‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 3007

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill was originally introduced as House Bill No. 4148 by the undersigned Rufus B.
Rodriguez during the Fourteenth Congress where it was transmitted to the Senate. During the 15"
COgnress, it was again re-filed as House Bill 1074 where it remained pending with the Committee on
Justice.

Despite numerous developments in technology and communication, there are several
antiquated laws in our statute books which are no longer relevant to modem times. One of them is
‘Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known as the “Philippine Immigration Act of 1940". Although
‘some amendments and revisions have been effected to this law, man of its provisions have ceased to
be responsive to present day conditions and realities, and there are still many problematic areas and
concerns that have not been adequately addressed.

Events of recent years have disclosed that many aliens in the country have been involved, at
one time or another, in organized crimes like illegal recruitment, prostitution, drug trafficking, terrorism,
human smuggling and the like, all of which greatly resulted in the general impression of both Filipinos
and foreigners alike that some aliens have contributed to a sufficient degree to the rise in criminality in
‘our country.

Under these circumstances, it cannot be overemphasized that there is an urgent need to
adopt stricter rules and regulations to protect the security, morals, safety and health of our people and
the country in general. This bill carries the following salient features to address the matter.

1 Anew, streamlined and restructured Commission on Immigration and

Naturalization is proposed providing for (a) a systematized gathering, compiling,
‘storage and reckoning/analysis of records, data and statistics on aliens, and (b) a
clearer delineation of functions among the different divisions/departments so as to
cut bureaucratic red tape and overlapping functions.

2 ‘The proposed Commission on Immigration and Naturalization will now act on
administrative naturalization matters in addition to its immigration related services.

3 ‘The proposed law expands the classes of aliens who are ineligible for admission
into the country.

4 The proposed law provides more visa categories and immigration privileges for
foreign investors o support the country’s policy of attracting foreign investments.

5 The proposed law provides guidelines on the handling of recent international
developments in the matter of refugees, stateless persons and asylees.

6 ‘The proposed law provides stiff penalties for trafficking of persons.

7. twill make the Commissioners career officials with a fixed term of seven (7)
years.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

EZ

Rl B. RO!
sou ae JR.


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 3007

PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 2013

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
TITLE |
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Title of the Act. — This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Immigration Act of 2013"

‘SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — In relation to other states, the Philippines shall give
Paramount consideration to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security,
ational interest, and the right to self-determination, as it adheres to the policy of peace,
cooperation and amity with all nations. Toward this end, Philippine immigration policies,
rules and regulations under this Act shall be applied and administered in the promotion of
domestic and international interests of the Philippines, in recognition of

(a) The admission of foreign nationals for the purpose of enhancing capital
investments, trade and commerce, cultural exchanges and other forms of friendly relations
and cooperation;

(b) The need for increased technological and scientific development;

(c) Promotion of conditions for social welfare and economic security of the people;

(4) Compliance with obligations and standards set by international law in the
admission or exclusion of foreign nationals;

(e) Promoting international order and justice by denying the use of Philippine territory
to persons who are engaged or likely to engage in terrorism, human smuggling and
trafficking, criminal and other nefarious activities;

(f) 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

(9) 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, the following terms are defined
as follows:

(a) "Admission" refers to the process by which a foreigner arriving at a port of entry
in the Philippines is allowed into the country by the immigration authorities;

(b) "Board" refers to the Board of Commissioners;

(©) "Border Control Officer” refers to any person tasked to man the border control
station as provided under Section 26 of this Act;

(4) "Captain" refers to the master of a vessel or pilot of an aircraft;

(e) "Child" refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age;

(f)_ 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;

(9) “Commission” refers to the Commission on Immigration;


(h) “Commissioner” and ‘Deputy Commissioner’ refer to the Commissioner of
Immigration and the Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, respectively;

() “Commitment Order’ refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under
Section 7 (c) (2) of this Act that directs the detention of a foreigner after it has been
determined that a probable cause exists that he/she committed acts and/or omissions in
violation of Philippine immigration laws, rules and regulations, or during the pendency of
deportation case against such foreigner: Provided, That such detention shall not exceed
three (3) months, unless there exists other legal grounds for continued detention;

() “Consular Officer” refers to any consular, diplomatic, or other officer of the
Government of the Philippines who has been duly granted a consular commission for the
purpose of issuing visas under this Act;

