Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8489

Introduced by HON. AL FRANCIS C. BICHARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, was
enacted pursuant to the people’s constitutional right to travel. Accordingly, the government
has the duty to issue passports or other travel documents to any of its citizens who comply
with the requirements of said Act.

It is the policy of the State to prescribe only minimum requirements for the
application and issuance of passports and other travel documents to enhance and protect the
unimpaired exercise of the people’s constitutional right to travel. For this reason, there is a
need to amend the existing Act in order to simplify the passport documentation requirements
and application process of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

This bill seeks to amend the provisions relating to the requirements of issuance of
ports and provides additional grounds for its amendment, suspension and revocation,

The proposed measure also provides an option for applicants to acquire a Philippine
passport with a five-year (5) or ten-year validity. It also proposes for the allocation of an
amount equivalent to ten (10%) of the consular income to the Building Fund for the purpose
of renovating deteriorating government-owned chanceries and residencies of Phil. Embas
consulates and missions abroad, amortization of acquired chanceries and buildings of the
Department of Foreign Affairs and acquisition of new properties abroad as well as acquisition
of official vehicles.

This bill also proposes to amend the provision on the Passport Revolving Fund which
may be utilized by the DFA for the improvement of all its passporting and consular offices in
the Philippines.

In addition, the bill addresses the proliferation of fake passports by providing more
severe penalties against the perpetrators of this type of fraud.

It is on the basis of the foregoing consideration that the approyéf of thy bill is
urgently sought.

IS C. BICHARA
2™ District, Albay


Ceuanen no

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2425
House Bill No,_ S43

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE AL FRANCIS C. BICHARA

AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8239, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 1996

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

SECTION 1.
Passport Act of 1996

‘ection 2 of Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the “Philippine
hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 2. Statement of Policy.-The people’s constitutional right to travel is inviolable.
Accordingly, the government has the duty to issue passportS USING TAMPER PROOF AND
LATEST DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY AS MUCH AS PRACTICABLE or
any travel document to any citizen of the Philippines or individual who complies with the
requirement of this Act. The right to travel may be impaired only when national security, public
safety, or public health requires. To enhance and protect the unimpaired exercise of this right,
only minimum requirements for the application and issuance of passports and other travel
documents shall be prescribed. Action on such application and the issuance shall be expedited.”

SEC. 2. Section 5 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5. Requirements for the Issuance of Passport. - No passport shall be

issued to an applicant unless the Secretary or his duly authorized representative is satisfied that
the applicant is a Filipino citizen who has complied with the following requirements:

a.) A duly accomplished application form and photographs of such number, size and

style as may be prescribed by the Department;

[b.) The birth certificate duly issued or authenticated by the Office of the Civil Registrar
General: Provided, however, That if the birth of the applicant has not been registered yet, or if his
birth certificate is destroyed, damaged, or not available due to other causes, he shall apply for
delayed registration of his birth with the Office of the Civil Registrar General which shall issue
to said applicant a certification of pending application for delayed registration of birth attaching
thereto a copy of an accomplished certificate of live birth. Such certification and the



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accomplished certificate of live birth shall be sufficient to support an application for passport in
addition to other papers which the Department may require from the applicant;]

(B) THE APPLICANT’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE IN SECURITY PAPER ISSUED
BY THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE (NSO)/OFFICE OF THE CIVIL
REGISTRAR GENERAL OR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF BIRTH
CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR DULY
AUTHENTICATED BY THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE/OFFICE OF THE
CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL: PROVIDED, THAT IF THE BIRTH OF THE
APPLICANT HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED YET, OR IF HIS BIRTH CERTIFICATE
IS DESTROYED, DAMAGED, OR NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO OTHER CAUSES, HE
SHALL APPLY FOR DELAYED REGISTRATION OF HIS BIRTH WITH THE LOCAL
CIVIL REGISTRAR WHERE HE WAS BORN WHICH SHALL ISSUE TO SAID
APPLICANT A CERTIFICATION OF PENDING APPLICATION FOR DELAYED
REGISTRATION OF BIRTH ATTACHING THERETO A COPY OF AN
ACCOMPLISHED CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH. SUCH CERTIFICATION AND
THE ACCOMPLISHED CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO
SUPPORT AN APPLICATION FOR PASSPORT IN ADDITION TO OTHER PAPERS
WHICH THE DEPARTMENT MAY REQUI ‘ROM THE APPLICANT;

[(c.) In the absence of a birth certificate, a baptismal certificate for those who are
members of a Christian religious organization or similar or equivalent certificate issued by a non-
Christian religious group, attesting to the applicant's having been admitted to such religious
group or sect at an carly age and where it is indicated that the applicant is a Filipino citizen,
which should be accompanied by a joint affidavit by two (2) p
knowledge of the applicant and of such age as to credibly state the applicant's date and place of
birth, citizenship, and names of parents: Provided, That Filipinos who do not believe in any
religion and whose parents for any reason failed to have the int baptized shall be
exempted from the baptismal certificate requirement: Provided, further, That in lieu thereof, the
applicant shall execute an affidavit to that effect duly corroborated by affidavit of at least two (2)
persons of good reputation who personally know such fact;]

