Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Oy REP “ESSN
RECE\vep

DATE AQ IUN 205
‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS T

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 58

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JURDIN JESUS M. ROMUALDO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill is a refiled bill which was originally authored by Hon. Xavier Jesus D.
Romualdo and Hon. Pedro P. Romualdo, both representing the Lone District of
Camiguin in the previous Congresses.

The bill has a long legislative history. In the 14th Congress, the Bicameral Conference
Committee Report on this measure failed to be ratified due to lack of quorum on the
last session day. In the 18th Congress, it was transmitted to the Senate but remained
unacted upon. In the current 19th Congress, it has already passed on third reading
in the House and was forwarded to the Senate, where several counterpart bills were
also pending at the committee level

This measure has gone through multiple Congresses and has undergone several
revisions to adapt to the evolving needs of our immigration system and the demands
of the times. It has consistently progressed through the legislative process, reaching
the stage of committee reports and second readings.

It is high time that we take concrete action to pass this bill — a necessary step to
modernize and professionalize the Bureau of Immigration (BI). As the country's
gatekeeper, the Bureau plays a dual role: securing national borders and serving as
an economic agent through the collection of lawful immigration-related fees.

Let me adopt the explanatory note by the late Hon. Pedro P. Romualdo:

“This measure is a timely piece of legislation, which will clothe the
Bureau of Immigration with a renewed mandate to deliver world-class
immigration services that will promote the country’s image in the
intemational community as a safe tourist destination and a potential
investment site. This bill will catapult the Bureau of Immigration as a
government agency that concomitantly assumes the role of a
gatekeeper and that of an agent of economic development.”


The Bureau of Immigration was created under Commonwealth Act No. 613 in 1940,
initially under the Office of the President. Its administrative attachment shifted several
times—between the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor—until it was
permanently placed under the DOJ.

In 1972, the Bureau was renamed the Commission on Immigration and Deportation
(CID), @ collegial body with both administrative and quasi-judicial functions. In 1987,
Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987) renamed it the Bureau of
Immigration (B!), which remains in place today.

Key Institutional Reforms Proposed
« Organizational Structure: The Bureau will be headed by a Commissioner
and two Deputy Commissioners, composing the Board of Commissioners.
Eleven (11) Directorates and multiple regional, district, and field offices will
be established to fulfill its nationwide mandate.
« Powers and Functions of the Board:
1. Decide on deportation cases, visa issuance/revocation, citizenship
issues, and legalization of residence;
2. Cite and punish for contempt in line with its quasi-judicial duties;
3. Prescribe rules and procedures for its proceedings;
4. Prepare and publish operational manuals and fee schedules;
5. Formulate policies, directives, programs, and projects for the Bureau.

Immigration Trust Fund (ITF)

To ensure sustainable and accountable modernization, the bill authorizes the Bureau
to retain 30% of its annual collections from immigration fees, fines, and penalties, not
to exceed P1.2 billion per year.

The Immigration Trust Fund (ITF) will be created from this retained income, subject
to government auditing rules, and allocated as follows:
1. 50% — Modernization of equipment, facilities, and infrastructure, including
the establishment of new field offices;
2. 30% — Employee benefits, as provided in the Act and as may be approved
by the Secretary of Justice;
3. 20% — Professional development through training, seminars, and career
advancement programs.

Compliance with International Law

This bill ensures compliance with international norms on the admission and exclusion
of foreign nationals, thereby promoting international order and justice. It explicitly
denies the use of Philippine territory to individuals linked to terrorism, trafficking,
smuggling, or other criminal activities.

‘This measure is long overdue. It seeks to empower and modernize the Bureau of
Immigration, making it responsive to present-day demands and aligned with global
standards, Its approval will not only improve border control and national security but
also enhance the country's appeal to investors and tourists alike.


In view of the foregoing, the immediate and full support of the Members of Congress
is respectfully sought.

JURDIN M. ROMUALDO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL

[INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JURDIN JESUS M. ROMUALDO

AN ACT
MODERNIZING THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION BY DEFINING ITS POWERS AND
FUNCTIONS, FURTHER PROFESSIONALIZING ITS ORGANIZATION, UPGRADING THE
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS OF ITS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

TITLEL
GENERAL PROVISION
SEC. 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “/mmigration Modernization Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — In the conduct of its relations with other States, the Philippines
shall give paramount consideration to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security, national
interest, the right to self-determination, the enhancement of economic diplomacy, and the protection of
overseas Filipinos in destination countries as it adheres to the policy of peace, cooperation, and amity with
all nations. To this end, Philippine immigration policies, rules and regulations under this Act shall be
applied and administered as instruments forthe promotion of domestic and external interests of the

Philippines, in recognition of:

(a) the necessity for encouraging and enhancing capital investments, trade and commerce, cultural

exchanges and other forms of friendly relations and cooperation;


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(b) the need to support technological and scientific development in the country
(©) the goal to promote the conditions for social welfare and economic security of the people;

(d) the fulfillment of obligations and compliance with standards set by international law in the

admission and exclusion of foreign nationals;

(e) the modernization of structures and mechanisms necessary for the administration of
immigration laws in keeping with the changing demands of the country’s role in the global

community; and

(f) the professionalization of the immigration service by instituting a rigid system of screening
and selection of immigration officials and employees and promoting their development.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

(a) Admission refers to the process by which a foreign national arriving at a port of entry in the
Philippines is allowed into the country whereby a status or entry category is granted by the

immigration authorities;

(b) Border Control Officer refers to any person authorized to man the Border Control Checkpoints

as provided in this Act;
(c) Captain refers to the master of a vessel or pilot of an aircraft;
(d) Child or children refers to a person or persons below eighteen (18) years of 7 age;

(€) Citizen refers to any person who is a citizen of the Philippines under Section 1, Article IV of
the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines;

(f) Commissioner refers to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration;

(g) Commitment Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under this Act that directs
the taking into custody of a foreign national after it has been determined that probable cause
exists that a foreign national committed acts or omissions in violation of Philippine
immigration laws, rules and regulations, or during the pendency of deportation proceedings
against such foreign national: Provided, That such custody shall not exceed three (3) months,

unless there exists other legal grounds for continued custody;


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(h) Consular Officer refers to any consular, diplomatic, or other officer of the Department of
Foreign Affairs (DFA) who has been duly granted a consular commission for the purpose of
issuing visas under this Act;

(

Derogatory Information refers to details about persons and travel documents relating to

immigration consisting of the following:

(1) Blacklist Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner that prevents a foreign

national from entering the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines;

(2) Hold Departure Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner preventing a foreign
national from leaving the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines in cases where bail or
recognizance is granted pending implementation of a Deportation Order, or a directive
implementing an order issued by appropriate court preventing a person from leaving the

territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines;

(3) Monitor Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under this Act that requires
immigration personnel to monitor the travel of any person for a period of thirty (30) days,

and to notify the concerned government agencies of the Philippines; and

(4) Alert Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner pursuant to a validly issued

warrant of arrest;

(i) Entry refers to the arrival of a foreign national into any designated port of entry in the
Philippines from a place outside the Philippine territorial jurisdiction;

(k) Exclusion refers to the act of Immigration Officers denying admission of a foreign national

into the country on grounds provided in this Act;
(1) Foreign national or alien refers to any person who is not a citizen of the Philippines;

(m) Immigrant refers to any foreign national, other than a non-immigrant, granted resident status
in the Philippines under the provisions of this Act and other laws granting immigrant status;

(n) Immigration laws refer to this Act and other laws presently existing or which may hereafter be
enacted relating to the movement of natural persons to and from the Philippines;


(0) Immigration Officer refers to any person appointed under Title II, Chapter 8 of this Act or any
employee designated by the Commissioner to perform powers, duties and functions of an
Immigration Officer as specified under this Act;

(p) Non-immigrant refers to any foreign national who is allowed entry and admission into the

Philippines for a temporary or limited period of stay;

(q) Non-refoulement refers to a principle of international law which prohibits the forced or
involuntary return of refugees or those seeking asylum in the Philippines to a state or territory
where there are valid reasons to believe that the life or freedom of such refugee or asylum
seeker would be threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular

social group, or political opinion;
(x) Passport refers to a document issued by a government to its citizens requesting other
governments to allow such citizens to pass through or enter into a territory of other states safely

and freely, and in case of need to give them all lawful aid and protection;

(3) Person refers to a natural person or a juridical person such as a partnership, corporation,

company, or association;

(t) Port of entry refers to any port designated by the Commissioner through which a foreign

national may enter or exit the Philippines;

(u) Refugee refers to a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons.
of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is
outside such person’s country of nationality, and is unable or, owing to such fear, unwilling to
avail of the protection of that country; or a person who, not having a nationality and being
outside such person’s country of former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear,

unwilling to return to it;

(v) Seaman, Seafarer or Crewmember refers to a person actually employed in the operation or

service in any capacity on board a vessel;

(w) Stateless person refers to a person who is not considered a national by any state under the

operation of its laws;

(x) Travel document refers to a certification or identifying document containing the description
and other personal circumstances of its bearer, issued for direct travel to and from the
Philippines valid for short periods or a particular trip. It is issued only to persons whose claim


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to Philippine citizenship is doubtful or who fall under the category enumerated in Section 13
of Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the “Philippine Passport Act of 1996”, as

amended;
(y) Vessel refers to all means of conveyances, whether aircraft or sea craft; and

(2) Visa refers to an endorsement on a passport or any travel document issued by a Consular
Officer abroad authorizing the holder thereof to proceed to a designated port of entry in the
Philippines and there, to apply for entry and admission under the status specified therein; or an
endorsement on a passport or any travel document, or any equivalent digital or electronic
endorsement, granted by the Bureau under this Act, or by any other person authorized by

existing laws.

TITLE
THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION

CHAPTER 1
THE BUREAU

SEC. 4. Overview. — The Bureau of Immigration, hereinafter referred to as the “Bureau”, shall
be under the control and supervision of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The Bureau shall be principally
responsible for the administration and enforcement of this Act, and the implementation of all laws, rules
and regulations, or orders of any competent authority concerning the entry and admission into, stay in and
the departure from the Philippines of all persons. The Bureau may seek the assistance of other government
entities in the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations relating to immigration, border control, and anti-

trafficking in persons.

CHAPTER 2
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SEC. 5. Composition and Qualifications. — The Bureau shall be administered by the Board of
Commissioners, hereinafter referred to as the “Board”, headed by the Commissioner as Chairperson, and
two (2) Deputy Commissioners as members, all of whom shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines,
holders of a college degree, with proven capacity for administration and, at the time of their appointment,
at least thirty five (35) years of age: Provided, That at least one of the members shall be a member of the
Philippine Bar in good standing for at least five (5) years prior to the appointment: Provided, further, That

at least one (1) member of the Board shall come from the ranks of the Bureau.