(k) _"Entry’ refers to the arrival of a foreigner into any designated port of entry in the
Philippines from a place outside thereof. A foreigner having a lawful permanent residence in
the Philippines shall not be regarded as making an entry for the purpose of this Act if such
foreigner proves that his/her departure to a place outside the Philippines was for a temporary
or limited period, or his/her continued absence from the Philippines was occasioned by
deportation proceedings, extradition, or other legal process;

() “Exclusion” refers to the act of Immigration Officers denying admission of a
foreigner into the country on grounds provided for in this Act;

(m) "Foreigner" or “Foreign National” refers to any person not a citizen of the
Philippines;

(n) “Hold Departure Order’ refers to (1) a directive that commands the
Commissioner to prevent a foreigner from leaving the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines
in cases of grant of bail and recognizance pending implementation of Summary Deportation
Order, or (2) an order implementing a directive from the President, the Senate, the House of
Representatives, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Regional Trial Courts, Sandiganbayan,
and appellate courts to prevent a person from leaving the Philippines to any place outside
thereof,

(0) “Husband” and/or "Wife" refer(s) to those regarded as such by the laws of the
country of which they are nationals but shall not include husband or wife by reason of proxy
or “picture marriage”;

(p) “Immigrant” refers to any foreign national departing from any place outside the
Philippines destined for the Philippines, other than a non-immigrant;

(q) “Immigration laws" refers to this Act and any other law presently existing or
which may hereafter be enacted relating to movement of natural persons to and from the
Philippines, and their exclusion, interception, deportation and repatriation;

() “Immigration Officer" refers to any person appointed under Section 28 of this
Act or any employee of the Commission designated by the Commissioner to perform the
powers, duties and functions of an Immigration Officer as specified under this Act;

(s) “Interception” refers to the act of Immigration Officers denying departure
clearance to any person leaving the country on grounds provided for in this Act;

() "Non-immigrant" refers to any foreigner departing from any place outside the
Philippines who is allowed entry and admission into the Philippines for a temporary or limited
period of stay;

(u) “Non-refoulement” refers a principle of international law which prohibits the
forced return of a refugee to the state or territory where his/her life or liberty would be
threatened;

(v) "Passport" refers a document issued by the Philippine government to its
citizens requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass safely and freely, and in
case of need to give him all lawful aid and protection;

(w) "Person" refers to natural and juridical person such as partnerships,
corporations, companies, and associations;

(%) "Port of entry" refers to any port designated by competent authority in
accordance with law through which a foreigner may apply to the Immigration Officer thereat
for admission into the Philippines;


(y) "President" refers to the President of the Republic of the Philippines;

@)__ “Refugee” refers to a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being
persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group,
oF political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality, and is unable or, owing to
such fear, is unwilling to avail of the protection of that country; or who, not having a
nationality and being outside the country of his/her former habitual residence, is unable or,
‘owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it;

(aa) “Foundiing” refers to a deserted or abandoned infant whose parents, guardian
or relatives are unknown, or a child committed to an orphanage or charitable institution with
unknown facts of birth and parentage and registered in the Civil Register as a “foundling”.

(bb) "Seaman," ‘Seafarer’ or "Crewmember" refers to a person actually employed in
the operation or service in any capacity on board a vessel;

(cc) "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the Department of Justice;

(dd) “Stateless Person’ refers to a person who is not considered a national by any
State under its laws;

(ee) “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 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";

(ff) "Vessel" refers to all means of conveyances, whether aircraft or sea craft:

(99) "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 immigration status granted and/or issued to foreigners by the Commissioner or
the Board under this Act; and

(hh) “Watchlist Order’ refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under Section
7 (c) (4) of this Act that requires immigration personnel to monitor and/or prevent the
departure of any person for a period of fifteen (15) days, extendible for another fifteen (15)
days, and to notify concerned government or law enforcement agencies, when his/her
presence is required in criminal or legislative proceedings, or he/she poses or may pose a
threat to national security, public health or public safety.

TITLE It
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRATION
CHAPTER 1
THE COMMISSION

SEC. 4. Creation. — The Commission on Immigration is hereby created. It shall be
principally responsible for the administration and enforcement of this Act, and the
implementation of all laws, rules, 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 Commission shall be under the general supervision of the Department of
Justice.

‘SEC. 5. Composition and Qualification. — The Commission shall be administered
by the Board of Commissioners headed by the Commissioner as Chairperson, and four (4)
Deputy Commissioners as members, all of whom shall be natural-born citizens of the
Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five (35) years of age, holders
of a college degree and with proven capacity for administration: Provided, That the majority
or three (3) members including the Chairperson of the Commission shall be members of the
Philippine Bar in good standing for at least five (5) years.