(C) A MARRIED WOMAN WHO OPTS TO ADOPT THE SURNAME OF HER
HUSBAND MUST PRESENT A LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY COPY OF HER
MARRIAGE CONTRACT DULY AUTHENTICATED BY THE NATIONAL
STATISTICS OFFICE/OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL: PROVIDED,
THAT A MARRIED WOMAN WHO IS WIDOWED, DIVORCED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ARTICLE 26 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209, AS AMENDED BY
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 227, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FAMILY CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES OF 1988, OR WHOSE MARRIAGE IS ANNULLED OR
DECLARED BY A COURT OF LAW AS VOID, AND WHO OPTS TO REVERT TO
THE USE OF HER MAIDEN NAME MUST PRESENT THE DEATH CERTIFICATE
OF HER SPOUSE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE (NSO)/OFFICE
OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF
DEATH CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR DULY
AUTH ICATED BY THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE/OFFICE OF THE
CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL, OR COPY OF THE DIVORCE DECREE OR COURT

REE OF ANNULMENT DULY REGISTERED BY THE LOCAL CIVIL



[d.) In case of a woman who is married, separated, divoreed or widowed or whose
marriage has been annulled or declared by court as void, a copy of the certificate of marriage,
court decree of separation, divorce or annulment or certificate of death of the deceased spouse
duly issued and authenticated by the Office of the Civil Registrar General: Provided, That in case
of a divorce decree, annulment or declaration of marriage as void, the woman applicant may
revert to the use of her maiden name: Provided, further, That such divorce is recognized under
existing laws of the Philippines;]

(D) IN THE CASE OF NATURALIZED CITIZENS, A COPY OF THE
NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATE, DULY REGISTERED BY LOCAL CIVIL
REGISTRAR AND AUTHENTICATED BY THE NATIONAL STATISTICS
OFFICE/OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL: PROVIDED, THAT IN
CASE OF DERIVATIVE NATURALIZATION, THE APPLICANT SHALL BE
REQUIRED TO PRESENT A COPY OF THE NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATE OF
HIS PARENT OR SPOUSE DULY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE.
(NSO)/OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY
(CTC) OF NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE LOCAL CIVIL
REGISTRAR DULY AUTHENTICATED BY THE NATIONAL STATISTICS
OFFICE/OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL;

[c.) In the case of naturalized citizens, a certified copy of the naturalization certificate; or
a certified naturalization certificate of husband or parent duly issued and authenticated by the
Office of the Civil Registrar General if citizenship is claimed through naturalization of spouse or
parent;]

(E) APPLICATIONS FILED BY MINOR PASSPORT APPLICANTS MAY BE
PROCESSED ONLY UPON THE PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF EITHER PAREN
PROVIDED, THAT IF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE MINOR’S PARENTS FILES
THE APPLICATION, A SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY DULY EXECUTED BY
EITHER/BOTH PARENT/S AND A TRAVEL CLEARANCE ISSUED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) MUST BE
PRESENTED FOR THIS PURPOSE: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT IN CASE OF A
MINOR DECLARED ABANDONED IN COURT, AN AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT
EXECUTED BY THE LEGAL GUARDIAN OR THE DSWD MUST BE PRESENTED;

[£) For an applicant who has not reached the age of majority, an affidavit of consent from
a parent as indicated in the passport application if the minor is traveling with either parent, and a
clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, if the minor is traveling with
a legal guardian or a person other than a parent;]

(F) LF THE APPLICANT IS FOR ADOPTION BY FOREIGN PARENTS UNDER
R.A. NO. 8043, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION ACT
OF 1995,” THE APPLICANT SHALL PRESENT THE PLACEMENT AUTHORITY
ISSUED BY THE INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION BOARD (ICAB) AND A
CERTIFICATION FROM APPROPRIATE AGENCY THAT THE NAMED FOREIGN
ADOPTIVE PARENTS ARE QUALIFIED TO ADOPT UNDER THEIR NATIONAL
LAW AND THAT THE CHILD TO BE ADOPTED IS ALLOWED TO ENTER FOR
TRIAL CUSTODY AND RESIDE PERMANENTLY IN THE SAID PLACE ONCE
ADOPTED;

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Ig.) If the applicant is an adopted person, the duly certified copy of court order of
adoption, together with the original and amended birth certificate duly issued and authenticated
by the Office of the Civil Registrar General shall be presented: Provided, That in case the
adopted person is an infant or a minor or the applicant is for adoption by foreign parents, an
authority from the Department of Social Welfare and Development shall be required: Provided,
further, That the adopting foreign parents shall also submit a certificate from their embassy or
consulate that they are qualified to adopt such infant or minor child;]

[h.) (G) In case of discrepancy between the applicant’s name in the birth certificate and
in any other PUBLIC OR private document{s}, the former shall prevail over the latter unless by
operation of law or through court order, the applicant is permitted to use A name other than what
is officially recorded in the [Civil Register] LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE; and

TRAVEL AUTHORITY FROM THE APPROPRIATE HEADS OF AGENCI
ONLY BE REQUIRED IF HE IS APPLYING FOR A DIPLOMATIC OR AN O}
PASSPORT.

[“i) If the applicant is a government employee, the travel authority issued by the head of
department, agency or office may be required only if said applicant is applying for an official
passport.”]

(I) IN CASE OF THOSE WHO HAVE REACQUIRED THEIR PHILIPPINE
CITIZENSHIP UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
IZENSHIP RETENTION AND REACQUISITION ACT OF 2003”, IN ADDITION
TO OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT, THE
APPLICANT SHALL ALSO PRESENT THE ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED TRUE
COPIES OF THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE AND THE IDENTIFICATION
CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION.