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SEC. 6. Powers and Functions. — The Board shall have the following powers and functions:
(a) Decide on applications or cases relative to:
(1) Deportation;
(2) Issuance of all visas; and
(3) Legalization of residence in accordance with law;

(b) Cite and punish for contempt in relation to the discharge of its quasi-judicial functions,

in accordance with the Rules of Court;
(c) Prescribe and promulgate rules of procedure for proceedings before it;

(d) Prepare and publish operations manuals, including schedules of fees for all transactions

entered into by the Bureau with the public; and

(e) Such other powers and functions as provided in this Act and other existing laws, rules

and regulations not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 7. Decisions. — All cases or proceedings before the Board shall be decided with the
concurrence of the majority of the members of the Board. A decision of the Board or a resolution on a
motion for reconsideration shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days from notice thereof by the
concerned party, unless before the expiry of such period, a motion for reconsideration or an appeal is filed
before the Office of the Secretary of Justice or the Office of the President.

SEC. 8. Appeals, — The decision of the Board or a resolution on a motion for reconsideration
may be appealed to the Secretary of Justice or the Office of the President within fifteen (15) days from
notice thereof by the concemed party. Unless otherwise ordered by the Secretary of Justice or the
President, the filing of an appeal shall not stay the execution of the decision or resolution appealed from.

SEC. 9. Meetings. — In all cases, the Board of Commissioners shall convene and act as a collegial
body in all matters referred to in Section 6 of this Act. The Board shall meet at least once a week. Members
of the Board shall be notified accordingly, and the presence of the Chairperson and one (1) member shall

constitute a quorum.

CHAPTER 3


THE COMMISSIONER AND THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS,

SEC. 10. Appointment of the Commissioner. — The Commissioner shall be appointed by the
President and shall have the same rank, salary, and privileges of an Undersecretary of a Department.

SEC. 11. Powers and Duties of the Commissioner. — In addition to the duties as Chairperson of
the Board, the Commissioner shall also undertake the following:

(a) Supervise, direct and coordinate the overall operations of the Bureau;

(b) Exercise control and supervision over the officers and personnel of the Bureau,
including the power to. appoint, designate, and reassign personnel, and recommend to
the Secretary of Justice appointments and promotions to senior positions, subject to
civil service laws, rules and regulations;

(c) Issue the following:

(1) Mission Orders, after determination of the existence of probable cause for the

purpose of deportation;

(2) Commitment or Release Orders;

(3) Warrants of Deportation;

(4) Orders to inspect the documents, premises, and records of persons covered by

this Act; and
(5) Derogatory information orders defined in Section 3(i) of this Act;

(d) Delegate authority to subordinate immigration personnel and employees of the

Bureau, except the powers and functions enumerated in paragraph (c) of this

section, which may be delegated only to a Deputy Commissioner;

(c) Control the opening and closure of posts, landing places, airports or ports classified as

points of entry or exit, whether limited or unlimited;

(f) Increase, reduce, or waive immigration fines, penalties, and other charges;


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(g) Issue Certificates of Naturalization to foreign nationals who have been granted
Philippine citizenship;

(h) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary or proper for the effective
discharge of the duties and responsibilities of the officials and personnel of the Bureau,
and for the effective exercise of the powers and functions of the Bureau;

(i) Deputize any official or employee of the national government and local government
units, including uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the
Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard to assist immigration

personnel in the performance of their duties and functions;

(j) Seek the assistance of relevant government agencies for intelligence data gathering and

sharing;

(k) Authorize and prescribe, with the concurrence of the Board, the form and the
amount of cash bonds for the provisional release of respondents in deportation

proceedings;

(1) Impose reasonable fines and penalties for violations of immigration and alien
registration laws in accordance with this Act and the guidelines adopted by the

Board;

(m)Accept donations of materials, equipment or technical services from any foreign
government, international or domestic organization, to upgrade the efficiency and

operations of the Bureau;

(n) Provide an express lane system for the rendition of services performed for
individuals and entities upon payment of fees that may be prescribed, and deposit in an
authorized government depository bank such fees received under a trust fund subject
to auditing and accounting rules, fifty percent (50%) of which shall be made available
for the augmentation of the salaries of the employees of the Bureau, and fifty percent
(50%) of which shall be remitted to the national treasury;

(0) Submit to the President and to Congress, annually or as may be directed, a report on:

(1) the number and status of foreign nationals in the Philippines;


(2) foreign nationals admitted or granted change of status as permanent

residents;

(3) foreign nationals who have been excluded or deported from the Philippines;
(4) the estimated number of illegal foreign nationals in the Philippines in each
calendar year and actions taken to arrest them, grouped by nationality, for each

region in the Philippines; and
(5) such other transactions of the Bureau;

(p) Determine the manning levels of Immigration Officers of the Bureau nationwide in
accordance with the number of arrivals in each port of entry;

(q) Exercise disciplinary authority over personnel of the Bureau charged with less
grave and light administrative offenses, in accordance with civil service rules:
Provided, That the disciplinary authority over those charged with grave
administrative offenses under civil service rules shall belong to the Secretary of
Justice;

(p) Prescribe, with the concurrence of the Board, the appropriate forms, bonds, reports,
entries and other papers in accordance with this Act;

(s) Require all vessel operators to submit advance passenger information and prescribe

penalties for the violation hereof;

(t) Engage foreign counterparts pertaining to border control;

(u) Designate Senior Immigration Officers who will oversee and supervise

immigration operations in all international airports and seaports; and
(v) Perform such other functions inherent to the Bureau.

SEC. 12. Appointment and Rank of Deputy Commissioners. — There shall be two (2) Deputy
‘Commissioners who shall be appointed by the President. They shall have the rank, salary and privileges
of an Assistant Secretary of a Department.

SEC. 13. Duties of Deputy Commissioners. — In addition to their duties as members of the Board,
the Deputy Commissioners shall perform such duties as may be required by law or regulation, or as may

be specified by the Commissioner not otherwise inconsistent with law.


CONOURWNH

CHAPTER 4
THE BOARDS OF SPECIAL INQUIRY

SEC. 14. Creation of the Boards of Special Inquiry. — There shall be created up to five (5)
Boards of Special Inquiry (BSI) as required in the exigency of service as determined by the Board. Each
BSI shall be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members. The BSI shall be designated according to
their areas of specialization to be determined by the Board.

SEC. 15. Appointment and Qualifications of the Chairpersons and Members of the BSI. — The
Chairpersons and members of the BSI shall be appointed by the Commissioner, shall be natural-born
citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty (30) years of age, members
of the Philippine Bar in good standing and have been engaged in the practice of law for at least three (3)
years prior to appointment.

SEC. 16. Powers and Functions. — The BSI shall:

(a) Recommend to the Board for final resolution cases and applications relative to:

(1) Deportation;
(2) Revocation of immigration status; and
(3) Legalization of residence in accordance with law;
(b) Recommend to the Commissioner for appropriate action cases and applications relative to:
(1) Citizenship matters; and
(2) Issuance of alien certificates of registration to asylum seekers, refugees and
stateless persons;

(c) Issue subpoena in cases being heard by the BSI;

(@) In the exercise of its quasi-judicial power, cite and punish persons for contempt in accordance

with the Rules of Court;

(e) Recommend to the Commissioner the imposition, waiver, or reduction of fines, penalties and

other charges, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;

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(£) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of their duties, as may be authorized by

the Commissioner;

(g) Promulgate rules and regulations governing matters within its assigned mandate, subject to the

approval of the Commissioner; and

(h) Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 17. Proceedings. — The proceedings before the BSI shall be public and recorded. In all

cases, the BSI shall meet and act as a collegial body. Only members of the Philippine Bar in good standing

may appear for and in behalf of any party before the BSI.

SEC. 18. Creation of Positions. — The positions created under the BSI shall have the following

classification and salary grades:

DIVISIONS AND OTHER OPERATING OFFICES OF THE BUREAU

DESIGNATION POSITION SALARY GRADE
Chairperson Attorney V 25
Members ‘Attorney IV 2B

CHAPTER 5

SEC. 19. Divisions and Other Operating Offices of the Bureau. — The Bureau shall have the

following Divisions and other operating offices, namely:

(a) Divisions:
(1) Administrative:
(2) Alien Registration;
(3) Finance and Logistics;
(4) Human Resource Management and Development;
(3) Immigration Regulation;
(6) Information and Communications Technology;
(7) Immigration Intelligence;
(8) Immigration Law Enforcement;
(9) Legal Affairs; and

(10) Planning and Research;

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(b) Regional Offices that shall be proposed by the Board according to political or

administrative regions, and created pursuant to authorization by Congress; and

(c) District and Field Offices.

SEC. 20. Heads of the Divisions and Other Operating Units. — Each Division shall be headed
by a Division Chief with a Salary Grade (SG) of SG-24, except the Legal Affairs Division, which shall be
headed by an Attorney V, SG-25: Provided, That the Chief for Legal Affairs shall be a member of the
Philippine Bar in good standing and must have been engaged in the practice of law for at least three (3)
years prior to appointment, and that the Chief for Finance and Logistics must be a Certified Public
‘Accountant in good standing for at least three (3) years prior to appointment.

No person shall be appointed as Chief of any of the Divisions enumerated in Section 19 (a) of this
‘Act unless such person meets the qualification standards set by the Bureau and approved by the Civil
Service Commission (CSC).

SEC. 21. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern of the Bureau. — The Board shall
determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the Bureau in accordance with the revised

compensation and position classification system, subject to the review and approval of the Department of

Budget and Management.

