place where the foreigner is to be removed 
6 
and the period within which to execute such order. 
7 
8 
SEC. 93. Period to Enforce Writ of RemovaL - The writ of removal shall be enforced 
9 
immediately, but in no case shall exceed the period of three (3) months, from the date it has 
10 
become final and executory. If removal is not enforced within the prescribed period for reasons 
II 
beyond the control of the Authority, the foreigner shall remain in custody. 
12 
13 
SEC. 94. Suspension of Writ of RemovaL - Upon application and payment of prescribed 
14 
fees, the Director General may suspend the enforcement ofthe writ of removal of a foreigner and 
15 
order his release for good cause taking into account the following factors: 
16 
(a) Age, health, family or conduct; 
17 
(b) Period of detention; 
18 
(c) Impact on national secnrity and pUblic welfare; 
19 
(d) Unavailability of travel documents: 
20 
(e) Existence of an application for refugee status; or 
21 
(f) Other humanitarian considerations. 
22 
23 
SEC. 95. Reinstatement of the Writ of RemovaL - A Writ of Removal previously 
24 
enforced against a foreigner who unlawfully re-entered the Philippines shall be deemed 
25 
reinstated and shall be re-enforced in accordance with the provisions of this Act. This provision 
26 
shall apply to a foreigner who departed voluntarily under Section 92 hereof 
27 
28 
SEC. 96. Country of Destination of a Person Subject of RemovaL - Except as provided 
29 
for under existing treaty or international agreement, the foreigner shall be removed to the country 
42 


of which he is a citizen or national, or to the country of his birth, or to the country ofwhich he is 
2 
a resident, or to the country from which he embarked for the Philippines, subject to the 
3 
acceptance by the receiving country. 
4 
5 
SEC. 97. Existence of Danger in Country Where Foreigner is to be Removed. - No 
6 
foreigner shall be removed to a country where there exists a danger to his life or freedom on 
7 
account ofrace, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular political or 
8 
social group, except in the following circumstances: 
9 
(a) The foreigner participated, induced, or cooperated in the persecution of any person on 
10 
account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular political or 
11 
social group in the country where he is to be removed; 
12 
(b) The foreigner is a fugitive from justice in the country where he is to be removed; 
13 
(c) The foreigner committed a serious non-political crime in the country where he is to be 
14 
removed: or 
15 
(d) The foreigner is an undesirable and/or a danger to the national security of the Philippines. 
16 
17 
SEC. 98. Cost of Removal -The cost of removal shall be shouldered by the vessel in the 
18 
case of its foreign crewmember who is to be removed for violation of Section 69 of this Act. In 
19 
all other cases, the cost of removal shall be borne by the person subject of removal himself, the 
20 
concerned consular office, non-government organizations or people's organization with which 
21 
the Authority has an agreement on this matter, or from the appropriations for the enforcement of 
22 
this Act. 
23 
24 
SEC. 99. Liability of Vessel ~ Failure or refusal on the part of the owner, operator, 
25 
captain, agent, or consignee of a vessel to take on board, guard safely, and transport the person 
26 
subject of removal to his country of destination, or to shoulder the cost of removal of the foreign 
27 
crewmember as provided in Section 101 hereof, shall be punished by an administrative penalty 
28 
prescribed in Title VI, Chapter 7 of this Act. 
29 
43 


SEC. 100. Expenses of the Accompanying Person. - The Director General may, by 
2 
reason of the mental or physical condition of the person subject of removal, direct an employee 
3 
of the Authority to accompany such person subject of removal to the country of his destination, 
4 
subject to provisions ofthe immediately preceding sections. 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
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Section 100. Expenses of the Accompanying Person. - The Director 
General may, by reason of the mental or physical condition of the person subject 
of removal, direct an employee of the Authority to accompany such person 
subject of removal to the country of his destination, subject to provisions of the 
immediately preceding sections. 