(J) MUSLIM FILIPINOS, TRAVELING FOR THE PURPOSE OF HAJ OR UMRAH
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA AND WHO ARE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A REGULAR PASSPORT, MAY BE
ISSUED A HAJ PASSPORT VALID FOR SEVEN (7) MONTHS AND FOR ONE (1)
TRIP ONLY UPON COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

1, ENDORSEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS WHICH
ISSUES A CERTIFICATE OF TRIBAL AFFILIATION AND SIGNS A PERSONAL
GUARANTEE FORM; AND

2. JOINT BIRTH AFFIDAVIT EXECUTED BY TWO (2) DISINTERESTED
PERSONS WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE BIRTH DETAILS OF THE
APPLICA\

A HAJ PAS!
BASIS FOR THE ISS

ORT IS NON-RENEWABLE AND MAY NOT BE
ANCE OF A REGULAR PASSPORT.”

DAS A

3. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 6. Application. ~ A PERSON APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT, EITHER FOR
THE FIRST TIME OR FOR THE RENEWAL OF A PREVIOUSLY ISSUED


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PASSPORT, MUST PRESENT HIMSELF/HERSELF IN PERSON FOR PHOTO AND
DATA CAPTURING.

THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN MAY ASSIST AN APPLICANT WHO IS.
BELOW THE AGE OF MAJORITY.

AN APPLICANT WHO IS ILLITERATE, PHYSICALLY DISABLED OR A
SENIOR CITIZEN AT LEAST SIXTY (60) YEARS OLD MAY BE ASSISTED IN
HIS/HER APPLICATION FOR A PASSPORT BY A RELATIVE, BY AFFINITY OR
CONSANGUINITY, WITHIN THE FOURTH CIVIL DEGREE OR IF HE/SHE HAS
NONE, BY ANY PERSON OF HIS CONFIDENCE WHO BELONGS TO THE SAME.
HOUSEHOLD.

AN APPLICANT MAY ALSO BE A‘ ED BY ANY LICENSED TRAVEL OR
RECRUITMENT AGENCY DULY ACCREDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
FOREIGN AFFAIRS.”

SEC. 4. Section 7 (a) and (b) of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 7. Types of Passports. - The Secretary or the authorized representative or
consular officer may issue the following types of passports:

4.) Diplomatic [passport] PASSPORTS [for persons imbued) ARE ISSUED TO
PERSONS with diplomatic status or are on A diplomatic mission such as:

1. The President and former Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines;

2. The Vice-President and former Vice-Presidents of the Republic of the Philippin

3. The I

CUMBENT Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

4. The INCUMBENT Chief Justice of the Supreme Court AND INCUMBENT
ASSOCIATE JUSTICES OF TH! PREME COURT AND THE PRESIDING JUSTICE
OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, THE PRESIDING JUSTICE OF THE
SANDIGANBAYAN AND THE PRESIDING JUSTICE OF THE COURT OF TAX
APPEALS;

5. The [Cabinet Secretaries, INCUMBENT SECRETARY, [and the] Undersecretaries
and Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Foreign Affairs;

6. INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS;

7. 6. Ambassadors, Foreign Service Officers of all ranks in the career diplomatic service;
Attaches, and members of their families) THE INCUMBENT SECRETARIES OF ALL
OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH; THE SECRETARY
GENERAL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SECRETARY OF
THE SENATE;

8 [7. Members of the Congress when on official mission abroad or as delegates 10
international conferences] AMBASSADORS EXTRAORDINARY AND
PLENIPOTENTIARIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES;

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9. (8. The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and delegates to international or
regional conferences when on official mission or accorded full powers by the President: and]
CHIEFS OF MISSION, FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS OF ALL RANKS IN THE
CAREER DIPLOMATIC SERVICE, INCLUDING DESIGNATED DEPARTMENT OF
FOREIGN AFFAIRS ATTACHES AND DESIGNATED ATTACHES FROM
ATTACHED AGENCIES OF THE GOVERNMENT;

10. [9. Spouses and unmarried minor children of the above-mentioned officials when
accompanying or following to join them in an official mission abroad.]| FORMER
AMBASSADORS EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARIES OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND FORMER FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS
WITH THE RANK OF CHIEFS OF MISSION;

11. THE INCUMBENT GOVERNOR OF THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG
PILIPINAS;

12, OFFICIAL DELEGATES TO INTERNATIONAL OR REGIONAL
CONFERENCES ACCORDED FULL POWERS BY THE PRESIDENT; AND

13. SPOUSE AND MINOR CHILDREN, INCLUDING UNMARRIED
CHILDREN WHO ARE OF AGE BUT DEPENDENT ON THE INCUMBENT
OFFICIALS MENTIONED ABOVE FOR SUPPORT, WHEN ACCOMPANYING OR
FOLLOWING THE AFOREMENTIONED OFFICIALS ON BUSINE!

The President of the Philippines [and] OR the Secretary of the Department of Foreign
Affairs may grant diplomatic passports to officials and persons other than those enumerated
herein who are on official mission abroad OR ARE GRANTED FULL POWERS BY THE
PRESIDENT.”