SEC. 22. Administrative Division. — The Administrative Division shall have the following

functions:
(a) Develop and implement an administrative support strategy for the Bureau;
(b) Coordinate all administrative functions of the Bureau;
(c) Monitor and evaluate all policies and programs of the Bureau, and recommend to the Board
such policies, programs and measures for the effective and efficient administration of the
Bureau; and

(d) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner,

SEC. 23. Alien Registration Division. — The Alien Registration Division shall have the following

functions:

(a) Formulate plans and policies for the implementation of the Alien Registration Program;

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(b) Establish and implement measures for the effective registration, monitoring and accounting
of aliens, including the collection and safekeeping of biometric data of all aliens pursuant

to this Act and other laws, rules and regulations;

(c) Monitor and evaluate all policies, programs and measures relative to alien registration, and
recommend to the Commissioner such measures to improve the system of alien
registration; and

(d) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 24. Finance and Logistics Division. — The Finance and Logistics Division shall have the

following functions:
(a) Formulate and supervise the implementation of policies pertaining to procurement, fiscal
management, auditing and accounting in support of the overall plan and strategic direction
of the Bureau;
(b) Direct and manage all the procurement activities of the Bureau;
(c) Implement sound fiscal policy;
(a) Supervise the preparation of the Annual Procurement Plan;

(©) Initiate projects in the furtherance of the improvement of the Bureau;

(f) Set performance targets for the Bureau in order to meet its objectives, plans and programs;

and
(g) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 25. Human Resource Management and Development Division. — The Human Resource

Management and Development Division shall have the following functions:

(a) Develop and execute human resource strategies in support of the overalll plan and strategic
direction of the Bureau especially in the areas of selection, hiring and promotion;

(b) Design employee training modules;

(c) Develop comprehensive strategic recruitment and retention plans to meet human capital

strategy goals;

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the following functions:

(@ Set qualification standards and implement competency-based hiring and promotion
policies;

(e) Oversee the recruitment, selection and promotion of employees of the Bureau;

(f) Set performance standards for the employees of the Bureau in order to meet its objectives,
plans and programs;

(g) Prepare and implement schemes to strengthen the relationship between management and
employees; and

(h) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 26. Immigration Regulation Division. — The Immigration Regulation Division shall have

(a) Formulate plans and programs for the effective enforcement of immigration laws relating

to the admission, sojoum, and exit of aliens;

(b) Enforce immigration laws relating to the admission of aliens on primary inspection, as well
as their exclusion, deportation and repatriation, and those relating to administrative

penalties against sea vessels;

(c) Establish policies for the effective surveillance, monitoring and supervision of all bay

service operations of all vessels while in Philippine territory;

(d) Oversee and supervise all Regional, District, and Field Offices, and Border Crossing

Checkpoints;

(©) Maintain administrative control over aliens admitted for limited periods by enforcing and

implementing policies for temporary visitors’ visa extension and permits;
(f) Assist the Commissioner in administering issuances of student visas, permits and other
orders related thereto;
(g) Assist the Commissioner in the preparation of all orders pertaining to downgrading of

visas, transfer, amendment and correction of admission;

(h) Represent the Bureau in the enforcement of the RP-Indonesian Agreement, the RP-

Malaysian Anti-Smuggling Agreement, and other subsequent similar agreements; and

(i) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

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SEC. 27. Information and Communications Technology Division. — The Information and

Communications Technology Division shall have the following functions:
(a) Formulate policies, plans and programs on management information systems, network,
cybersecurity, and information and communications technology (ICT) resources of the

Bureau;

(b) Supervise the implementation of all the information and communications technology

projects of the Bureau;

(c) Review, evaluate, and recommend for approval by the Commissioner the integration of all

existing ICT systems of the Bureau;

(d) Initiate the conduct of ICT research, development, and standardization; and

(e) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SI

EC. 28. Immigration Intelligence Division. — The Immigration Intelligence Division shall have

the following functions:

(a) Develop plans and programs for the gathering and collating of intelligence through

effective management of all intelligence and counter-intelligence activities of the Bureau;

(b) Manage the conduct of intelligence and counter-intelligence activities of the Bureau;

(c) Serve as the linkage between the Bureau and foreign counterparts or embassies;

(d) Initiate development of intelligence training modules; and

(e) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 29. Immigration Law Enforcement Division. — The Immigration Law Enforcement

Division shall have the following functions:

(a) Develop plans and programs for effective law enforcement actions against foreign

nationals who violate immigration laws, rules and regulations;

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(b) Exercise command, control, direction, coordination, and supervision of all law
enforcement activities of the Bureau, such as the deployment of personnel, subject to the
power of the Commissioner under Section 11(b) of this Act;

(©) Develop and implement law enforcement training modules;

(d) Establish an effective monitoring tool for fugitives and undesirable foreign nationals;

(©) Direct operations regarding the control, security and administration of staff, persons
deprived of liberty, and equipment at the immigration detention facility; and

(®) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 30. Legal Affairs Division. —The Legal Affairs Division shall have the following functions:
(a) Serve as the legal office of the Bureau, in coordination with the Office of the Solicitor
General;
(b) Develop guidelines for the summary deportation of foreign nationals who are fugitives,
overstaying, undocumented, or convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or crimes

where the penalty of deportation is imposed;

(c) Assign lawyers in the division as Special Prosecutors for regular deportation proceedings;

(4) Implement deportation orders;

(e) Review contracts affecting the Bureau and submit recommendations to the Board relative

thereto;

() Render legal opinions on matters arising from the administration and operation of the

Bureau; and

(g) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 31. Planning and Research Division. — The Planning and Research Division shall have

the following functions:

(a) Formulate and implement the Bureau’s programs, projects and processes for planning and

research;

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(b) Facilitate and organize strategic planning sessions for the entire Bureau

(c) Conduct workload as

sssment and forecasting:

(d) Assist the Board in the implementation and establishment of a risk management process;

(e) Implement a monitoring feedback measurement and evaluation system for the

implementation of all Bureau policies, projects, and programs;

(®) Represent the Board in meetings relating to planning and research; and

(g) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.

CHAPTER 6
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS

SEC. 32. Qualifications of Immigration Officers. —- No person shall be appointed to the position
of Immigration Officer unless such person meets the qualification standards set by the Bureau and
approved by the CSC.

SEC. 33. Powers and Duties. — The Immigration Officers shall have the following powers and

functions:

(a) Examine, with the assistance and advice of medical authorities in appropriate cases, foreign
nationals at the port of entry concerning their admissibility to enter and their qualifications
to remain in the Philippines;

(b) Exclude foreign nationals not properly documented, and to admit foreign nationals
complying with the applicable provisions of immigration and related laws;

(c) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of their duties, as may be authorized
by law;

(d) Search for foreign nationals on any vessel believed to be used to illegally transport foreign
nationals into the Philippines, and to take into custody without warrant any foreign national
who, in the presence or view of the Immigration Officer, is entering or is about to enter the
Philippines in violation of immigration and related laws, rules and regulations;

(e) Act as control personnel with authority to prevent the departure of passengers who do not

comply with duly published departure requirements;

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(f) Detect and report violations of the immigration and alien registration laws and, in
appropriate cases, take necessary actions upon the instructions of the Commissioner,
including follow-up on the stay of non-immigrants to prevent overstaying;

(g) Detect and report subversive activities of aliens in the interest of national security;

(h) Investigate any case at the instance of the Commissioner and submit the required reports;

(i) Report on the activities of aliens inimical to national interest with a view to taking
appropriate action in accordance with law;

() Locate and conduct surveillance against foreign nationals in violation of immigration laws,
rules and regulations;

(k) Provide actionable operational, tactical and strategic intelligence to the operating units;

(I) Conduct case build up, analysis and other in-depth research, as well as provide analytical
reports on foreign nationals who violate or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and
regulations;

(m)Coordinate with other local and international law enforcement agencies in the gathering of
intelligence information related to immigration law violations;

(n) Conduct counter-intelligence operations;

(0) Enforce lawful orders relating to the exclusion, deportation and repatriation —_ of aliens;

(p) Take charge of the physical detention of aliens pending their exclusion, deportation or
repatriation;

(q) Attend to the deportation of aliens;

(0) Monitor all arriving and departing suspected terrorists, drug couriers or members of crime
syndicates;

(s) Assist and escort deportes, excluded passengers and transiting restricted passengers until
finally boarded;

(1) Investigate and escort from ports of entry intercepted passengers who are found in
possession of spurious travel documents;

(u) Implement Warrants of Deportation and Mission Orders involving foreign nationals who
violate or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and regulations; and

(v) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commissioner from time to time.

Qualified Immigration Officers and Immigration Agents with the requisite training and experience

may be assigned to the Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Alien Registration, or Immigration Regulation

Divisions depending on the exigencies of the Bureau.

CHAPTER7
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PATTERN

SEC. 34. Career Development. — The Bureau shall:

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(a) Establish and strengthen the Philippine Immigration Academy which shall be under the

control and supervision of the Commissioner;

(b) Create a continuing program to enhance the knowledge, skills and competence of all
personnel through a career advancement training and education prior to their promotion;

and
(c) Formulate training requirements to implement the provisions under this Title.

CHAPTERS
OTHER OFFICES

SEC. 35. Changes in the Composition, Distribution and Assignment of Personnel. — The
Commissioner may make changes in the composition, distribution and assignment of regional, district and
field offices as well as its personnel, based on the demographics of foreign nationals and as the exigency

of the service requires, subject to civil service rules and regulations.

SEC. 36. Border Control Checkpoints, — In addition to international airports and seaports, there
shall be established Border Control Checkpoints which shall be manned by Immigration Officers
appointed as Border Control Officers by the Commissioner. The Border Control Checkpoints shall be

placed in specific areas, Border Control Officers shall perform the following duties:

(a) Conduct immigration formalities to foreign nationals passing through their areas of

responsibility;
(b) Enforce immigration laws, rules and regulations;

(c) Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of immigration laws,

rules, and regulations;
(d) Apprehend and take into custody illegal entrants; and
(c) Perform such other functions as may be directed by the Commissioner.

TITLE I
IMMIGRATION

CHAPTER 1

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NON-IMMIGRANTS

SEC. 37. Categories of Non-immigrants and Types of Visa Issued. — Foreign nationals
departing from any place outside the Philippines who are otherwise admissible and qualify under any one

of the following categories may be admitted as non-immigrants:

(a) Temporary visitors (A Visas): Visitors coming to the Philippines for a temporary period for

reasons of business, pleasure or health:

(1) Business (A-1 Visa): Temporary visitors engaged in activities of a commercial or
professional nature for a foreign employer or for themselves that will not result in gainful
employment in the Philippines. As used herein, the term “business” refers to conventions,
conferences, consultations and other legitimate activities of a commercial or a

professional nature, but does not include local employment or labor for hire;

(2) Pleasure (A-2 Visa): Temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines for holiday, including

sightseeing, recreation or visiting relatives; and

(3) Health (A-3 Visa): Temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines to avail of medical

treatment;

(b) Transit Persons (B Visa): Persons in transit through the Philippines solely for a layover and
who have a confirmed connecting flight to another country, or passengers in immediate and continuous

transit to a destination outside the Philippines;

(c) Crewmembers (C Visa): Persons required for the normal operation and servicing of vessels that
come to the Philippines on a temporary basis, either arriving with a vessel or intending to depart the

Philippines on the same vessel or any other vessel;

(d) Treaty Traders (D-1 Visa) and Treaty Investors (D-2 Visa): Citizens of a country that has a
trade treaty with the Philippines, including their family members, and who come to work in the Philippines
for either a company they own or one that is at least fifty percent (50%) owned by nationals of their home
country and which company is engaged in substantial trade between the Philippines and their home

country, shall be granted a D-1 visa;

Citizens from a country that has an investor treaty with the Philippines, including their family
members, and who come to work in the Philippines for a business they own or one that is at least fifty

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percent (50%) owned by nationals of their home country, which business is supported by a substantial

investment from nationals of their home country, shal! be granted a D-2 visa;

(e) Accredited Foreign Government Officials, Their Families and Household Member (E Visas):

Foreign government officials, their families and household members coming to the country for official

purpose, pursuant to international conventions and bilateral agreements, shall be granted E Visas, in

accordance with the following categories:

(1) Persons eligible for E-1 Visa: The E-1 Visa shall be issued to the following classes of

foreign nationals:

@
Gi)

(iii)

(iv)
1)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)

(ix)

Heads of State and Heads of Government and their personal representatives;
Members of reigning royal families from countries recognized by the Philippine
Government;

Governors-General, Governors, and High Commissioners of dependent territories
and their personal representatives;

Cabinet ministers and their deputies, and officials with cabinet rank of ministers;
Presiding officers of national legislative bodies:

Justices or judges of the highest national judicial bodies;

Diplomats and career consular officials on foreign assignment in the Philippines;
Military, naval, air and other attaches assigned to a diplomatic mission; and
Accompanying spouses and unmarried dependents of foreign nationals within the

abovementioned categories;

(2) Persons eligible for E-2 Visa: The E-2 visa shall be issued to an official of a foreign

government recognized by the Philippines and who is a national of the country whose

government he represents, and is proceeding to the Philippines on a long-term basis in

connection with official business for such foreign official’s government.