CHAPTER 2
THE COMMISSIONER
‘SEC. 6. Appointment and Rank 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. 7. Powers and Functions of the Commissioner. - In addition to the duties as
Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners, the Commissioner shall exercise the following
powers and functions:

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

(b) Appoint, and exercise control and supervision over, the officers and personnel of
the commission, subject to existing civil service laws, rules and regulations;

(©) Issue, (1) letter orders after determination of the existence of probable cause:
(2) commitment or release orders; (3) warrant of deportation; (4) watchlist orders; (5) hold
departure orders; (6) allow entry or departure orders; (7) blacklist orders; and (8) orders
implementing watchlist orders issued by the Department of Justice;

(d) Delegate authority to subordinate officers and employees of the Commission,
except with regard to powers and functions enumerated in the immediately preceding
Paragraph, which may be delegated only to the Deputy Commissioners;

() Act on applications for issuance and revocation of immigrant visas;

(f) Acton petitions for declaration of indigency;

(g) Declare such control posts, landing places, airports or ports as points of entry or
exit, whether limited or unlimited;

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

(i) Act on applications for retention or reacquisition of citizenship under Republic
Act No. 9225 otherwise known as “Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 200:

()_ Issue Certificate of Identification to foreigners who have obtained Filipino
citizenship;

(k) Issue letter orders and permits to cary firearms, ammunition and
communications equipment to authorized immigration operatives for use in enforcement
‘operations and in the execution of warrants: Provided, That such firearms are owned and
issued by the Commission;

(I) Inspect the documents, premises and records of persons covered by this Act;

(m) 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 perform immigration duties and
functions subject to the concurrence of the Board;

(n) Authorize and prescribe the forms and the amount of cash bonds for the
provisional release of respondents in deportation proceedings;

(0) Impose reasonable fines and penalties for violation of immigration and alien
registration laws in accordance with this Act and the guidelines adopted by the Commission;

(p) Accept donation of materials, equipment or technical services from any foreign
government, international or domestic organization, to upgrade the efficiency and operations
of the Commission;

(q) Submit to the President and Congress, annually or as may be directed, a report
on the: (1) number and status of foreigners in the Philippines; (2) foreigners admitted or
granted change of status as permanent residents; (3) foreigners who have been excluded or
deported from the Philippines; (4) estimated number of illegal foreigners in the Philippines in
each calendar year and actions taken to arrest them, by nationality grouping, for each region
in the Philippines; and (5) such other transactions of the Commission;

() Prepare and submit supplemental budget of the Commission for the
consideration of the Department of Budget and Management;

(s) Prescribe such rules, regulations or other administrative issuances to carry out
the provisions of this Act;



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

(u) Perform such other functions inherent to the Commission.

(v) Act on applications for recognition of Philippine citizenship of foundlings

CHAPTER 3
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS
SEC. 8. Appointment and Rank of Deputy Commissioners. — There shall be four
(4) Deputy Commissioners who shall be appointed by the President. They shall have the
same rank, salary and privileges of an Assistant Secretary of a Department.

SEC. 9. Duties of Deputy Commissioners. — In addition to their duties as
members of the Board, the Deputy Commissioners shall exercise additional powers, subject
to the approval of and as may be assigned by the Board, in the following areas of concern
as
a. Deputy Commissioner for Administration, Finance, Planning, Legal and
Information and Communications Technology;
b. Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations, Registration, Immigration
Regulation and Visa and Special Permit;
c. Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence, Enforcement, Fraud Prevention and
Complaint and Prosecution; and
d. Deputy Commissioner for Intemational Policies, Cooperation and Social
Integration
CHAPTER 4
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEC. 10. Powers and Functions of the Board, — The Board shall have the following
powers and functions
(a) Decide on deportation cases;
(b) Act on appeals on decisions promulgated by immigration hearing officers;
(c) Act on applications or recommendations for revocation of immigration status;
(d) Act on applications for recognition of Philippine citizenship by reason of birth or
marriage;
(e) Decide on applications for legalization of residence in accordance with law;
(f) Prescribe and promulgate rules of proceedings before it;
(g) Cite and punish for contempt any person in accordance with the Rules of Court;
(h) Prepare and publish operations manual and rules of procedure, including
schedule of fees, for all transactions entered into by the Commission with the public;
(i) Formulate policies, directives, programs and projects of the Commission; and
() Perform such other powers and functions as provided by existing laws, rules and
regulations not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 11. Decisions of the Board. — In all cases or proceedings before the Board,
the decision of the majority shall prevail. Decisions of the Board shall become final and
executory fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof. Only one (1) motion for reconsideration
shall be filed with the Board.