“b.) Official [Passport] PASSPORTS [to be] ARE issued to all government officials
and employees on official trip abroad but who are not on a diplomatic mission [or delegates to
international or regional conferences] or have not been accorded diplomatic status such as

1, INCUMBENT Undersecretaries [and]. Assistant Secretaries of the Cabinet other than
the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Associate Justices OF THE COURT OF APPEALS and
other members of the Judiciary [,] [members of the Congress] and all other government officials
and employees traveling on [official business and] official time;

2. [Staff officers and employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs assigned to
diplomatic and consular posts and officers and representatives of other government departments
and agencies assigned abroad) PAST SENATE PRESIDENTS AND SPEAKERS OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;

3. [Persons in the domestic service and household members of officials assigned to
diplomatic or consular posts] RETIRED CHIEF JUSTICES AND ASSOCIATE JUSTICES.
OF THE SUPREME COURT;

4. [Spouses and unmarried minor children of the officials mentioned above when
accompanying or following to join them.] STAFF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ASSIGNED TO DIPLOMATIC OR


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CONSULAR POSTS AND OFFICES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ASSIGNED ABROAD;"

5. PERSONS IN THE DOMESTIC SERVICE AND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS OF
OFFICIALS ASSIGNED TO DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR POSTS NOT
EXCEEDING TWO (2); AND

6, SPOUSE AND MI IR CHILDREN, INCLUDING UNMARRIED CHILDREN
WHO ARE OF AGE BUT DEPENDE! ON THE INCUMBENT OFFICIALS
MENTIONED ABOVE FOR SUPPORT, WHEN ACCOMPANYING OR FOLLOWING
TO JOIN THEM.”

SEC. 5. Section 8 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 8. Grounds for Denial, Cancellation or Restrictions. - The application for A
passport may be denied, cancelled or restricted only on the following grounds:

a.) Denial of Passport
1. [On orders of the court, after due notice and hearing, to hold the departure of an

int because of a pending criminal case] APPLICANT’S FAILURE TO PRESENT
PPORT THE PASSPORT APPLICATION;

applic:
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS TO

2. [When so requested by the natural or legal guardian, if the applicant is a minor]
VIOLATION BY THE APPLICANT OF ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC
ACT NO. 8239, AS AMENDED;

3. [When the applicant has been found to have violated any of the provisions of this Act}
ON ORDERS OF THE COURT, AFTER DUE NOTICE AND HEARING, TO
WITHHOLD THE PROCESSING OF A PASSPORT;

4. WHEN THE APPLICANT IS A FUGITIVE FROM JU
RMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION;

ICE, AS MAY BE

5. WHEN THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN CONVICTED BY FINAL JUDGM)
OF A CRIMINAL OFFENSE: PROVIDED, HE BECOMES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR
A NEW PASSPORT AFTER GRANT OF PROBATION, SERVICE OF SENTENCE,
GRANT OF CONDITIONAL OR ABSOLUTE PARDON, OR ISSUANCE OF AN
AMNESTY;

6, [Such other disqualification under existing laws.] WHEN SO REQUESTED BY
THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN, IF THE APPLICANT IS A MINOR;

7. UPON LAWFUL ORDER OF THE SECRETARY WHEN HE DEEMS IT
NECESSARY IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY OR PUBLIC SAFETY;

8. CANCELLATION OF APPLICANT’S PASSPORT UNDER SECTION 8 (b)
HEREOF; AND

9. SUCH OTHER DISQUALIFICATIONS UNDER EXISTING LAWS.


b.) Cancellation OF PASSPORT

1, When the holder is a fugitive from justice, AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY A
COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION

2. When the holder [has] HAD been convicted BY FINAL JUDGMENT of a criminal
offense: Provided, That [the passport may be restored after service of sentence] HE BECOMES
ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT AFTER GRANT OF PROBATION,
SERVICE OF SENTENCE, GRANT OF CONDITIONAL OR ABSOLUTE PARDON,
OR ISSUANCE OF AN AMNESTY; [or]

3, [When a passport was acquired fraudulently or tampered with.] UPON FINDING BY
THE SECRETARY OR HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR CONSULAR
OFFICER OR UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION THAT A PASSPORT HAS BEEN ACQUIRED
THROUGH FRAUD OR MISREPRESENTATION OR HAS BEEN TAMPERED WITH
SUBSEQUENT TO ITS RELEASE OR ISSUAN R

4. UPON LAWFUL ORDER OF THE SECRETARY WHEN HE DEEMS IT
ARY IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY OR PUBLIC SAFETY.

c.) ISSUANCE OF Restricted PASSPORTS

1, When the c
pose a danger to the

uuntry of destination is in a state of political instability AND [which] could
lipino traveler;

2. When [diplomatic ties have been fractured or severed] THE COUNTRY OF
INATION HAD SEVERED DIPLOMATIC TIES with the Philippines;

DE:

3. When the country of destination is subject to travel restriction by government policy,
enforcement [of] action by the United Nations, or IS in a state of war [.]:”

4. WHEN TRAVEL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY A COURT OF COMPE’ T
JURISDICTION OR THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT TO A SPECIFIED
DESTINATION ONLY; AND

5. WHEN A PRIMA FACIE DETERMINATION OF IDENTITY AND
PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP HAS BEEN MADE IN FAVOR OF THE APPLICANT
WHO IS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY COMPLY WITH DOCUMENTARY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT, AND THE
TRAVEL IS FOR URGENT MEDICAL REASONS, AS CERTIFIED BY A PHYSICIAN,
OR TO ATTEND TO A SERIOUSLY ILL IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER WITHIN
THE SECOND DEGREE OF CONSANGUINITY OR AFFINITY, OR WHEN THE
PASSPORT IS NECESSARY TO LEGITIMIZE THE STATUS OF THE APPLICANT IN
A FOREIGN COUNTRY OR FOR OTHER COMPEL G REASONS AS MAY BE
DETERMINED BY THE SECRETARY OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE OR CONSULAR
OFFICER.”