CHAPTER 3 - INDIGENT FOREIGNERS 
SEC. 101. Removal of Indigent Foreigners. - At any time after entry, the 
Director General may remove' indigent foreigners from the Philippines to the 
country, of which they are citizens or nationals, or country of birth, or country of 
residence, as the case may be. The cost of such removal shall be charged against 
the available funds of the Authority. Any fureigner removed under this section 
shall be barred re-admission, except upon written authorization of the Director 
General. 
TITLE VI 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
Chapter 1 -Registration of Foreign Nationals 
SEC. 102. Requirement of Registration. - Temporary foreign visitors 
must register with the Authority or Office of the Regional Immigration Officer or 
Provincial Immigration Officer nearest to his place ofresidence, on or before the 
sixtieth (60'h) day from arrival in the 
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Philippines. 
SEC. 103. Registration Form and Oath. - Applications for registration 
shall be under oath and in such form as prescribed by the Authority. Upon 
registration, a certificate of registration io such form and containing such 
particulars as prescribed by the Authority shall be issued to the registrant. In case 
of loss or destruction of the certificate, a replacement thereof shall be issued by 
the Authority, upon application. 
SEC. 104. Amendment of Registration. - A registered foreign national 
shall notifY the Authority in writiog of any change of information in his 
registration documents not later than seven (7) days thereof 
SEC. 105. Presentation of Certificate of Registration. - Every foreigner 
required to register under this Act or the parent or guardian 0 f such foreigner 
shall, upon demand of any authorized immigration official, present his certificate 
of registration, and failure to do so without justifiable cause shall be dealt with in 
accordance with the provisions ofthis Act. 
SEC. 106. Reportorial Requirement. - Every foreigner registered under 
this Act shall, within the first 'sixty (60) days of every calendar year, report in 
person to the Authority, subject to the payment of annual report fee as prescribed 
by the Authority. The parent ot legal guardian of foreigners below fourteen (14) 
years of age shall have the dqty to comply with the requirements prescribed under 
this Act. 
SEC. 107. Failure to Comply with the Requirements. -A foreigner, or 
his parent or guardian, as the case may be, who, without justifiable reason, fails to 
comply with all the requirements under this Act, or who files an application for 
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registration containing statements known by him to be false, or who utilizes 
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registration documents other than his own, shall be dealt with in accordance with 
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the provisions of this Act and other existing laws. 
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SEC. 108. Cancellation of Registration of Foreign National - In case of 
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death of a foreigner registered under the provisions of this Act, his legal heir, 
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representative or administrator must inform the Authority within sixty (60) days 
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from date of death and the Authority shall cancel such registration. The Local 
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Civil Registrar or other civil registry 0 fficer 0 f the locality where said fureigner 
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died shall furnish the Authority with a copy of the Certificate of Death within 
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thirty (30) days from issuance thereof. Failure on the part of the persons 
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concerned to comply with the' requirements of this section shall be dealt with 
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pursuant to the provisions ofthis Act. 
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IS 
CHAPTER 2 - HEAD TAX 
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SEC. 109. Head Tax. - Every foreign national who is at least fourteen 
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(14) years of age and admitted to the Philippines for a temporary stay exceeding 
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sixty (60) days shall pay a head tax in amount the of Five Hundred Pesos (PhP 
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500.00). 
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CHAPTER 3 - BONDS AND DEPOSITS 
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SEC. 110. Bonds, When Exacted. - The Authority shall have the power 
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to exact cash bond in such amounts and under such conditions as it may prescribe: 
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(a) To control and regulate the admission into, and departure from, the Philippines 
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of 
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foreigners applying for temporary admission: 
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(b) To insure against foreign passengers liable to be excluded as likely to become 
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public 
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charges; and 
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(c) To insure the appearance' of foreigners released from custody during the 
course of 
removal proceedings instituted against them. 
SEC. 117. Requirement of Cash Deposits for Overtime Services. - The 
Authority shall likewise have the power to require cash deposits in such amounts 
as may be necessary from vessel's owners, operators, captains, agents, or 
consignees or other persons served to cover payments for overtime services to be 
performed by officers and employees of the Authority. 