Decisions in deportation cases may be appealed to the Office of the President within
fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof, whose decision shall be final and executory unless
stayed by an order of the Court of Appeals. The appeal shall stay the execution of the
decision appealed from unless the Board, in the interest of national security and/or public
safety, directs its execution pending appeal.

SEC. 12. Period for Decision by the Board. ~ The Board of Commissioners shall
decide deportation cases within thirty (30) days from the date they are submitted for decision
or resolution.


SEC. 13. Meetings of the Board. — In all cases, the Board of Commissioners shall
convene and act as a collegial body in all matters referred to in Section 10 of this Act. The
Board shall meet at least once a week or, if necessary, twice a week. Members of the
Board shall be notified accordingly and the presence of the Chairperson and two (2)
members shall constitute a quorum.

SEC. 14. Board Secretary. - The Board shall be assisted by a Board Secretary who
shall be appointed by the Commissioner. He/she must be a member of the Philippine Bar in
good standing for at least three (3) years prior to his/her appointment. He/she shall keep a
docket book for deportation cases, applications for revocation of immigration status,
applications for recognition of Philippine citizenship by reason of birth or marriage,
applications for legalization of residence and applications for refugee status.

CHAPTER 5
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SEC. 15. Appointment and Tenure - There shall be an Executive Director of the
Commission who shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the recommendation of the
Commissioner, and whose term shall be co-terminous with the Commissioner. He/she must
be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty (30) years of age and a member of
the Philippine Bar in good standing for at least five (5) years prior to his/her appointment.

SEC. 16. Powers and Duties. - The Executive Director shall:

(a) Advise and assist the Commissioner in the formulation and implementation of the
objectives, policies, plans and programs of the Commission;

(b) Oversee all the operational activities of the Commission;

(©) Coordinate the programs and projects of the Commission and be responsible for
its economical, efficient and effective administration;

(d) Administer oaths in connection with all matters relating to the business of the
Commission; and

(e) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Commissioner.

CHAPTER 6
THE BOARD OF SPECIAL INQUIRY
SEC. 17. Constitution of Boards of Special Inquiry. There shall be constituted as
many Boards of Special Inquiry as required in the exigency of service but not more than
twelve (12). Each Board shall be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members. The
Board shall be designated according to their areas of specialization to be determined by
the Board.

SEC. 18. Appointment and Qualification of the Chairpersons and Members of
the Boards of Special Inquiry. - The Chairpersons and members of the Boards of Special
Inquiry shall be appointed by the Commissioner, all of whom 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 engaged in the practice of law for at
least three (3) years. They shall hold office during good behavior, unless sooner removed for
cause

SEC. 19. Powers and Functions of the Boards of Special Inquiry. - The Boards of
Special Inquiry shall:

(a) Administer oaths;

(b) Cite and punish for contempt in accordance with the Rules of Court;

(c) Issue subpoena in cases being heard by the Board of Special Inquiry;

(d) Recommend to the Board the imposition, waiver or reduction of fees, fines,
penalties and other charges subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;


(e) Exercise exclusive original authority to hear and recommend to the Board for final
resolution the following cases:

(1) Deportation;

(2) Applications for revocation of immigration status;

(3) Applications for recognition of Philippine citizenship by reason of birth or
marriage;

(4) Applications for legalization of residence in accordance with law;

(5) Application for issuance of visa for stateless person; and
(f) Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the Commissioner.

SEC. 20. Proceedings Before the Boards of Special Inquiry. - The proceedings
before the Boards of Special Inquiry shall be public and recorded. In all cases, the Boards of
Special Inquiry shall meet and act as a collegial body. Only members of the Philippine Bar
in good standing shall appear for and in behalf of any party before the Boards of Special
Inquiry.

SEC. 21. Resolutions of the Boards of Special Inquiry. - Cases before the
Boards of Special Inquiry shall be resolved within five (5) working days from the date the
same are submitted for resolution. Said resolution shall be submitted immediately to the
Board for action

CHAPTER 7
DIVISIONS OF THE COMMISSION

SEC. 22. Divisions and Other Operating Offices of the Commission. — The
Commission shall have the following divisions and other operating offices, namely: (1)
Administration; (2) Finance; (3) Information and Communications Technology; (4) Planning
and Research; (5) International Policies and Cooperation; (6) Social Integration; (7)
Intelligence; (8) Law Enforcement; (9) Fraud Prevention; (10) Legal; (11) Immigration
Regulation; (12) Registration; (13) Visa and Special Permit; (14) Complaint and Prosecution;
(15) Internal Audit Office; (16) National Operations Center; and (17) Immigration Academy of
the Philippines.