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SEC. 6. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 10. Validity. - Regular passports issued under this Act shall be valid for a period
of five (5) OR TEN (10) years: Provided, however, That the issuing authority may limit the
period of validity to less than five (5) years whenever in the national economic interest ot
political stability of the country such restriction is necessary: Provided, finally, That a new
passport may be issued to replace one which validity has expired, the old passport being returned
to the holder after cancellation.

THE PASSPORT APPLICANT SHALL HAVE THE OPTION TO APPLY FOR A
YEAR (10) PASSPORT AND SHALL BE CHARGED WITH
PASSPORT FEES TO BE DETERMINED BY THE

DEPARTMENT. ”

SEC. 7. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

‘SEC. 14. Amendments, - A passport may be amended at the request of the holder for any
[lawful purpose, but such amendment should be approved by the Secretary or his duly authorized
diplomatic or consular officers.] OF THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:

A) AMENDMENTS OF A WOMAN’S NAME DUE TO MARRIAGE; OR

B) AMENDMENT OF A WOMA\ NAME DUE TO DEATH OF SPOUS
ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE OR ISSUANCE OF A DIVORCE DECREE GRANTED
BY A FOREIG! URT CONSISTENT WITH ARTICLE 26 OF ECUTIVE ORDER
NO. 209, AS AMENDED BY EXE IVE ORDER NO. 227, OTHERW! KNOWN AS
THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 1988.

AMENDMENT MAY NOT BE MADE DUE TO ERROR IN SCRIPTING OR
ISCREPANCY IN THE PERSONAL DATA OF THE HOLDER.

C) AMENDMENT BY ORDER OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION
AND/OR PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9048.

Diplomatic and official passports shall be submitted for revalidation before each
departure of the holder.”

SEC. 8. Section 16 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 16. Fees. - Reasonable fees shall be collected for the processing, issuance,
[extension] amendment or replacement of a lost passport and the issuance of a Travel Document
as may be determined by the Department: [Provided, however, That any fee shall not be
increased more than once every three (3) years].

THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PRESCRIBE THE NECESSARY PASSPORT FEES
FOR SIXTY-PAGE (60-PAGE) AND ONE HUNDRED-PAGE (100-PAGE) PASSPORT!

TEN PERCENT (10%) OF SUCH FEES AND CHARGES, INCLUDING OTHER
INCOME GENERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONSTITUTE SPECIAL.
TRUST FUND AND SHALL BE CALLED THE “BUILDING FUND.” THE SAME
SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN ANY AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT DEPOSITORY


BANK, AND ALL INTERESTS SHALL ACCRUE THEREFROM SHALL FORM PART
OF THE SAME FUND FOR THE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT.

NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF EXISTING LAWS, RULES AND
REGULATIONS TO THE CONTRARY, TEN PERCENT (10%) OF INCOME
GENERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT FROM PASSPORT PROCESSING, ISSUANCE,
EXTENSION, AMENDMENT OR REPLACEMENT AND OTHER CHARGES, AS
WELL AS FROM VISA FEES, NOTARIAL FEES AND AUTHENTICATION, VESSEL
AND SEAMEN, SHALL BE RETAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND MAY BE
DISBURSED BY THE DEPARTMENT BUILDING COMMITTEE AS APPROVED BY
THE DEPARTMENT SECRETARY FOR (i) RENOVATION OF DETERIORATING
ED CONSULAR OFFICES AND CHANCERIES/ RESIDENC!
AND; (ii) ACQUISITION OF NEW PROPERTIES ABROAD FOR CHANCERIES/
RESIDENCES OF THE PHILIPPINE FOREIGN SERVICE.

BBIScwmridsH8sY

IF FOR REASON OF CONTROL, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT BE ABLE
TO PURSUE A SPECIFIC PROJECT FOR WHICH FUNDS HAVE BEEN
APPROPRIATED AND, ALLOCATED UNDER ITS APPROVED PROGRAM OF
PROPERTY ACQUISITION (NEW PROPERTIES ABROAD FOR CHANCERIES/
RESIDENCES) AND RENOVATION OF DETERIORATING GOVERNMENT-OWNED
19 CONSULAR OFFICES AND CHANCERIES/ RESIDENCES, THE BUILDING
20 COMMITTEE AND THE DEPARTMENT SECRETARY MAY AUTHORIZE THE USE
21 OF SAID FUNDS FOR THE NEXT PRIORITY PROJECT AS REFLECTED IN THE
22. SAID PROGRAM FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF THE OBJECTIVES AND GOALS OF
23. THE DEPARTMENT.

SIDAE

24 SEC. 9. Section 17 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

. 17. Passport Revolving Fund. The Department may charge a REASONABLE
[of not more than Two Hundred Fifty Pesos (P2 ice rendered to
27 applicants relating to the processing and issuance of passports requiring speael consideration,
28 — waiver or issuance beyond regular office hours. The service fees received by the Department
29 — under this section shall constitute a revolving fund to be called the “Passport Revolving Fund”
30 which may be utilized by the Department for the improvement of its passporting and consular
31 services IN THE PHILIPPINES WHICH SHALL COVER ALL CONSULAR OFFICES
32. IN METRO MANILA AND OTHER REGIONAL CONSULAR OFFICES [and other
33 Department services] except travel and [transportation] REPRESENTATION allowances and
34 expenses.