SEC. 112. Cancellation and FOIieitul'e of Bonds. - When the conditions 
of the bond are fulfilled, or in case of a bond posted to insure against a foreigner 
becoming a public charge when the Director General decides that the likelihood 
no longer exists, or naturalization as Philippine citizen, or death of the foreigner 
in whose behalf the bond is posted, the bond shall be cancelled and refunded to 
the depositor or his legal representative. In case of violation ofthe conditions of 
the bond, the same shall be forfeited and deposited in a trust fund account which 
may be utilized for the purchase of tickets of indigent person subject of removal 
and to cover the 
costs of operations in the arrest of the person subject of removal who jumps bail. 
CHAPTER 4 - RECOGNIZANCE 
SEC. 
113. Petitions for Recognizance, Sanction for Breach of 
Conditions. - The Director General may order the release 0 f a foreigner upon 
recognizance of his lawyer or a person who is of good standing in the community, 
under such terms and conditions as he may prescribe. Failure to comply with the 
terms and conditions of the recognizance shall subject said lawyer or person to a 
fine of not less than Fifty Thousand (P50,000.00) pesos but not more than One 
Hundred Thousand pesos (PIOO,OOO.OO), without prejudice to other administrative 
sanctions and/or proceedings against the erring party. 
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CHAPTER 5 -COORDINATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, 
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SECURITY AND OTHER OFFICES 
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SEC. 114. Coordination with Law Enforcement, Security and Other 
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Offices. - The Director General shall have authority to maintain direct and 
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effective coordination with the National Security Council, National Intelligence 
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Coordinating Agency, Philippine National Police, National Authority of 
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Investigation and other law enforcement and security offices ofthe 
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government. The Director General shall maintain direct and effective coordination 
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with the Office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs for the 
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purpose of monitoring the implementation and administration of this Act and all 
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other immigration and citizenship laws, 
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CHAPTER 6 -FEES AND CHARGES 
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SEC. 115. Authority of the Director General to Prescribe, Impose and 
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Collect Fees and Charges. - The Director General is authorized to prescribe, 
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impose and collect fees and charges for services rendered pursuant to the 
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provisions of this Act, which shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the last 
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pUblication thereof for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper 
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of general circulation, 
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CHAPTER 7 - ADMINISTRATIVE FINES AGAINST VESSELS 
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SEC. 
116. Fines for Failure to Submit Crew List or Passenger 
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Manifest, or Failure to Account Every Passenger and Crew. - Any pilot, master, 
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agent, owner or consignee of a vessel arriving at any port in the Philippines from 
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a place outside thereof who fails to submit to the immigration authorities a 
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complete .and accurate crew list or passenger manifest, or fails to produce or 
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account every crewmember or passenger whose name appears in said list or 
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manifest shall be subject to fines of One hundred thousand pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO) 
and Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) for each unaccounted person, respectively. 
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SEC. 117. Finefor Violation of Obligation on the Landing or Removal 
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of Foreigners. -A pilot, master, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving 
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at a port of the Philippines from a place outside thereof who violates Sections 81 
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and 96 of this Act shall be fined not less than Fifty Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) 
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but not more than Two Hundred Thousand pesos (P 200,000.00)for each 
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violation. 
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SEC. 118. Fine for Bringing Undocumented Foreigner, or Foreigner 
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AjJlicted with Communicable or Contagious Disease, or Suffering from Mental 
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Disorder. - The pilot, master, agent, owner or consignee of the vessel arriving at a 
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port in the Philippines from a place outside thereof bringing on board an 
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undocumented -foreigner shall be fined One hundred thousand pesos 
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(PIOO,OOO.OO) for each foreigner. Ifthe foreigner is afflicted with a communicable 
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or contagious disease or is suffering from mental disorder, the fine shall be not 
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less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) but not more than Three 
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hundred thousand pesos (P 300,000.00) for each foreigner. 