This category includes, inter alia, the following classes of foreign nationals:

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(iii)

Administrative and technical members of the staff of a diplomatic or consular
mission;

Officials participating in programs under the auspices of the Philippine
Government or recognized international institutions; and

‘Accompanying spouses and unmarried dependents of foreign nationals within the

abovementioned categories;

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(3) Persons eligible for E-3 Visa: The E-3 visa shall be issued to an official of a foreign
government recognized by the Philippines, is a national of the country whose government
he represents, and is proceeding to the Philippines on a short-term basis in connection with

official business for such foreign official’s government.

This category includes, inter alia, the following classes of foreign nationals:

() Diplomatic couriers regularly and professionally employed as such;

(ii) All members of official special missions of a diplomatic character;

(iii) Members of delegations proceeding to or from an international conference of a
diplomatic or official nature; and

(iv) Such other officials going to the Philippines on diplomatic or official missions;

(4) Persons eligible for E-4 Visa: The E-4 Visa shall be issued to the private employees and
household members of persons to whom E-1 and E-2 visas have been granted, as well as

their immediate dependents.

All visas described in this subsection (e) shall be exclusively issued and renewed by the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which shall also determine the type of E-Visa of Foreign
Government Officials not identified in the foregoing lists. The grant of immunities and privileges shall be
subject to applicable domestic and international law and international agreements to which the Philippines

is a party, as well as in consideration of the principle of reciprocity;

(f) Students (F Visa): Foreign students having means sufficient for their support and education in
the Philippines who seek to enter the Philippines temporarily for the sole purpose of taking up a course of
study higher than high school at a university, seminary, academy or college accredited to admit such

foreign students by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in coordination with the Bureau;

(g) Employment (G Visa): Foreign nationals coming to the Philippines on prearranged
employment, including their family members accompanying or following to join them within the period

of their employment. This category includes intra-company transferees, professionals, performing artists,

athletes, and cultural exchange workers under a work exchange program;

(h) Religious Workers (H_ Visa): Duly ordained or professional missionaries and religious
ministers, including members of their family, coming to the Philippines to join a religious congregation
or denomination duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon invitation,
sponsorship or guarantee of such religious congregation or denomination, solely for the purpose of

propagating, teaching and disseminating their faith or religion;

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(i) Representatives of Accredited International Organizations and Government Agencies (I Visa):
Foreign officials and staff of accredited international organizations, including their dependent family
members, staff, and household members shall be granted I Visas in accordance with the following

categories:

(1) Persons eligible for I-1 Visa: The I-1 Visa shall be issued to the principal officials of
accredited international organizations, as well as their accompanying spouses and

dependents;

(2) Persons eligible for I-2 Visa: The I-2 visa shall be issued to the other officials and staff of
accredited international organizations, as well as their accompanying spouses and

dependents;

(3) Persons eligible for I-3 Visa: The 1-3 visa shall be issued to officials and staff of
international organizations who will perform short-term official work with the international

organization upon its invitation; and

(4) Persons eligible for I-4 Visa: The I-4 Visa shall be issued to the private employees and
household members of persons to whom I-1 and I-2 visas have been granted, as well as their

immediate dependents.

‘Accredited international organization includes any public international organization engaged in
activities of which the Philippines participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any act of
the Congress of the Philippines authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such

parti
entities which are recognized by the government of the Republic of the Philippines, including those

pation and such other international organizations, institutions, agencies, programs, foundations and

existing and already recognized as such at the time of the effectivity of this Act.

All types of visas described in this subsection (i) shall be exclusively issued and renewed by the
DFA, which shall also determine the type of I Visa of officials and staff of international organizations that
are not identified in the foregoing list. The grant of immunities and privileges shall be subject to applicable
domestic and international law, relevant Headquarters Agreements, and international agreements to which

the Philippines is a party:
(j) Media Workers (J Visa): Foreign media personnel or correspondents, duly accredited by the

government agency concemed, who are bona fide representatives of a foreign press, radio, satellite,

television, film, or other information media, and are coming to the Philippines solely to engage in

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gathering information principally for dissemination abroad, including their family members
accompanying them or subsequently joining them during the period of the assignment in the Philippines;

(k) Exchange Visitors (K Visa): Foreign nationals entering the Philippines to teach, study, observe,
conduct research or receive training in a specific Exchange Visitor Program duly approved by the

Philippine Government;

(V) Refugees (L-1 Visa) and Stateless Persons (L-2 Visa): Refugees as defined in this Act and in
the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol shall be issued L-1 Visas.
Stateless persons as described in this Act shall be issued L-2 Visas. The President or the Secretary of

Justice, for humanitarian reasons not inimical to public interest, shall have the exclusive authority to admit
refugees and stateless persons in such classes of cases and under such conditions as they may prescribe.
‘The President or the Secretary of Justice shall likewise have the exclusive authority to cancel, revoke, or

cease the refugee or stateless status of an individual; and

(m) Special Non-Immigrant Visa (M Visa): Such other foreign nationals including their family
members who may be admitted as non-immigrants under special laws, or foreign nationals not otherwise
described in this Act who are coming for temporary periods only, and whose admission is authorized by
the Board or the President in the interest of the public or for humanitarian considerations and under such

conditions as they may prescribe.

‘All other visas issued by other agencies and offices authorized to issue visas in accordance with
existing laws, except the DFA, shall be implemented by the Bureau subject to requirements prescribed by

the Commissioner.

CHAPTER 2
IMMIGRANTS,

SEC. 38. Quota Immigrants. — Subject to the conditions set forth in this Act, there may be
admitted into the Philippines, based upon immigration reciprocity and upon allotment by the
Commissioner, “quota immigrants”, not to exceed two hundred (200) of any one nationality for any one
calendar year. The following order of preference shall be observed in the allotment of quota immigrants:

(a) First Preference: Those whose service and qualifications show high educational attainment,
technical training, specialized experience, or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, professions, or
business as would reasonably enhance and contribute substantial benefits prospectively to the national
economy, or cultural or educational interests or welfare of the Philippines, including their family members,

accompanying or following to join them, who shall likewise be allotted individual quota numbers;

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(b) Second Preference: Parents of a naturalized Philippine citizen;

(c) Third Preference: Spouses or minor children of foreign nationals who are lawful permanent

residents of the Philippines; and

(d) Fourth Preference: Parents of foreign nationals who are lawful permanent residents of the

Philippines.

SEC. 39. Allotment of Quota. — The Commissioner shall, with respect to the first preference,
allot not more than fifty percent (50%) of the annual quota allotment up to the end of June of each year:
Provided, That if the fifty percent (50%) allotment for the first preference by any nationality is not utilized,
the balance thereof shall be given to the second, third, and fourth preferences for the same nationality in
accordance with the preceding section. Any unused quota allotment for a calendar year shall not be carried

over and utilized for the ensuing calendar year.

SEC. 40. Basis in Determination of Quota Allotment. — The numerical limitation imposed under
Section 38 of this Act shall be on the country of which the immigrant is a national or a citizen.

SEC. 41. Non-Quota Immigrants. — The following immigrants, known as “non-quota

immigrants”, may be admitted without regard to numerical limitation and immigration reciprocity:

(a) The spouse of a Philippine citizen: Provided, that abandonment by the foreign spouse, the
failure to give support by the foreign spouse to the Filipino spouse and family, and the legal separation or
termination of the marital status by annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage or divorce where the
cause is attributable to the foreign spouse, shall constitute grounds for cancellation of the immigrant visa
issued to the foreign spouse;

(b) A person of Filipino descent regardless of generation;

(c) A child born to a mother during her temporary visit abroad, the mother being a foreign national
and lawful permanent resident of the Philippines, if accompanied by or coming to join the mother who

applies for admission within five (5) years from the birth of the child;

(a) A child born subsequent to the issuance of an immigrant visa to the accompanying parent, the

visa not having expired or revoked;

(e) A foreign national who had been previously lawfully admitted into the Philippines for
permanent residence who is returning from a temporary visit abroad to an unrelinquished residence in the

Philippines;

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() A natural-born citizen who becomes a naturalized citizen of a foreign country and is returning
to the Philippines for permanent residence therein, including the spouse and minor children accompanying

or following to join such person; and

(g) Spouse, parent, children, legitimate siblings of a foreign national who is gainfully employed

and holder of a permanent resident status for a period of seven (7) years.

CHAPTER 3
NATIVE-BORN FOREIGN NATIONAL

SEC. 42. Status of Children Born to Immigrants. — A child born in the Philippines to a parent
who is a foreign national and a lawful resident of the Philippines shall be deemed a native-born permanent

resident.

SEC. 43. Status of Children Born to Non-immigrants. — A child born to parents who are both
non-immigrants shall be deemed a native-born non-immigrant or temporary resident and may remain in
the Philippines only during the period of authorized stay of the parents, unless the child reaches the age
of eighteen (18) years while continuously residing in the Philippines, in which case such child may apply

for naturalization under existing laws or for an appropriate visa.

CHAPTER 4
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS

SEC. 44. Conditions for Adjustment of Status of Foreign Nationals. — The status of a foreign
national admitted into the Philippines as non-immigrant may be adjusted by the Board to that of a foreign

national lawfully admitted as a permanent resident if:
(a) the foreign national makes an application for such adjustment;

(b) the foreign national is eligible to receive a quota or non-quota immigrant visa and is admissible

to the Philippines as a permanent resident; and

(c) @ quota immigrant visa is immediately available to the foreign national at the time of

application, without the need of first departing from the Philippines.

In all such cases, the personal appearance of the foreign national shall be required during the

consideration of the application.

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SEC. 45. Effect of Approval on Application for Adjustment, — Upon the approval of an
application for adjustment of status under the preceding section, the Commissioner shall record the foreign

national’s lawful admission as a permanent resident as of the date of the approval of the application.

SEC. 46. Adjustment of Status, When Not Allowed. — Adjustment of status under this Act shall
not be applicable to:

(a) foreign nationals who have violated or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and
regulations, unless the violation is for purely technical reasons or without the fault of the foreign

national; and

(b) transients

SEC. 47. Loss of Status. — A registered foreign national, except a temporary visitor, who fails to
return to the Philippines within a period of one (1) year from departure shall lose the status granted under
this Act. Such foreign national may apply for an extension of the period within which to return prior to its
expiration and pay the prescribed fees and charges in order to maintain the status or type of visa granted.