SEC. 23. Heads of the Divisions and Other Operating Offices. — Each Division
and other operating offices shall be headed by a Director to be appointed by the Secretary,
recommendation of the Commissioner: Provided, however, That Directors for the
Division for Legal and the Division for Complaint and Prosecution shall be members of the
Philippine Bar in good standing, and must have been engaged in the practice of law for at
least three (3) years. The Director for Finance Division shall be a Certified Public Accountant
in good standing for at least three (3) years.

SEC. 24. Duties and Functions of the Divisions and Other Operating Offices. -
The different divisions and other operating offices of the Commission shall operate in
accordance with their respective duties and functions as defined by the Commissioner,
subject to the requirements of efficiency, economy, transparency, accountability and
effectiveness, and pertinent budget and civil service laws, rules and regulations.

CHAPTER 8
REGIONAL OFFICES
SEC. 25. Field Offices of the Commission. — The Commission shall operate and
maintain a Regional immigration Office in each of the administrative regions including the
National Capital Region.
The Regional immigration Offices of the Commission shall each be headed by
a Regional Immigration Officer, all of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the
recommendation of the Commissioner.


SEC. 26. Border Control Stations - There shall be established Border Control
Stations which shall be manned by Border Control Officers appointed by the Commissioner.
The Border Control Stations shall be placed in specific areas in the Philippines which shall
be determined by the Board. Their duties and responsibilities shall be determined by the
‘Commissioner.

SEC. 27. Changes in the Composition, Distribution of Assignment of Regional
Offices. - The Commissioner may make changes in the composition, distribution and
assignment of Regional Offices, as well as its personnel, based on the demographics of the
Philippines’ foreigner population and as the exigency of the service requires.

SEC. 28. Immigration Officers. - The position of Immigration Officer is hereby
created. No person shall be appointed to the position of Immigration Officer unless he is a
holder of a bachelor's degree and a first grade civil service eligible. The Immigration Officers
shall perform the following duties:

(a) Examine, with the assistance and advice of medical authorities in appropriate
cases, foreigners at the port of entry conceming 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

(d) Search for foreign nationals on any vessel believed to be used to illegally bring
foreign nationals into the Philippines, and to arrest without warrant any foreigner who in his
presence or view is entering or is about to enter the Philippines in violation of immigration
and related laws, rules and regulations;

(e) Act as control officer with authority to prevent the departure of passengers not
complying with departure requirements; and

(f) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commissioner from time
totime,

SEC. 29. Designation of Employees. - The Commissioner may designate, in
accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations, any competent and qualified
‘employee of the Commission, to act as immigration officer or assign any employee to other
offices within the Commission and/or assign him/her additional or other duties as the best
interest or exigency of the service may require.

SEC. 30, Assignment of Employees to do Overtime Work. — The Commissioner
may assign immigration employees to do overtime work or services pursuant to rules and
regulations to be prescribed and at the rates fixed by the Commissioner when the work or
service to be rendered is to be paid by the airline, shipping companies or other persons
served.

SEC. 31. Deployment of Immigration Personnel Abroad. - Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Commission shall
enter into a Memorandum of Agreement pertinent to the assignment and deployment of
immigration personnel to select consular posts abroad who shall perform immigration duties,
except diplomatic and consular functions.

SEC. 32, Manning Levels - On the average, the manning levels of immigration
officers of the Commission nationwide shall be in accordance with the number of arrivals in
each port of entry as determined by the Board: Provided, That the number of employees, as
provided in the staffing pattern in accordance with Section 130 of the Act, shall not be
decreased.