26 servi

35 The setting up, use and disbursement of funds shall be subject to [review,] accounting and
36 auditing [rules and] regulations [of the Commission on Audit and will be subject to an annual
37 review by Congress, but the Secretary will submit a report on the disbursement of the fund every
38 six (6) months to both the Senate and the House Committees on Foreign Relations]. THE
39 SECRETARY SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT ON THE DI: ‘SEMENT OF THE FUND
40 EVERY SIX (6) MONTHS TO BOTH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN
41 RELATIONS AND THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOR
42. REVIEW.

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SEC. 10. Section 19, subsections (a), (b), (c). (d) and (e) of the same Act are hereby
amended and a new subsection to be designated as subsection (F) is hereby added to read as
follows:

“SEC. 19. Offenses and Penalties. - A passport, being a proclamation of [the] citizenship
of a Filipino, [is a document that] is superior to all other [official] documents [.], [As such] AND
AS SUCH, [it] should be accorded the highest respect by its holder [that to do damage to its
integrity and validity is a serious crime that should be penalized accordingly]. ANY ACT
PREJUDICIAL TO ITS INTEGRITY IS A GRAVE CRIME OF SECURITY AGAINST
THE STATE AND SHOULD BE PENALIZED ACCORDINGLY:

a.) Offenses Relating to Issuance[s]: Penalties. - Any person who:

1, Acting or claiming to act in any capacity or office under the Republic of the
Philippines, without lawful authority, ACCEPTS PASSPORT APPLICATIONS, grants, issues
or verifies any passport or travel document to any or for any person whomsoever, OR IS
CAUGHT SELLING IN WHATEVER CAPACITY PASSPORT APPLICATION FORMS,
OR LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS shall be punished by
a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000) nor more than Sixty thousand pesos
(P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than [eighteen (18) months] SEX (6) YEARS AND
ONE (1) DAY nor more than [six (6)] TWELVE (12) years; or

2. Being a diplomatic or consular official authorized to grant, issue, amend or verify
passports, knowingly and willfully grants, issues, amends or verifies any such passport to any or
for any person not owing allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, whether citizen or not,
shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000) nor more than Sixty
thousand pesos (60,000) and imprisonment of not less than {eighteen (18) months] SIX (6)
YEARS AND ONE (1) DAY but not more than {six (6)] TWELVE (12) years and upon
conviction, be PERPETUALLY disqualified from holding [appointive] public office;

3. Being a diplomatic or consular officer knowingly and willfully grants and issues to,
amends or certifies to the authenticity of any passport or travel document for any person not
entitled thereto, or knowingly and willfully issues more than one passport to any person except as
provided for in this Act shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos
(P15,000) nor more than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than
[eighteen (18) months] SIX (6) YEARS AND ONE (1) DAY nor more than [six (6)|
TWELVE (12) years and upon conviction, be PERPETUALLY disqualified from holding
[appointive] public officef.];

4. ACTING OR CLAIMING TO ACT IN ANY CAPACITY, WITH THE
INTENTION TO PROFIT THEREBY, INTERCEPTS A PERSON PROCEEDING TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OR ANY OF ITS REGIONAL
CONSULAR OFFICES TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT , AND PERSUADES, ENTICE:
ENCOURAGES, OR MISLEADS SUCH APPLICANT TO COURSE HIS/HER
APPLICATION THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON OR AGENCY OTHER THAN THE
DEPARTMENT OR ITS PERSONNEL ON THE PRETEXT OF FACILITATING ITS
APPROVAL OR ISSUANCE BY THE DEPARTMENT SHALL BE PUNISHED BY
IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN EIGHTEEN (18) MONTHS NOR MORE
THAN SIX (6) YEARS.



b.) Offenses Relating to False Statements: Penalties. - Any person who willfully and
knowingly:

1. Makes any false statement in any application for passport with the intent to induce or
secure the issuance of a passport under the authority of the Philippine Government, either for his
‘own use or the use of another, contrary to this Act or rules and regulations prescribed pursuant
hereto shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000) nor more
than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than [three (3) years] SIX (6)
YEARS AND ONE (1) DAY nor more than [ten (10)] TWELVE (12) years; or

2. Uses or attempts to use any passport which was secured in any way by reason of any
false statements, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos (P15, 000)
nor more than Sixty thousand pesos (P60, 000) and imprisonment of not less than [three (3)
years] SIX (6) YEARS AND ONE (1) DAY, but not more than [ten (10)] TWELVE (12) years
[or].