CHAPTER 5
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF NON-IMMIGRANTS

SEC. 48. Documentary Requirements of Non-immigrants. — Non-immigrants must present for
admission into the Philippines valid passports issued by the governments of the countries to which they
owe allegiance or other travel documents showing their nationality and identity as prescribed by
regulations, a valid visa granted by the Consular Officer, if required, and such other relevant documents

as may be required under existing laws, rules, regulations, or multilateral or bilateral agreements.

SEC. 49. Conditions and Period of Authorized Stay of Temporary Visitors. — The initial period
of authorized stay of a foreign national admitted as a temporary visitor under Section 37(a) of this Act
shall not exceed fifty-nine (59) calendar days from the date of arrival, subject to bilateral, regional and
multilateral visa agreements entered into by the Philippines: Provided, That the conditions for extensions
and total period of authorized stay shall be prescribed by the Commissioner: Provided, further, That

during the foreign national’s authorized stay, such foreign national shall not:

(a) take any employment, whether paid or unpaid;

(b) establish or join in any business; or

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(c) enroll or become a student at a school, college, university, academy, or other educational
institution, unless granted, upon proper application, a conversion to another immigration status

provided under this Act.

SEC. 50. Submission of Crew List and Passenger Manifest. — Simultaneous to the vessel's
departure from the port of origin, the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving in
the Philippines shall submit to the Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such arrival, the crew lists,
passenger manifests and such other information concerning the persons arriving on such a vessel. In the
same manner and condition, the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel departing from
any port in the Philippines shall submit to the Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such departure,
the crew list, passenger manifest and such other information conceming the persons departing on such
vessel. The crew list of an incoming sea craft shall contain the appropriate visa granted by the Consular

Officer.

SEC. 51. Inspection of Crewmembers. — \t shall be the duty of the master, captain, agent, owner

or consignee of any vessel arriving in the Philippines to have available on board, for inspection by
Immigration Officers, any foreign crewmember employed on such vessel and, when required by the
immigration authorities, to detain such crewmember on board after inspection or to remove such
crewmember. No crewmember on board such vessel shall be discharged while the vessel is in port without

the permission of the Commissioner.

SEC. 52. Permission for Temporary Landing of a Foreign Crewmember. — A foreign
crewmember on a vessel arriving in the Philippines may be permitted to land temporarily under such
conditions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. All expenses incurred by the Bureau while the
crewmember is on land shall be borne by the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of the carrying

vessel.

CHAPTER 6
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF IMMIGRANTS

SEC. 53. Documentary Requirements of Immigrants; Instances When Not Required. —
Immigrants must present for admission into the Philippines valid passports or travel documents issued by
the government of the country to which they owe allegiance, showing their nationality and identity and
valid immigrant visas indicating the date of issue and the period of validity thereof. Immigrant visas shall
not be required of the following:

(a) A child born subsequent to the issuance of a valid immigrant visa to the accompanying parent;

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(b) A child born during the temporary visit abroad of the mother who is a lawful permanent
resident of the Philippines and a holder of a valid re-entry permit, if the child is accompanied
by either parent within five (5) years from the date of the child’s birth; and

(©) A foreign national who is retuming to an unrelinquished lawful permanent residence in the
Philippines after a temporary residence abroad and presents for admission a valid re-entry

permit.

CHAPTER7
VISA ISSUANCE

SEC. 54. Nature of Visa. — A visa by itself does not authorize or guarantee entry into the
Philippines. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to automatically entitle any foreign national, to whom
a visa or other travel document has been issued, to enter the Philippines if, upon arrival at a port of entry,
such foreign national is found to be inadmissible under this Act or any other law.

SEC. 55. Visa Policy. — The procedure for the application and issuance of visas referred to in this
Act shall be formulated by the Bureau, in consultation with the DFA and other concerned government

agencies and offices when appropriate.

CHAPTER 8
RE-ENTRY AND EMIGRATION CLEARANCE

SEC. 56. Re-entry. — In all instances when a registered foreign national, except a temporary
visitor, departs or is about to depart temporarily from the Philippines with the intention to return within
one (1) year from departure, the foreign national must secure a re-entry permit or, if the authorized stay is

less than one (1) year, a Special Return Certificate, and pay the corresponding fees and charges therefor.
SEC. 57. Emigration Clearance. — A registered foreign national who departs permanently from
the Philippines shall surrender all Philippine immigration documents and apply for and be issued an

Emigration Clearance Certificate, subject to the following conditions:

(a) The immigrant has no pending obligation with the government or any of its agencies or

instrumentalities;

(b) The immigrant has no pending criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding which requires

continued presence in the country; and

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(c) There is no ongoing legislative inquiry where the immigrant is called upon to testify as a

witness.

‘A temporary visitor departing from the Philippines shall, after the expiration of the initial
authorized stay, apply for emigration clearance and pay the prescribed fees and charges therefor.

CHAPTER 9
PRESIDENTIAL PREROGATIVES

SEC. 58. Presidential Prerogatives. — Any provision of this Act to the contrary notwithstanding,

the President may:

(a) Deny the entry and admission into the Philippines of, or impose such restrictions as may be
deemed appropriate on, any foreign national or a class of foreign nationals, whenever the

President finds that such entry would be detrimental to the interest of the Philippines;

(b) Waive passport or documentary requirements for non-immigrants and immigrants under such

terms and conditions as may be prescribed;

(c) Change the status of non-immigrants by allowing them to acquire permanent residence status

without necessity of a visa;
(@) Deport any foreign national, subject to the requirement of due process;

(c) Admit non-immigrants not otherwise provided for in this Act for humanitarian considerations
and when not detrimental to public interest, under such terms and conditions as may be
prescribed; and

() Exercise, with respect to foreign nationals in the Philippines, such powers as are recognized

by the generally accepted principles of international law.

TITLE IV
PROVISIONS RELATING TO ENTRY

CHAPTER I
CLASSIFICATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY
SEC. 59, Authority to Classify Ports. — The Commissioner shall classify and designate, from
among the ports of entry established by law for immigration purposes, limited or unlimited ports of entry
through which foreign nationals may be admitted into the Philippines. Only such classes of foreign

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nationals as provided under the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner may be admitted at
limited ports of entry. The Commissioner may, after due notice to the public, close designated ports of

entry in the interest of national security or public safety.

CHAPTER 2
PROCEDURES ON ARRIVAL

SEC. 60. Arrival Formalities. — A foreign national seeking admission or readmission shall
present a valid passport and visa, if required, to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry and shall be

subject to primary inspection. The decision of the Immigration Officer to admit any foreign national may
be challenged by another Immigration Officer on any ground provided in this Act. The final determination
on the admissibility of such foreign national shall be determined by the Commissioner or his/her

authorized representative. The resolution shall be reflected in the system of the Bureau.

SEC. 61. Arrival Notice Requirements of Vessel. — The immigration authorities shall be given
prior notice of the arrival of any vessel before such vessel comes into any area in the Philippines from any

place outside thereof.

If, upon arrival in any area other than the designated port and there is no available Immigration
Officer therein, the master, pilot, captain, agent or consignee shall not allow the passengers and crew
members to disembark or leave the primary inspection area until the Immigration Officer shall have
conducted the primary inspection formalities.

CHAPTER 3
FOREIGN CREWMEMBER

SEC. 62. Conditional Permit to Disembark. — A foreign crewmember of a vessel under Section
37(c) of this Act may be granted a conditional permit, in a form prescribed by regulations, to disembark
temporarily from the vessel on which such crewmember arrived while the vessel remains in port under

such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 63. Confiscation and Cancellation of Permit; Deportation from the Philippines. — Upon
the determination that the foreign national is not a bona fide crewmember or does not intend to depart on
the vessel that brought him, the Commissioner shall cancel and confiscate the conditional permit already
issued, take such foreign national into custody, and require the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot,
agent or consignee of the vessel on which the foreign national arrived to receive and detain the foreign
national on board. The expenses for removal of the foreign national, including the cost of detention and
other expenses incidental thereto, shall be borne by the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or

consignee of such vessel.

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SEC. 64. Liability for Overstaying Foreign Crewmember. — A foreign crewmember who
remains in the Philippines in excess of the period allowed in the conditional permit issued shall be
solidarily liable with the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel for the

payment of the penalties prescribed in Section 109 of this Act.

SEC. 65. Liability for Unauthorized Discharge of Foreign Crewmember. — It shall be unlawful
for any person, including the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of any vessel, to
discharge any alien employed as a crewmember on a vessel arriving in the Philippines without first
obtaining the prior permission of the Commissioner or his/her authorized representative. Otherwise, such
person or owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel shall pay such fines as
may be prescribed under this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance from any port in the Philippines
while such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided, that a clearance
may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such

fines as approved by the Commissioner.

SEC. 66. Duty to Report Desertion or Illegal Landing of Foreign Crewmember. — The owner,
operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of any vessel shall immediately report, in writing, to
the Immigration Officer all cases of desertion or illegal disembarkation in the Philippines from the vessel,
together with a description of such foreign nationals and any information that shall facilitate their

apprehension.

SEC. 67. Requirement for Submission of List of Newly Employed, Discharged and Illegally
Landed Foreign Crewmembers. — Prior to the departure of any vessel from the last port in the Philippines
destined to any place outside thereof, the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee thereof
shall deliver to the Immigration Officer at that port a list containing:

(a) The names of crewmembers who were not employed thereon at the time of the vessel’s arrival

‘on such port but will depart thereat on the same vessel;
(b) The names of those who have been discharged, if any;
(c) The names of those who have deserted or illegally landed at that port, if any; and
(d) Such other additional information as the Commissioner deems necessary.
SEC. 68. Liability for Failure to Submit Complete, True and Correct Report, — The owner,

operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee who fails to submit a true and complete list or report

of foreign nationals or to report cases of desertion or illegal landing shall pay such sum as may be

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prescribed under Chapter 6, Title VI of this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance to depart from any
port in the Philippines while such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined:
Provided, that clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond

sufficient to cover such fines as approved by the Commissioner.