10

TITLE Il
IMMIGRATION
CHAPTER 1 - NON-IMMIGRANTS,

SEC. 33. Categories of Non-immigrants and Types of Visa Issued.- Foreign
nationals departing from any place outside the Philippines who are otherwise admissible and
who 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 passing through the Philippines solely for a
“stop over’ who have a confirmed connecting flight to another country or passengers in
immediate and continuous transit to a destination outside the Philippines;

(c) Crew members (C Visa): Members of the crew of vessels required for the normal
‘operation and servicing of the vessels who come to the Philippines temporarily as part of
their jobs either arriving with or coming to join the vessels;

(d) Treaty Traders (D-1 Visa) and Treaty Investors (D-2 Visa): Citizens and their
family members from a country that has a trade treaty with the Philippines and coming to
work in the Philippines for either a company they own or one that is at least fifty percent
(60%) 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 of a country that has an investor treaty with the Philippines, and their family
members, and coming to work in the Philippines for a business they own or one that is at
least fifty percent (50%) owned by nationals of their home country and which business is
supported by a substantial investment from nationals of their home country shall be granted
a D-2 visa;

(e) Accredited Foreign Government Officials, Their Families and Attendants (E
Visas): Foreign government officials, their families and attendants coming to the country for
official purpose, pursuant to international conventions and bilateral agreements, shail be
granted E Visas divided into three (3) types, namely:

1. Persons entitled to E-1 Visa: The E-1 Visa shall be issued to persons enjoying
diplomatic immunities and privileges, particularly the following classes of foreign
nationals:

a. Heads of the State and Heads of Government and their personal

representatives;

b. Members of reigning royal families 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;

Diplomatic couriers regularly and professionally employed as such;

Military, naval, air and other attaches assigned to a diplomatic mission;

Ail members of official special missions of a diplomatic character;

°

Fe aoa


k. Officials of international organizations bearing diplomatic passports when

traveling on official business;
|. Representatives of international organizations who have diplomatic status and

bearing diplomatic passports issued by their governments;

m. Members of delegations proceeding to or from an international conference of
an official or diplomatic nature;

n. Accompanying spouses and unmarried minor children of foreigners within the
abovementioned categories; and

©. Such other officials going to the Philippines on diplomatic missions.

2. Persons entitled to E-2 Visa: The E-2 visa shall be issued to any other person not
included in the foregoing list, who is an officer of a foreign government
recognized by the Philippines, is a national of the country whose government he
represents, and is proceeding to the Philippines in connection with official
business for his/her government.

This category includes, inter alia, the members of the staff of a
diplomatic mission or consular post, the staff of international organizations,
and official students or participants in programs under the auspices of the
Philippine Government or recognized international institutions.

The family members of the above-mentioned persons shall also be
issued E-2 Visa

3. Persons entitled to E-3 Visa: The E-3 Visa shall be issued to the members of the
household, the attendants, servants and employees of persons to whom E-1 and
E-2 visas have been granted;

(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 for such foreign students by the Commission on Higher
Education in collaboration with the Commission. Their collaboration shall include the
monitoring of the status of activities of such foreign students in the Philippines;

(g) rearranged 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;

(i) Representatives of International Organizations and Government Agencies (I
Visa): Officials, principal representatives and foreign workers of accredited international
organizations as well as missions, including their family members, staff and servants. The
term “accredited international organization” includes any public international organization in
the 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 participation and such other international organizations,
institutions, agencies, programs, foundations and entities which are recognized by the
government of the Republic of the Philippines, including those existing and already
recognized as such at the time of the effectivity of this Act. The term “staff” includes the
employees of persons to whom the E-3 visa has been granted;

(j) Media Workers (J Visa): Foreign media personnel or correspondents, duly
accredited by the government agency concerned, 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 gathering information principally for dissemination abroad,
including their family members accompanying or following to join 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;

(I) Refugees (L-1 Visa) and Stateless Persons (L-2 Visa): Refugees as defined in
Section 3 (z) hereof shall be issued L-1 Visa. Stateless persons, whose admission for
humanitarian reasons and not inimical to public interest has been approved by the
Commissioner or the President in such cases and under such conditions as he may
prescribe, shall be issued L-2 Visa; and

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

SEC 33-A. Visa Policy. - The policies governing the issuance, extension, renewal
and conversion of visas referred to in Section 33 hereof shall be jointly formulated by the
Commission and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and, when appropriate, the
Commission and the DFA shall consult with the concerned government agencies or offices
relative thereto.

Any visa policy or guidelines to be implemented abroad shall be done by the DFA,
with due notice to the Commission and other concerned agencies and/or offices.

SEC. 33-B. Visa Issuance Overseas. - All non-immigrant visas issued outside of the
Philippines shall be done by Consular Officers of the DFA duly assigned at Philippines posts
abroad. Immigrant visas, whenever issued abroad, shall be done by the Consular Officers
upon the approval of the Commission through the DFA.