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SEC. 119. Fine for Bringing a Foreigner to Assist His Illegal Entry or 
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Misrepresenting a Foreigner as a Member of the Crew. -The pilot, master, 
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agent, owner or consignee 0 f the vessel arriving at any port in the Philippines 
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from a place outside thereof' bringing on board a foreigner bound for the 
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Philippines to assist his illegal entry, or misrepresenting the foreigner to the 
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immigration officer at the port of arrival as a bona fide member of the crew, shall 
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be fined not less than One Hundred Thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) but not more 
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than Two Hundred Thousand pesos (P 200,000.00) for each foreigner. 
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SEC. 120. Fine for Violation of Other Provisions of this Act. - The pilot, 
master, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving at any port of the 
Philippines from a place outside thereof who violates any other provision of this 
Act not specifically provided in this Chapter shall be fmed not less than Fifty 
Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred Thousand pesos (P 
200,000.00) for each violation. 
CHAPTER 8 -OTHER PENAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 121. Other Prohibited Acts and Penalties Thereof. - Any person 
who shall commit any of the' acts specified hereunder shall, upon conviction, 
suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its maximum period to prision mayor 
in its minimum period or a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand pesos 
(PhP 100,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand pesos (PhP 
500,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court: 
(a) Impersonates another individual, or falsely appears in the name of a deceased 
individual, or evades the immigration laws by using an assumed or fictitious name 
when applying for an immigration document; 
(b) Issues or otherwise disposes of an immigration document or an immigration 
accountable form, to any person not authorized by law to receive such documents; 
( c) Obtains, manufactures, prints, accepts or uses any immigration or travel 
document knowing it to be false or uses immigration accountable form that is not 
legally issued; 
(d) Enters the Philippines without inspection and admission by the immigration 
authorises, or obtains entry into the Philippines by fraud, misrepresentation, or 
concealment of material facts; 
(e) Represents himself to be a Philippine citizen; 
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(f) Knowingly makes under oath any false statement regarding any immigration 
matter; or 
(g) Brings into, or lands in the Philippines, or conceals, harbors, employs, or gives 
comfort to any person not duly admitted by any immigration officer or not 
lawfully entitled to enter into or resides within the Philippines, or attempts, 
conspinis with, or aids another to commit any such acts. 
Where the offender of any acts specified in paragraph (g) hereof is a 
corporation, company, partnership or other juridical entity, the president, general 
manager, managing partner, or, chief executive officer thereof shall be held liable. 
Dismissal by the employer before or after apprehension shall not relieve the 
employer ofthe offense. 
If the offender who commits any of the acts specified under paragraph (9) 
hereof ofthis section is the pilot, master, agent, owner, consignee, or other person 
in charge of the vessel which brought the alien into the Philippines from any place 
outside thereof, the fine imposed under the first paragraph hereof shall constitute 
a lien against the vessel which may be enforced in the same manner as fines are 
collected and enforced under existing laws. Such vessel shall not be allowed to 
depart without prior clearance issued by the Authority. Where forfeiture is 
justified under the particular cir~umstances of the case, the forfeiture of the vessel 
in favor of the government in lieu of the fine shall be decreed. 
Conviction by final judgment of any offense punishable under this Act or 
other laws arising therefrom shall result in the automatic revocation or 
cancellation of any immigration document issued to the offender, including that of 
his wife and unmarried children, if applicable. 
SEC. 122. Penalty for Non-compliance of a Subpoena. - Any person 
who, having been duly served with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum, fails to 
comply without valid and justifiable reason with the requirements thereof shall, 
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upon conviction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not more than fifteen (15) 
days or a fine of not more than One Thousand pesos 
(PI,OOO.OO), or both, at the discretion of the court. 
SEC. 123. Penalty for Overstaying Crewmen. - Any foreign crewman 
who wilfully remains in the Philippines beyond the period allowed him for 
temporary landing shall upon conviction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of 
six (6) months or fine of not le~s than Fifty Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not 
more than One Hundred Thousand pesos (P 100,000.00), or both, at the discretion 
ofthe court. 
CHAPTER 9 - FUNDING 
SEC. 
124. Funding. - In addition to its annual budget under the General 
14 
Appropriations Act, the Authority is hereby authorized to retain and use thirty percent 
15 
(30%) of its income derived from collection of immigration fees, fines, penalties and 
16 
charges for maintenance and other operating expenses, intelligence and law enforcement, 
17 
information and communication technology infrastructure, and transportation facilities. 