CHAPTER 4
EXCLUSIONS

SEC. 69. Exclusion Grounds. — The following classes of foreign nationals shall not be allowed
entry and shall be excluded from the Philippines on the following grounds:

(a) Health-Related Grounds
(1) Those who are found to be suffering from a communicable, dangerous or contagious

disease, unless excepted under existing laws, rules and regulations;

(2) Those who are found to be suffering from psychiatric disorder that may pose a threat to

persons or danger to property; and
(3) Those who are found to be suffering from addiction to prohibited or regulated substance;
(b) Economie Grounds
(1) Those likely to become a public charge; and
(2) Those seeking entry for the purpose of unskilled manual labor;
(©) Moral Grounds

(1) Those coming to the Philippines to practice polygamy or who advocate the practice of

polygamy unless the person’s religion allows such practices;

(2) Those who are pedophiles, sexual perverts or those coming to the Philippines for immoral

purposes;

(3) Those who are engaged or who seek to engage in prostitution or to procure or attempt to

procure prostitutes, or who receives in whole or in part the proceeds of prostitution; and

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(4) Those who, at the time of primary inspection by the Immigration Officer, exhibit any
contemptuous or disrespectful behavior towards the said officer, any employee of the
Bureau, or any government official;

(d) National Security, Public Order and Public Safety Grounds

(1) Those who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or who admit to the

Immigration Officer of having committed such crime, or who attempt and conspire to
commit the crime;

(2) Those who have been convicted of, or who admit having committed, or are committing,
acts which constitute the elements of a violation or conspiracy to violate any law or
regulation of the Philippines or a foreign country relating to a controlled, regulated or
prohibited substance, or who admit having attempted or conspired to commit such acts;

(3) Those that the Philippine Government knows or has reason to believe are or have been
traffickers of any controlled, regulated or prohibited substance, or accomplices, accessories,
abettors, or co-conspirators in the illicit trafficking of any controlled, regulated or prohibited
substance;

(4) Those who are fugitives from justice:

(5) Those who seek to enter the Philippines to engage in:

3) espionage or sabotage, or a violation or evasion of laws prohibiting export of goods,

technology or sensitive information;

(ii) any activity aimed to promote membership in an organization of syndicated criminal

activities;

(iii) any activity, the purpose of which is to overthrow the Philippine government by

force, violence, or other unlawful means; and
(iv) any other unlawful activity;

(6) Those who are engaged or believed to be engaged or likely to engage in, aid, abet or finance,

any terrorist activity and members or representatives of a foreign terrorist organization;

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(7) Those who have been identified by competent authorities, local or foreign, as having

engaged or are engaging in human trafficking and smuggling:

(8) Those who have been identified by competent authorities, local and foreign, as having
engaged or are engaging in importation of contrabands and other prohibited articles into the

country; and

(9) Those who are under fifteen (15) years of age and unaccompanied by or not coming to join
a parent, except if otherwise admissible and with a written consent to travel from either

parent and affirmed by a Consular Officer, citing the purpose thereof.

SEC. 70. Temporary Custody of Excludable Foreign Nationals. — For the purpose of
ascertaining whether a foreign national arriving in the Philippines belongs to any of the excludable classes,
of foreign national provided in this Act or related laws, the Immigration Officer, for a period not exceeding
seventy-two (72) hours, may temporarily take into custody for investigation such foreign national either
on board the vessel or at a place designated for the purpose at the expense of the owner, operator, master,

captain, pilot, agent or consignee of the carrying vessel.

SEC. 71. Finality of Exclusion Order. — An order by the Immigration Officer to exclude a
foreign national who is excludable under this Act is final and executory unless revoked by the

Commissioner upon a timely appeal prior to the implementation of the exclusion order.

SEC. 72. Authority to Waive Grounds for Exclusion. — The Commissioner may waive any of
the grounds for exclusion mentioned in Section 69 of this Act, except for the grounds of exclusion under

Section 69(d), subparagraphs 1 to 8.

SEC. 73. Procedure of Removal and Cost Thereof. — Foreign nationals arriving in the
Philippines who are ordered excluded shall be immediately removed to the country where they boarded
the vessel on which they arrived, in accommodations of the same class, unless the Commissioner
determines that immediate removal is not proper and practicable pursuant to applicable Conventions, laws,
rules and regulations, in which case such excluded foreign nationals shall be ordered detained. The cost
of removal, detention and other expenses incidental thereto shall be borne by the owner, operator, master,

pilot, captain, agent, or consignee of the vessel on which such foreign nationals arrived.
SEC. 74. Country Where Removal is to be Directed. — If the government of the country

designated in the preceding section will not accept the foreign national into its territory, the removal of

the foreign national shall be directed, at the Commissioner's discretion to any of the following:

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(a) The country of which the excluded foreign national is a citizen or national;

(b) The country of birth;

(c) The country of the foreign national’s habitual residence; or

(d) The country willing to accept the foreign national into its territory, if removal to any of the

foregoing countries is impractical or impossible.

". 75. Obligation of Owner, Operator, Master, Captain, Pilot, Agent or 41 Consignee. — It
shall be unlawful for an owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel to refuse

or fail to:

(a) Board a foreign national ordered excluded and removed in the same vessel or another vessel

owned or operated by the same company;

(b) Detain a foreign national on board any such vessel at the port of arrival when required by this
Act or when so ordered by an Immigration Officer;

(c) Deliver a foreign national for medical or other examinations when so ordered by an.

Immigration Officer;

(d) Remove a foreign national from the Philippines to the country to which the individual's

removal has been directed; or

(e) Pay the cost of detention and such other costs and expenses necessary or incidentals to the

removal of the excluded foreign national as provided in this Act.

SEC. 76. Penalty for Non-compliance of Obligation. — The owner, operator, master, captain,
pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel who violates Section 75 of this Act shall pay the fines prescribed in
Chapter 6, Title VI of this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearances from any port in the Philippines
while such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided, That clearance
may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such

fines as approved by the Commissioner.

TITLE V
DEPORTATION

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CHAPTER 1
DEPORTABLE FOREIGN NATIONALS

SEC. 77. Classes of Deportable Foreign Nationals, — The following foreign nationals shall be
taken into custody upon the order of the Commissioner and deported upon recommendation by the BSI
and approval by the Board:

(a) Those who entered the Philippines: (1) by means of misrepresentations or false or misleading
statements or documents, or (2) without inspection and admission by the immigration

authorities;

(b) Those who were not lawfully admissible at the time of entry;

(c) Those who abet or aid in the practice of prostitution, including the owner or manager of a

prostitution den, or who are pedophiles;

(4) Those who, at any time after the date of entry, have become a public charge;

(e) Those who remain in the Philippines in violation of any period of limitation or condition under
which they were admitted;

(f) Those who believe in, advise, advocate, teach, or otherwise engage in any activity the purpose
of which is the opposition to, or the control or overthrow of, the Government of the Republic
of the Philippines or any of its duly constituted authority by force, violence, or other unlawful
means, or those who do not believe in or are opposed to organized governments, or those who
advise, advocate or teach the assault or assassination of public officials, or those who advise,
advocate or teach the unlawful destruction of property, or those who are members of or
affiliated with any organization entertaining, advocating or teaching such doctrines, or those
who in any manner whatsoever extend assistance, financial or otherwise, in the dissemination

of such doctrines;

(g) Those who engage in, abet, aid or finance any terrorist activity;

(h) Those who, at any time after entry, are charged of a crime involving acts or omissions
punishable under Philippine penal taws cognizable by the Regional Trial Courts and the
Sandiganbayan;

(i) Those who are convicted by final judgment of a crime involving moral turpitude punishable

under Philippine penal laws;

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(j) Those who were admitted as non-immigrants and who obtained an adjustment of their
admission status for convenience, or through fraud, falsification of documents,

facts;

misrepresentations or concealment of materi

(k) Those who violated Philippine labor and taxation laws, rules and regulations;

(1) Those who are found to be undesirable and whose further stay in the Philippines is inimical to
public welfare and interest, or the dignity of Filipinos or the Republic of the Philippines as a

sovereign nation;

(m)Those who forge, counterfeit, alter or falsely make any document; or use, attempt to use,
possess, obtain, accept or receive, or provide any forged, counterfeit, altered or falsely made
document; or use, attempt to use, provide, attempt to provide, accept or receive a genuine
document, even of another person, without authority to do so for the purpose of satisfying or
complying with the requirements of the Bureau;

(n) Those whose presence or activities in the country may result in adverse consequences to

Philippine foreign policies as determined by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs;

(0) Those who misrepresented themselves as Filipino citizens in all immigration matters; and

(p) Those who violate any of the provisions of this Act, independent of any criminal action which
may be brought against them: Provided, that in the case of a foreign national who, for any
reason, is convicted and sentenced to suffer both imprisonment and deportation, said foreign

national shall first serve the entire period of the sentence before being deported.

CHAPTER 2
DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS

SEC. 78. Nature of Deportation Proceedings. — Deportation proceedings shall be independent
of any action that may be instituted against a foreign national: Provided, that no deportation order shall be
issued against foreign nationals facing preliminary investigation, prosecution and trial before competent

authorities.

SEC. 79. Non-Prescription of Deportation Cases. — The right of the State to initiate deportation
proceedings shall not prescribe.

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SEC. 80. Formal Charge of Deportation. — A formal charge for deportation shall be issued upon

determination of the existence of a prima facie case against the foreign national.

SEC. 81. Bail, — Pending final determination of the foreign national’s deportation case, the
foreign national shall, upon the discretion of the Commissioner, remain under detention or be released on
bail or recognizance. The bail may be revoked and confiscated in favor of the government if there is
sufficient evidence that the foreign national is evading the proceedings or is attempting to abscond, in
which case such foreign national shall be taken into custody and placed under detention by order of the
Commissioner.

SEC. 82. Custody of a Foreign National Convicted of a Felony or an Offense. — After service
of the sentence or compliance with the conditions of parole or probation, as the case may be, the foreign

national shall be taken into custody for immediate deportation by order of the Board.

SEC. 83. Voluntary Deportation, When Authorized. — The Commissioner may waive the
deportation proceedings and order the departure of the foreign national within the period specified in the
voluntary deportation order if the foreign national does not contest the formal charge and opts to
voluntarily leave the country and pays for all expenses: Provided, That the foreign national has not
committed any criminal offense or has no pending criminal investigation: Provided, further, That the said
foreign national so deported shall be barred from re-entering the country without prior written

authorization from the Commissioner.

SEC. 84. Period to Enforce Order of Deportation. — The order of deportation shall be enforced
immediately but in no case shall exceed three (3) months from the date it has become final and executory.
If deportation is not enforced within the prescribed period, the foreign national may be released on bail or

recognizance.

SEC. 85. Suspension of Deportation Order. — The Commissioner may suspend the
implementation of the deportation order and order the release of the foreign national on bail or

recognizance, taking into account the following factors:

(a) Age, health, family or conduct;

(b) Period of detention;

(c) Impact on national security and public welfare:

(4) Unavailability of travel documents;

(c) Existence of an application for refugee or statelessness status; or

(f) Other humanitarian considerations.

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SEC. 86. Reinstatement of a Deportation Order. — A deportation order previously implemented
against a foreign national who unlawfully re-entered the Philippines shall be deemed automatically
reinstated and shall be implemented in accordance with this Act. This provision shall also apply to a
foreign national who departed voluntarily under Section 83 of this Act and re-entered the Philippines

unlawfully or without prior written authorization from the Commissioner.

SEC. 87. Country of Destination of a Deportee. — Except as provided for under an existing
treaty or international agreement, a foreign national shall be deported to the country of which the person
is a citizen or national, or the foreign national’s country of birth, or the country of which the foreign
national is a resident, or the country from which the foreign national embarked for the Philippines, subject,

to the acceptance by the receiving country.