CHAPTER 2
IMMIGRANTS
SEC. 34, Quota Immigrants. — Subject to conditions set forth in this Act, there may

be admitted into the Philippines, immigrants, otherwise known as “quota immigrants’, not to
‘exceed two hundred (200) of any one nationality based on immigration reciprocity for any
‘one calendar year and upon allotment by the Commissioner of the corresponding quota
number. In the allotment of quota numbers, the following order of preference shall be
observed:

(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;

(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

e)

see 35. 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 each year: Provided, however, That if the fifty percent (50%) is not utilized by


3

the first preference, the balance thereof shall be given to the second, third, and fourth
preferences in accordance with Section 34 of this Act. Any unused quota allotment for a
calendar year cannot be carried over and utilized for the ensuing calendar year.

SEC. 36. Basis in Determination of Quota Allotment. — The nationality of an
immigrant whose admission is subject to the numerical limitation imposed by Section 34 of
this Act shall be that of the country of which the immigrant is a national or a citizen. The
nationality of an immigrant possessing dual nationality may be that of either of the two
countries regarding him/her as a national or citizen if he/she applies for a visa in a third
country. If he/she applies for a visa within one of the two countries regarding him/her as a
national or citizen, his/her nationality shall be that of the country in which he/she files his/her
application for a visa to enter the Philippines.

SEC. 37. 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, however, That the abandonment
and failure to give support by the foreign spouse to his/her Filipino spouse and family, 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 canceliation of the immigrant visa issued to the foreign spouse;

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

(c) A child born to a foreign mother during her temporary visit abroad, the mother
being a 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;

(d) A child born subsequent to the issuance of an immigrant visa to the
‘accompanying parent, the visa not having expired or revoked;

() 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; and

(f) Annatural-born citizen who becomes a naturalized citizen of a foreign country and
is returning to the Philippines for permanent residence therein, including his/her spouse and
minor children accompanying or following to join him/her, except the one who has re-
acquired or retained his/her Philippine citizenship pursuant to Republic Act No. 9225.

(9)

SEC. 38. Status of Children Born to Foreign Nationals. — (a) A child born in the
Philippines to parents who are foreign nationals and lawful residents of the Philippines shall
be deemed a native-born permanent resident. (b) 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
he/she reaches the age of eighteen (18) years while continuously residing in the
Philippines, in which case he/she may apply for naturalization under existing laws or for an
appropriate visa.

CHAPTER 3
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS

SEC. 39. 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 foreigner lawfully admitted as a permanent resident if: (a) the foreigner
makes an application for such adjustment; (b) the foreigner is eligible to receive a quota or
non-quota immigrant visa and is admissible to the Philippines as a permanent resident: and
(c) a quota immigrant visa, if such is the case, is immediately available to him/her at the time
of his/her application, without the need of first departing from the Philippines. In all such
cases, the personal appearance of the foreigner shall be required during the consideration of
his/her application.


4

SEC. 40. 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 and shall be included as part of the quota for the calendar
year in accordance with Section 34 of this Act.

SEC. 41. Adjustment of Status, When Not Allowed. — Adjustment of status under
Section 34 of this Act shall not be applicable to (a) a foreign crewman, (b) a foreign national
who has violated or is in violation of immigration laws, rules and regulations unless the same
is through no fault of his/her own or for purely technical reasons, (c) a foreign national
admitted as a temporary visitor without visa, and (d) transients.

CHAPTER 4
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF NON-IMMIGRANTS

SEC. 42. 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 to or other travel documents showing their nationality
and identity as prescribed by regulations and a valid visa granted by the Philippine Consular
Officer, if required under existing laws, rules, regulations, or multi-lateral or bilateral
agreements.

SEC. 43. 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 33 of this Act shall not exceed two (2) months from the date of arrival. Extensions of
authorized stay may be granted under terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the
Commissioner: Provided, That the total period of authorized stay shall not exceed twenty-
four (24) months: Provided further, That during the foreign national’s authorized stay: (a)
he/she shall not take any employment, whether paid or unpaid; (b) he/she shall not establish
or join in any business; or (c) he/she shall not enroll and become a student at a school,
college, university, academy, or other educational institution, unless he/she is granted, upon
proper application, a conversion to another immigration status provided under this Act.

SEC. 44, Conditions for Issuance of Pre-arranged Visas. — A foreigner who is
coming to the Philippines for prearranged employment shall not be issued a non-immigrant
visa referred to in Section 33 (g) until the Consular Officer shall have received authorization
for the issuance of the same. Such authorization shall be given only upon the filing of a
petition with the Board establishing, among others, that no person can be found in the
Philippines willing and competent to perform the work or service for which the foreigner is
desired and that his/her admission would be beneficial to the public interest. The petition
shall be under oath by the prospective employer or his/her representative in the form and
manner prescribed by the Board.