3. Travel and recruitment agencies whose OFFICERS, agents, liaison officers or
representatives are convicted of offenses relating to false statements shall in addition to the fines
and penalties abovementioned have their license revoked with all deposits, escrow accounts or
guarantee funds deposited or made as a requirement of their business forfeited in favor of the
government [without prejudice to the officials of the branch office or of the agency being charged
as accessories to the offense and upon conviction barred from engaging in the travel or
recruitment agency business]. IN THE EVENT THAT AN OFFICER OF THE TRAVEL
OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY IS CONVICTED, HE SHALL BE BARRED FROM
3AGING IN THE TRAVEL OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY BUS

c.) Offenses Relating to Forgery: Penalties. - Any person who:

1. Falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, mutilates or alters any passport [or], travel
document, DEPARTMENT STAMPS, or any supporting document for a passport applic
with the intent of using the same shall be punished by a fine of not less than Sixty thousand pesos
(P60, 000) nor more than One Hundred Fifty thousand pesos (P150, 000) and imprisonment of
not less than six (6) years nor more than fifteen (15) years; or

2. Willfully or knowingly uses or attempts to use, or furnishes to another for use any such
false, forged, counterfeited, mutilated or altered passport or travel document or any passport
validly issued which has become void by the occurrence of any condition therein prescribed shall
be punished by a fine of not less than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) nor more than One
hundred and fifty thousand pesos (P150,000) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) years nor
more than fifteen (15) years: Provided, however, That officers of corporations, agencies or
entities licensed in the travel and recruitment industry would be held similarly liable as their
agents, liaison officers or representatives: Provided, finally, That forgeries of five or more
passports or travel documents would be considered as massive forgery tantamount to national
sabotage and shall be punished by a fine of not less than Two hundred and fifty thousand pesos
(P250,000) nor more than One Million pesos (P1,000,000) and imprisonment of not less than
seven (7) years nor more than seventeen (17) years.


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d.) Offenses Relating to Improper Use: Penalties. - Any person who willfully and
knowingly:

1. Uses or attempts to use any passport issued or designed for the use of another or any
supporting documents for a passport application which belongs to another; or

2. Uses or attempts to use any passport or supporting document in violation of the
conditions or restrictions therein contained, or of the rules prescribed pursuant thereto; or

3. Fumishes, disposes or delivers a passport to any person, (for use by another or other
OTHER THAN THAT
IN WHOSE NAME AND FOR WHOSE USE IT WAS ISSUED, DI NED OR
INTENDED, EXCEPT WHEN THE APPLICANT IS A MINOR, A SENIOR CITIZEN
OVER SIXTY (60) YEARS OLD OR PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY
INCAPACITATED AND THE PASSPORT IS RELEASED TO HIS PARENT,
GUARDIAN OR IMMEDIATE RELATIVE: PROVIDED, THAT IN CASE OF AN
EMERGENCY AND FOR HUMANITARIAN REASONS, THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE
OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS OR THE HEAD OF THE CONSULAR SECTION OF ANY
EMBASSY OR THE CONSUL GENERAL OF A CONSULATE MAY, UPON HIS.
DISCRETION RELEASE THE PASSPORT TO A THIRD PARTY UPON THE
SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM THE APPLICANT; OR

4, Defaces or destroys a Philippine passport, shall be punished by a fine of not less than
Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) nor more than One hundred fifty thousand pesos (P 150,000) and
imprisonment of not less than six (6) years nor more than fifteen (15) years.

TRAVEL AND RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WHOSE OFFICERS, AGENTS,
LIAISON OFFICERS OR REPRESENTATIVES ARE CONVICTED OF OFFENSES
RELATING TO IMPROPER USE SHALL BE BARRED FROM ENGAGING IN THE
TRAVEL OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY BUSINESS.

e.) Offenses Relating to Multiple Possession: Penalties.- No person or individual may
hold more than one valid passport, except as provided for in Section 7 hereof, and any individual
who possesses more than one unexpired passport shall, for every unexpired passport found in his
possession, be punished by a fine of not less Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000) nor more than
Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than [eighteen (18) months] SEX
(6) YEARS AND ONE (1) DAY {but not] NOR more than [six (6)] TWELVE. (12) y
Provided, That the maximum fine and imprisonment shall be imposed by the court if he attempts
to use or actually uses an unexpired passport which is not in his name.

In case any of the offenses prohibited in this Act constitutes a violation of the Revi
Penal Code and the penalty imposed in said Code is heavier than that provided in this Act,
latter shall be imposed.

the

F.) OFFENSES RELATING TO FORGERY OF VISAS AND ENTRY
DOCUMENTS: PENALTIES. - ANY PERSON WHO:

1. KNOWINGLY FORGES, CO! RFEITS, ALTERS, OR FALSELY MAKES.
ANY IMMIGRANT OR NONIMM VISA, PERMIT, BORDER CROSSING
CARD, ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD, OR OTHER DOCUMENT PRESCRIBED BY
STATUTE OR REGULATION FOR ENTRY INTO OR AS EVIDENCE OF



AUTHORIZED STAY OR EMPLOYMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES OR ELSEWHERE,
OR UTTERS, USES, ATTEMPTS TO USE, POSSESSES, OBTAINS, ACCEPTS, OR
RECEIVES ANY SUCH VISA, PERMIT, BORDER CROSSING CARD, ALIEN
REGISTRATION RECEIPT CARD, OR OTHER DOCUMENT PRESCRIBED BY
STATUTE OR REGULATION FOR ENTRY INTO OR AS EVIDENCE OF
AUTHORIZED STAY OR EMPLOYMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES OR ELSEWHERE,
KNOWING IT TO BE FORGED, COUNTERFEITED, ALTERED, OR FALSELY
MADE, OR TO HAVE BEEN PROCURED BY MEANS OF ANY FALSE CLAIM OR
STATEMENT, OR TO HAVE BEEN OTHERWISE PROCURED BY FRAUD OR
UNLAWFULLY OBTAINED: PROVIDED, THAT THE USE OF FORGED,
COUNTERFEITED, ALTERED, OR FALSELY MADE VISA, PERMIT, BORDER
CROSSING CARD, ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD, OR OTHER ENTRY DOCUMENT
SHALL BE PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF KNOWLEDGE; OR