SEC. 88. Cost of Deportation. — The owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee
of a vessel shall bear the cost of deportation of any of its foreign crewmembers deemed deportable under
Section 77 of this Act. In all other cases, the cost of deportation shall be borne either by the deportee, by
the concerned consular office, nongovernment organizations or people’s organizations with which the
Bureau has an agreement on this matter, or shall be charged to the appropriations for the implementation
of this Act.

SEC. 89. Liability of Owner, Operator, Captain, Master, Pilot, Agent or Consignee of a Vessel.
— Failure or refusal on the part of the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of a
vessel to take on board, guard safely and transport the deportee to the foreign national’s country of
destination, or to shoulder the cost of deportation of the foreign crew member as provided in the preceding
Section, shall be subject to the administrative fines prescribed under Chapter 6, Title VI of this Act.

SEC. 90. Designation of Accompanying Person. — The Commissioner may, for security reason
or by reason of the mental or physical condition of the deporte, direct an employee of the Bureau to
accompany such deportee to the country of the deportee’s destination, subject to the provisions of Section

88 of this Act.

CHAPTER 3
INDIGENT FOREIGN NATIONALS,

SEC. 91. Removal of Indigent Foreign Nationals. — At any time after entry, the Commissioner
may remove indigent foreign nationals from the Philippines to either the country of which they are citizens
or nationals, their country of birth, or their country of residence, as the case may be. The cost of deportation
may be charged against the available funds of the Bureau. Any foreign national removed under this section

shall be barred re-admission except upon written authorization of the Board.

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This provision shall not apply to a foreign national declared as an indigent by any Philippine court
for purposes of filing a case or to pursue an action which resulted in the individual's indigency until such
case or action is resolved with finality: Provided, that no other grounds for deportation exist during the

pendency of such ease or action.

TITLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1
REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS:

SEC. 92. Requirement of Registration. — All foreign nationals, regardless of any exemption
provided by law, shall register with the Bureau or any Immigration Office nearest to their place of

residence on or before the sixtieth (60th) day of their latest arrival in the Philippines.

SEC. 93. Registration Form and Oath. — Applications for registration shall be under oath and in
such form as prescribed by the Bureau. Upon registration, a certificate of registration shall be issued to

the registrant.

SEC. 94, Amendment of Registration. — Registered foreign nationals shall notify the Bureau in
writing of any change of information in their registration documents not later than seven (7) days from

such change.

SEC. 95. Presentation of Certificate of Registration. — Every foreign national required to
register under this Act or the parent or guardian of such foreign national shall present, upon demand by

any personnel authorized by the Commissioner, a certificate of registration of such individual, and failure

to do so without justifiable cause shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 96. Reportorial Requirements, — Every foreign national registered under this Act shall,
within the first sixty (60) days of every calendar year, report in person to the Bureau. The Commissioner
may exempt personal appearance of foreign nationals registered under this Act subject to certain

requirements and conditions as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations issued for the purpose.
SEC. 97. Failure to Comply with Requirements. — A foreign national, ot the parent or guardian

of the foreign national, who, without justifiable reason, fails to comply with all the requirements under

this Act, or who files an application for registration containing statements known by the individual to be

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false, or who utilizes registration documents other than that of the individual, shall be dealt with in

accordance with the provisions of this Act and other existing laws

SEC. 98. Cancellation of Registration of Foreign National. — In case of death of a foreign
national registered under the provisions of this Act, the legal heir, representative or administrator of the
foreign national must inform the Bureau within sixty (60) days from such death, and the Bureau shall
cancel the registration of the deceased foreign national. The Local Civil Registrar or other civil registry
officer of the locality were said foreign national died shall furnish the Bureau with a copy of the Certificate
of Death within thirty (30) days from issuance thereof. Failure on the part of the persons concerned to
comply with the requirements specified in this Section shall be dealt with pursuant to the provisions of

existing laws.

CHAPTER 2
BONDS AND DEPOSITS

SEC. 99. Bonds, When Required. — The Bureau shal! have the authority to require cash bonds

in such amounts and under such conditions as it may prescribe in order to:

(a) control and regulate the admission into, and departure from, the Philippines of foreign nationals
applying for temporary admission;
(b) insure against foreign passengers liable to be excluded as likely to become public charges; and
(c) ensure the appearance of foreign nationals released from custody during the course of
deportation proceedings instituted against them.
SEC. 100. Requirement of Cash Deposits for Services Rendered. — The Bureau shall likewise
have the authority to require cash deposits in such amounts as may be necessary from a vessel’s owner,
operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee or other persons served for services rendered as

established by the implementing rules and regulations.

SEC. 101. Cancellation and Forfeiture of Bonds. — When the conditions of the bond are
fulfilled, or in case the Commissioner determines that the likelihood that a foreign national shall become
a public charge no longer exists, or in case of death of the foreign national in whose behalf the bond is
posted, the bond shall be cancelled and released to the depositor or the legal representative of the foreign
national. In case of violation of the conditions of the bond, the same shall be forfeited and deposited in a
trust fund account which may be utilized for the purchase of passage tickets for the removal of indigent

foreign nationals and to cover the costs of operations in locating deportes who jump bail.

CHAPTER 3
RECOGNIZANCE

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SEC. 102. Petitions for Recognizance, Sanction for Breach of Conditions. — The Commissioner
may order the release of a foreign national upon recognizance of the foreign national’s lawyer or a person
who is of good standing in the community, under such terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe.
Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the recognizance shall subject said lawyer or person
toa fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00), without prejudice to other administrative sanctions or proceedings against the erring party.

CHAPTER 4
COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER OFFICES

SEC. 103. Interoperability. — The Bureau shall cooperate and coordinate with relevant

government agencies and offices for purposes of the implementation of this Act.

CHAPTERS
FEES AND CHARGES

SEC. 104. Authority of the Board to Prescribe, Impose and Collect Fees and Charges. — The
Board is authorized to prescribe, impose, and collect fees and charges for services rendered, pursuant to

the provisions of this Act.

CHAPTER 6
ADMINISTRATIVE FINES

SEC. 105. Fine for Failing to Submit Crew List or Passenger Manifest, or Failure to Account
Every Passenger and Crew. — Any owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel
arriving at any port in the Philippines from a place outside thereof who fails to submit to the immigration
authorities a complete and accurate crew list or passenger manifest, or fails to produce or account every
crewmember or passenger whose name appears in said list or manifest shall be subject to fines of One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) and Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) for each unaccounted

crewmember or passenger, respectively.
SEC. 106. Fine for Violation of Obligation on the Landing or Removal of Foreign Nationals.

— Any owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of any vessel arriving at a port of the

Philippines from a place outside thereof having a foreign national on board in violation of this Act shall

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be fined not less than Fifty Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000.00) for each act or violation consisting of:

(a) Failure to prevent the landing of such foreign national in the Philippines at any time or place

other than as designated by the Immigration Officer;

(b) Refusal or failure to detain a foreign national on board any such vessel at the port of arrival

when required by this Act or so ordered by an Immigration Officer;

(c) Refusal or failure to deliver a foreign national for medical or other examinations when so

ordered by an Immigration Personnel;

(d) Refusal or failure to pay the cost of maintenance and other costs, as required by this Act, of
such foreign national when temporarily removed from the vessels for examination by order of

the Immigration Officer:

(e) Refusal to receive such foreign national on board for removal from the Philippines if the
foreign national is excluded, or to pay the cost of removal as required under this Act;

() Refusal or failure to take on board, guard safely and transport the deportee to the foreign
national’s country of destination, or to shoulder the cost of deportation of the foreign crew
member; and

(g) Making any charge against such foreign national for the cost referred to in item (d) above, or
for the cost of the removal of the foreign national from the Philippines if the latter is excluded

or taking any security from the foreign national for the payment of any such costs.

SEC. 107. Fine for Bringing Undocumented Foreign National, or Foreign National Afflicted
with Communicable or Contagious Disease, or Suffering from Mental Disorder, — The owner,
operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of the vessel arriving at a port in the Philippines from
a place outside thereof bringing on board an undocumented foreign national shall be fined One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) for each foreign national. If the foreign national is afflicted with a
communicable or contagious disease or is suffering from psychiatric disorder that may pose a threat to
persons or danger to property as stated in Section 69 of this Act, the fine shall be not less than Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000.00) but not more than Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00) for each

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SEC. 108. Fine for Bringing a Foreign National to Assist His legal Entry or Misrepresenting
a Foreign National as a Member of the Crew. — The owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or
consignee of the vessel arriving at any port in the Philippines from a place outside thereof bringing on
board a foreign national bound for the Philippines to assist the illegal entry of the foreign national, or
misrepresenting the foreign national to the Immigration Officer at the port of arrival as a bona fide member
of the crew, shall be fined not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than
‘Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) for each foreign national.

SEC. 109. Fine for an Overstaying Crewmember. — Any foreign crewmember who willfully
remains in the Philippines beyond the period allowed for temporary landing shall be fined not less than
Fifty thousand pesos (50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00). The
‘owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of the vessel shall be solidarity liable for the

fine imposed on such overstaying crewmember.

SEC. 110. Fine for Assaulting Immigration Personnel. — Any form of assault directed to any
personnel of the Bureau is an act of disrespect. In case the assault is committed by a foreign national at
the ports of entry and exit, such foreign national shall be excluded or deported, as the case may be, and
shall be fined Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) without prejudice to the right of the aggrieved
Immigration Personnel to fite appropriate criminal, civil or administrative cases against such person.

For purposes of this Act, an Immigration Officer shall be considered a person in authority while

in the performance of official duty.

SEC. 111. Fine for Violation of Other Provisions of this Act. — The owner, operator, master,
captain, pilot, agent, 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 fined
not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000.00) for each violation.

CHAPTER7
PENAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 112. Prohibited Acts and Penalties. — Any person who shall commit any of the acts
specified hereunder shall, upon conviction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment for not less than five (5)
years but not more than ten (10) years, or a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00)
but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine, at the

discretion of the court:

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(a) Impersonating another individual, or falsely appearing in the name of a deceased individual,
or evading immigration laws by using an assumed or fictitious name when applying for an
immigration document;

(b) Issuing or otherwise delivering an immigration document or an immigration accountable form

to any person not authorized by law to receive such documents;

(c) Obtaining, manufacturing, printing, accepting or using any immigration or travel document

knowing it to be false, or using an immigration accountable form that is not legally issued;

(d) Entering or leaving the Philippines without inspection and admission by the immigration
authorities, or obtaining entry into or departure clearance from the Philippines through fraud,

misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts;

(e) Misrepresenting oneself to be a citizen of the Philippines;

(®) Knowingly making any false statement under oath regarding any immigration matter; or

(g) Bringing into, or landing in the Philippines, or concealing, harboring, employing, or giving
comfort to, any person not duly admitted by an Immigration Personnel or not lawfully entitled
to enter into or reside within the Philippines, or attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another
to commit any such acts.

