SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
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of  M j i - ^ r r r r K T t y
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S E N A T E
S.B. No. 
1179
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Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
EXTENDING THE VALIDITY OF THE PHILIPPINE PASSPORT, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF R.A. NO. 
8239 ALSO KNOWN AS "THE PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 1996"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution "The 
liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not 
be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to travel be 
impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as 
may be provided by law."
In 1996, the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines enacted 
Republic Act No. 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996. The said law is 
a riposte on the government's duty to afford its citizens their right to travel as 
enunciated in the country's fundamental law. It provides the establishment of 
the Department of Foreign Affairs and the authority to issue passports or any 
travel document to any citizen or individual who complies with the 
requirements required therein.
However, the said law, specifically Section 10 thereof, provides tliat 
validity of passport shall only be for five (5) year's upon its issuance. As tire 
current adminishation's policy towards premium public service, with the 
concurrence of the author, it is considered that the applicability of extending 
the validity of Philippine passport is one of the major approaches to lessen 
contacts from government thereby reducing waste to government's resources 
and the citizens as well.
This bill seeks to amend certain provisiorrs of Republic Act No. 8239 or 
the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 in order to extend the validity of the


Philippine Passport, thereby reducing interaction of Filipino people witli 
government agencies as the primary policy of the current administration.
In view of the foregoing, passage of the bill is earnestly sought.
JOSEPH VICTOR EJERCITO


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 1 1 7 D
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*16 OCT-3 P3:39
Bi
,?Y:
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
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AN ACT
EXTENDING THE VALIDITY OF PHILIPPINE PASSPORT, AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 10 OF R.A. NO. 8239 ALSO KNOWN AS 
"THE PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 1996"
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.
SECTION 1. Section 10 of Republic Act Eight thousand Two hundred Thirty
Nine, as amended is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 10. Validity. — Regular passports issued tmder this Act 
shall be valid for a period of TEN (10) [five (5)] years: Provided, 
however. That the issuing authority may limit the period of 
validity to less than TEN (10) [five (5)] years; whenever in the 
national economic interest or political stability of the country 
such restriction is necessary: Provided, finally. That a new 
passport may be issued to replace one which validity has 
expired, the old passport being returned to the holder after 
cancellation.
SEC 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, 
presidential proclamations, mles and regulations or parts tliereof inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,