2. EXCEPT UNDER DIRECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN
AFFAIRS, OR OTHER PROPER OFFICER, KNOWINGLY POSSESSES ANY BLANK
PERMIT, OR ENGRAVES, SELLS, BRINGS INTO THE PHILIPPINES, OR HAS IN
SION IN ANY PLATE IN THE LIKENESS OF A PLATE
DESIGNED FOR THE PRINTING OF PERMITS, OR MAKES ANY PRINT,
PHOTOGRAPH, OR IMPRESSION IN THE LIKENESS OF ANY IMMIGRANT OR
NONIMMIGRANT VISA, PERMIT OR OTHER DOCUMENT REQUIRED FOR
ENTRY INTO THE PHILIPPINES OR ELSEWHERE, OR HAS IN HIS POSSESSION A
(IVE PAPER WHICH HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF

AFFAIRS FOR THE PRINTING OF SUCH VISAS, PERMITS, OR
DOCUMENTS SHALL BE PUNISHED BY A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN FIFTEEN
THOUSAND PESOS (P15,000) NOR MORE THAN SIXTY THOUSAND PESOS (P
60,000) AND IMPRISONMENT OF NOT L! THAN THREE (3) YEARS, BUT NOT
MORE THAN (10) YEARS: PROVIDED, THAT THE PERSON WHO FORGES,
COUNTERF ALTERS, OR FALSELY MAKES ANY IMMIGRANT OR
NONIMMIGRANT VISA, PERMIT, BORDER CROSSING CARD, ALIEN
REGISTRATION CARD, OR OTHER ENTRY DOCUMENT SHALL BE PUNISHED
BY A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN SIXTY THOUSAND PESOS (P60,000) NOR MORE
THAN ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P150,000) AND IMPRISONMENT
OF NOT LESS THAN SIX (6) YEARS NOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN (15) YEARS FOR
EACH VISA OR ENTRY DOCUMENT.”

SEC. 11. Section 20 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

20. Suspension/REVOCATION of Accreditation. - [Any duly accredited travel or
recruitment agent or agency which violates the prescription on application for passport under
Section 6 hereof shall have such accreditation suspended without prejudice to civil, criminal or
administrative sanctions including revocation of its license to operate] TRAVEL OR
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES ARE ALLOWED THE PRIVILEGE TO TRANSACT
BUSINESS | WITH THE DEPARTMENT ON THE BASIS OF TRUST AND
CONFIDENCE. FOR THE EXERCISE OF THIS PRIVILEGE, TRAVEL AND
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SECURE ACCREDITATION
FROM THE DEPARTMENT.

ANY TRAVEL OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY WHICH VIOLATES ANY
PROVISION OF THIS ACT SHALL HAVE ITS ACCREDITATION SUSPENDED OR
REVOKED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE


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PENALTIES TO BE FORMULATED BY THE DEPARTMENT. ANY SUCH
SUSUPENSION OR REVOCATION OF ACCREDITATION SHALL BE WITHOUT
PREJUDICE TO CIVIL SERVICE OR CRIMINAL SANCTIONS AGAINST THE
AGENCY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES.

‘The [mere] submission of spurious, forged or falsified documents supporting a passport
application by any duly accredited travel or recruitment agency shall be prima facie evidence that
the said travel or recruitment agency is the author of such forgery or falsification” PROVIDED,
THAT THE SPURIOUS, FORGED OR FALSIFIED DOCUMENT SUBMITTED IS
SECURED BY THE TRAVEL OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY IN BEHALF OF ITS
CLIENT.”

SEC. 12. A new Section 21 is hereby added to read as follows:

“SEC. 21. JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE — A JOINT
CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE IS HEREBY CREATED, COMPOSED
OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
AND SIX (6) OTHER SENATORS DESIGNATED BY THE SENATE PRESIDENT, AND
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND SIX
(6) OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DESIGNATED BY
THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: PROVIDED, THAT, OF
‘THE SIX (6) MEMBERS TO BE DESIGNATED BY EACH HOUSE OF CONGRESS,
FOUR (4) SHOULD COME FROM THE MAJORITY AND THE REMAINING (2)
SHOULD COME FROM THE MINORITY.

THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE SHALL HAVE THE POWER
TO MONITOR, ASSESS AND REVIEW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT
PARTICULARLY ON THE DISBURSEMENT AND UTILIZATION OF THE
PASSPORT REVOLVING FUND AND THE BUILDING FUND.

THE INITIAL SUM OF TEN MILLION PESOS P 10,000,000.00) SHALL BE
APPROPRIATED TO CARRY OUT THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS JOINT
CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. THEREAFTER, SUCH AMOUNT AS
MAY BE NECESSARY FOR ITS CONTINUED OPERATION SHALL BE INCLUDED
IN THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT”.

SEC. 13. Section 21 of the same Act shall be re-numbered as Sec. 22

SEC. 14. Separability Clause ~ If any provision of this act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 15. Repealing Clause. — All laws or parts thereof, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 16. Effectivity Clause — This Act shall take effect immediately following its

publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazeife-whjghever comes
first.

Approved,