Where the offender of any act specified in paragraph (g) of this section is a corporation, partnership
or other juridical entity, the president, general manager, managing partner, or chief executive officer
thereof shall be held liable. Dismissal of the employee by the employer before or after apprehension shall
not relieve such employer from any liability arising from the offense: Provided, That if the offender is
the owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee, or other person in charge of the vessel that
brought the foreign national into the Philippines from any place outside thereof, the fine imposed under
this section 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 Bureau. Where forfeiture is justified under the particular circumstances 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 related laws shall

result in the automatic revocation or cancellation of any immigration document issued to the offender,

including that of the foreign national’s spouse and unmarried children, if applicable.

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SEC. 113. Penalty for Aiding the Escape of Detained Foreign National. — Any person who
shall be found to have helped, assisted, supported, caused or ministered the escape, including harboring
and concealing, of a detained foreign national shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for not less than five
(5) years but not more than ten (10) years and a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000.00): Provided, That if the person liable is a foreign national, such person shall be deported after
service of sentence: Provided, further, That any tools, equipment, implements or vehicles used in the

escape of a detained foreign national shall be destroyed or forfeited in favor of the government.

SEC. 114. Penalty for Failure to Comply with Subpoena. — Any person who, having been duly
served with a subpoena, fails to comply without valid and justifiable reasons, shall suffer the penalty of
imprisonment of not more than fifteen (15) days or a fine of not more than One thousand pesos
(P1,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court.

SEC. 115. Imposition of Maximum Penalty, When Applicable. — A person convicted under
Republic Act No. 3019, as amended, otherwise known as the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”, or
other laws against corruption and bribery, in relation to any violation or circumvention of any provision
of this Act, shall suffer the maximum penalty under the said Republic Act or other laws against corruption

and bribery, as the case may be.

CHAPTER’
UPGRADING OF POSITIONS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

SEC. 116. Creation of New Positions, Reclassification of Existing Positions and Upgrading of

Salary Levels. — The following positions in the Bureau are hereby created, and the existing positions

reclassified or upgraded, with the corresponding salary grade levels:

EXISTING POSITION RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ NEWLY SALARY
‘CREATED POSITION GRADE.
From | To
‘Commissioner ‘Commissioner 11] 30 30
Deputy Commissioner Deputy Commissioner It » 2»
EXISTING POSITION RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ NEWLY ‘SALARY
‘CREATED POSITION GRADE.
‘Attorney V (Board of Special Inquiry) “Attorney V, Board of Special Inquiry 25 25
“Attorney 1V (Board of Special Inquiry) “Attomey IV, Board of Special Inquiry 23 3 |
‘Attomney Ill (Board of Special Inquiry) ‘Attorney Il, Board of Special Inquiry 2 2
‘Attomey V (Legal Di Chief Legal Affairs Officer 3 2 |
‘Attomey IW (Legal ‘Attorney IV, Legal Division B B
‘Attorney III (Legal Division) ‘Attorney IIT, Legal Division 2 2

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Chief Administrative Officer m4 or)
CAdministaive Divison) Chief Administrative Officer
Supervising Administrative _ Officer | Supervising Administrative Officer, Administrative | 22 2
(Administrative Division) Division
Chief Immigration Officer Chief Immigration Officer (Chief Alien co pry
(Alien Registration Division) Registration Officer)

[intelligence Officer V_ (Intelligence Intelligence Officer V 24 24
Division) (Chief Immigration Intelligence Officer)

| Chief Immigration Officer Chief Immigration Officer 24
(Law Enforcement Division) (Chief immigration Law Enforcement Officer)
Chief Immigration Officer Chief Immigration Officer (Chief Immigration 24 pr
(Immigration Regulation Division) Regulation Officer)
Chief Personnel Specialist ~“T Chief Personnel Specialist (Chief Human Resource 24

Management Officer)
~ ‘Supervising Human Resource Management Officer 2
Chief Administrative Officer Chief Administrative Officer (Chief Finance and | 24 m4
(Finance and Management Division) Logistics Officer)
Supervising Administrative Officer Supervising Administrative Officer, Finance and | 22 2
(Finance and Management Division) Logistics Division
Planning Officer V 4 m4
Chief Planning and Research Officer
(Planning and Policy Division)
Planning Officer IV (PPD) Planning and Research Officer 1V 2 2
Planning Officer [il (PPD) Planning and Research Officer I 18 18
Planning Officer 11 (PPD) Pianning and Research Officer It 15 15
Planning Officer I (PPD) Planning and Research Officer I 1 i
EXISTING POSITION RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ NEWLY SALARY
CREATED POSITION GRADE
Tnformation Technology Officer III Information Technology Officer III (Chief 2 m4
(Management Information System Div) Information and Communications Technology
Officer)

Supervising, Immigration Officer (RD, Supervising Immigration Officer 2 2
ARD, POD)
Intelligence Officer IV
‘Senior Immigration Officer Senior Immigration Officer 19 20
Immigration Officer IIT Immigration Officer ITT 16 8
Intelligence Officer IIT
Immigration Officer I Immigration Officer I B 1s
Intelligence Officer 17

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wavanrune

10

Special Investigator IT

Immigration Officer I

Intelligence Officer 1 Immigration Officer I ul B

Special Investigator 1

‘Administrative Officer V
(Administrative Officer 111)
‘Administrative Officer V (Cashi

i

‘Administrative Officer V(HRMO Ill)
‘Adi
my
‘Administrative Officer V Supply Officer 18 18
my

| Administrative Officer V (Procurement)

istrative Officer V (Records Officer

Administrative Officer V
(Management and Audit Analyst III)
‘Administrative Officer V (Budget Officer
I)

Computer Programmer If

Conguie: Mabisnance Teonaoboga Information Technology Officer | 15 19

Regional Programs Coordinator 2
EXISTING POSITION RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ NEWLY ‘SALARY
CREATED POSITION GRADE

Training Specialist IT 18

Psychologist IIT ig

Document Examiner II 18

‘Training Specialist 11 15

Project Development Officer II is

Psychologist IT 5

Security Officer 1 15

‘Computer Programmer | 1

Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, and subject to existing civil service rules and
regulations, the Secretary of Justice shall reorganize, upgrade, or otherwise make adjustments in the
offices of the Bureau as required by the implementation of this Act: Provided, That to the extent possible,
the incumbent chiefs of sections and divisions whose offices are hereby affected may be upgraded to
positions of comparable rank in the reorganization: Provided, further, That for the new positions created

under this Act, the Board shall designate the personnel thereof.

SEC. 117. Additional Grant of Benefits. — The Bureau shall provide its employees with the

following benefits:

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(1) Night shift differential which shall be subject to Republic Act No. 11701; and

(2) Overtime pays for actual work rendered in accordance with the existing rules and regulations.

SEC. 118. Establishment of Immigration Trust Fund. — An Immigration Trust Fund (ITF) is
hereby created sourced from thirty percent (30%) of the immigration fees, fines and penalties, and other
income that may be collected by the Bureau for the effective implementation of this Act: Provided, That
the amount shall not exceed One billion two hundred million pesos (P1.200,000,000.00) every year:
Provided, further, That any excess in the collections under this paragraph shall accrue to the general fund

of the national government.

The ITF shall be managed by the Board in accordance with existing government auditing rules and
regulations, and shall be used exclusively for the following:
(a) 50% for the modernization of equipment, facilities and offices used by employees of the
Bureau, including capital outlay for the establishment of new buildings and field offices for
the effective implementation of this Act;

(b) 30% for the payment of employee benefits provided in this Act, and as may be hereafter
provided by the Board with the approval of the Secretary of Justice; and

(©) 20% for the further professionalization of the employees of the Bureau including trainings,

seminars and other career advancement programs.

All interest income, dividends and earnings accrued from the shall also form part of the fund.
No portion of the ITF shall revert to the general fund of the national government, except when the ITF is

no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was established.
Collections from express lane fees under Section 11 (n) of this Act shall not form part of the ITF,
and shall be used strictly in accordance with the said provision.
CHAPTER 9

ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS

SEC. 119. Development and Implementation of Electronic Systems. — The Bureau shall develop
and implement electronic systems to facilitate transactions through the use of digital and electronic

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technology, including the processing of admission, visa transactions, citizenship, and alien registration, as,
well as the submission of reports, notices and documents required under this Act.
The Bureau shall develop and implement an infrastructure plan to facilitate the electronic

transmission and conveyance of government services in order to:
(a) Facilitate convenience in arrival and departure processes through e-systems;

(b) Accept the creation, filing or retention of such documents in the form of electronic data

messages or electronic documents;

(©) Issue permits, visas, certification or approval in the form of electronic data messages or

electronic documents;

(d) Require or accept payments, and issue receipts acknowledging such payments, through

systems using electronic data messages or electronic documents; and

(e) Accept or issue any document in the form of electronic data messages or electronic documents
upon the adoption, promulgation and publication of appropriate rules, regulations and

guidelines.

CHAPTER 10
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 120. Interim Period. — The incumbent Commissioner and the two Deputy Commissioners,
if qualified under this Act, shall continue to discharge the functions of their position unless otherwise
removed by the President. All personnel of the present Bureau of Immigration shall continue to discharge

the functions of their positions pending the reorganization as provided in this Act.

SEC. 121. Reorganization of the Bureau. — Upon approval of this Act, all employees of the
Bureau of Immigration covered by civil service rules and regulations shall continue to hold their
present positions pending the reorganization of the Bureau in accordance with the new staffing pattem:
Provided, That the salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of incumbent officers and employees of
the Bureau shall not be subject to diminution: Provided, further, That employees who have been dismissed
for cause shall no longer qualify for any position in the Bureau.

SEC. 122. Inventory and Transfer of Properties, Accounts, Assets, Liabilities and Obligations
to the Commission. — All buildings, properties, equipment, facilities, accounts, other assets, liabilities
and other obligations as well as records of the Bureau of Immigration shall be properly inventoried and

transferred to the Bureau.

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SEC. 123. Force of 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. 124. Pending Cases. — Any prosecution, suit, action, proceeding, or any act or matter, civil
or criminal, pending at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall not be affected by any of the provisions

of this Act unless otherwise explicitly stated herein,

CHAPTER It
ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

SEC. 125. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the Commissioner shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of Justice, Foreign Affairs and
Budget and Management, promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this

Act.

SEC. 126. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriation of the Bureau of Immigration. Thereafter, such
sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

CHAPTER 12
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 127. Separability Clause. — Should any provision of this Act be declared invalid, the

remaining provisions shall continue to be in force and effect.

SEC. 128. Repealing Clause. — Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known as the
“Philippines Immigration Act of 1940”, as amended, Republic Act No. 562 entitled “Alien Registration
‘Act of 1950”, as amended, and Republic Act No. 750 entitled “An Act Designating as Special Agents of
the Bureau of Immigration All Provincial, City and Municipal Treasurers, and Providing for the
Allocations to the Provincial, City, and Municipal Governments of Ten Per Centum of Certain Fees
Collected in ‘Their Respective Territorial Limits”, are hereby repealed. All other laws, presidential decrees,
executive orders, proclamations, memorandum orders, instructions, rules and regulations or parts thereof

inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 129. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,
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