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The Authority is likewise hereby authorized to retain and use its income in excess of the 
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prescribed collection target. 
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CHAPTER lO·-TRANSITORY PROVISIONS 
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SEC. 125. Interim Period. - The incumbent Commissioner and two (2) 
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Deputy Commissioners, if qualjfied, shall serve as the first Director General and 
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Deputy Directors General under this Act. Incumbent chiefs of sections and 
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divisions whose offices are upgraded to a division and directorate respectively 
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shall continue to serve as chiefs of the newly created divisions and directorates. 
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For those newly created directorates and divisions, the Director General shall 
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designate the chiefs thereof. The present personnel of the Authority of 
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Immigration 
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shall continue to discharge the functions of their position for a period of one (1) 
year from the date of effectivity ofthis Act. 
SEC. 126. Staffing Pattern and Salary Schedule. - To carry out the 
provisions of this Act, the Director General will recommend to the Secretary a 
new staffmg pattern and salary schedule for personnel services ·in accordance with 
the Salary Standardization Law and other applicable laws under the National 
Compensation and Classification Plan, for approval by Secretary of the 
Department of Budget and Management 
SEC. 127. Reorganization of the Authority. - Upon approval ofthis Act, 
all employees of Bureau of h;nmigration covered by the civil service law and 
regulations shall continue to hold their present positions pending the 
reorganization 0 f the Authority in accordance with the new staffing pattern: 
Provided, That in the event that the positions are abolished in accordance with the 
reorganization, the affected employees shall be given first priority in the 
appointment or promotion to the newly created positions to which they may 
qualify: Provided further, that no incumbent qualified employee of the Bureau of 
Immigration shall be unjustly separated from service: Provided furthermore, that 
any qualified employee who cannot be absorbed by the Authority shall be entitled 
to a separation pay equivalent to two (2) months salary for every year of service 
and other benefits under existing retirement laws, at the option of the personnel 
concerned: Provided finally, that employees who have been dismissed for cause 
will no longer qualify for any position in the Authority. 
SEC. 128. Inventory and Transfer of Properties to the Authority. - All 
buildings, equipment, facilities,. records, and other properties of the Bureau of 
Immigration as reorganized under this Act shall be properly inventoried and 
transferred to the Authority. 
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SEC. 129. Treaty or Agreement. - Any treaty or agreement entered into 
between the Philippines and any foreign state before the effectivity of this Act 
shall remain in force and effect. 
SEC. 130. Pending Cases. -That nothing contained in this Act shall be 
construed to affect any prosecution, suit, action, or proceeding brought, or any 
act, thing, or matter, civil or criminal, done or existing at the time 0 f the 
effectivity 0 f this Act are continued in force and effect: Provided, further, That as 
to such prosecutions, suits, actions, or proceedings, or as to such acts, things, or 
matters, the procedure provided for by this Act or by regulations prescribed 
thereunder shall be followed insofar as the same may be applicable. 
SEC. 131. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, subject to 
the approval by the Secretary, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the 
effective implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity, 
CHAPTER 11 - REPEALING CLAUSE 
SEC. 132. Repealing Clause. - Commonwealth Act No, 613, otherwise 
known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, is hereby 
repealed, Section 70 of Act No. 279, otherwise known as the Revised 
Administrative Code, Republic Act No. 750, Letter of Implementation No. 20, 
and all other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, proclamations, 
memorandum orders, instructions, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, 
inconsistent with this 
Act or any of the provisions thereof are hereby repealed, superseded, or modified 
accordingly. 
CHAPTER 12 -SEPARABILITY CLAUSE 
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SEC. 133. Separability Clause. - If any of the provisions of this Act is 
held invalid or unconstitutional by competent authority, the other provisions 
thereof not affected thereby shall continue to be in force and effect. 
Chapter 13 - Effectivity Clause 
SEC. 134. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen 
(15) days following its complete pUblication in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved, 
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