If the Board finds that the petition complies with the requirements of the preceding
paragraph and of other regulations, it shall grant the petition and shall promptly transmit the
authorization to the Department of Foreign Affairs and/or the Consular Office concerned.

SEC. 45. Submission of Crew List and Passenger Manifest to the Commission. ~
Simultaneous to the vessel's departure from the port of origin, the master, captain, agent,
‘owner or consignee of any commercial vessel arriving to the Philippines shall submit to the
Commission, 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
commercial vessel departing from any port in the Philippines shall submit to the
Commission, within a reasonable time prior to such departure, the crew list, passenger


15

manifest and such other information concerning the persons departing on such vessel. The
crew list of an incoming sea craft shall be duly visaed by the appropriate Consular Officer.

SEC. 46. Inspection of Crewmembers. — It 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 the Immigration Officer, any foreign crewmember employed on such
vessel and to detain such crewmember on board after inspection and to remove such
crewmember when required by the immigration authorities. No crewmember on board such
vessel shall be discharged while the vessel is in port without the permission of the
Commissioner.

SEC. 47. 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 Commission while the crewmember is on land shall be borne by the master,
captain, agent, owner or consignee of the carrying vessel

CHAPTER 5
REFUGEE STATUS
SEC. 48. Grant of Refugee Status. - Persons seeking refugee status may apply for

recognition as a refugee upon seeking admission at any port of entry or within a reasonable
time thereafter. Refugee status shall be granted by the Secretary of the Department of
Justice after it is determined that an applicant meets the qualifications of a refugee as,
defined in Section 3(z) hereof. Refugee status shall not be granted to an applicant if he/she:

(a) has committed a crime against peace, a war crime, crime against humanity or
any other crime under international law;

(b) has committed a serious non-political crime outside the Philippines prior to his
admission as a refugee; or

(©) has been guilty of an act contrary to the purposes and principles of the United
Nations.

(a)

SEC. 49. Cessation of Refugee Status. — Refugee status granted under the previous

section shall cease if a refugee:

(a) Voluntarily repatriates himseltiherself or has re-established himself/herself in
another State;

(b) Acquired a new nationality and enjoys the protection of such a State; or

(c) Can no longer continue to refuse to avail the protection of the country of his/her
nationality or, not having a nationality, is able to return to the country of former habitual
residence in view of the cessation of the reasons that resulted to his/her being a refugee:
Provided, That this ground shall not apply if a refugee is able to invoke compelling reasons
arising out of the previous persecution.

SEC. 50. Effect of Grant of Refugee Status to Refugee Dependents. - A spouse,
minor child, and other dependents of a foreigner who is granted a refugee status may, if not
otherwise eligible under Section 48, be granted the same status as the refugee to assure
family unity or when it is in the public interest.

SEC. 51. Confidentiality of Information. — In proceedings for the recognition of
refugee status, the confidentiality of information shall be respected and no information
relating to the refugee shall be shared with the country of origin, directly or indirectly.

SEC. 52. Burden of Proof. — In proceedings for the recognition of refugee status, the
burden of proof lies with the applicant, subject to the principle of non-refoulement.


16

SEC. 53. Stay of Exclusion or Deportation. — Notwithstanding the provisions of
Sections 78 and 86, the exclusion from entry and deportation of a foreigner shall be stayed
during the pendency of an application for refugee status. Where grounds under Section 78
are present, the refugee shall be allowed entry and the application shall be immediately
referred by the Immigration Officer to the Board.

SEC. 54. Detention of Refugee. — Detention of applicants for refugee status shall
only be resorted to in cases arising out of illegal entry or unauthorized stay after
consideration of other alternatives, as may be determined by the Commissioner.

CHAPTER 6
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF IMMIGRANTS

SEC. 55. 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 visas issued by the Consular Officer
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;

(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 reentry permit, if the child is
accompanied by either parent within five (5) years from the date of the child’s birth; and

(0) A foreigner who is returning to an unrelinquished lawful permanent residence in
the Philippines after a temporary residence abroad and presents for admission a valid
reentry permit

Chapter 7
VISA ISSUANCE
SEC. 56, Nature of Visa. — 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, he/she is found to be inadmissible under this
Act or any other law.

SEC. 57. Requirement of Issuance of Visa. — Under the conditions and subject to
the limitations prescribed in this Act or regulations issued hereunder, the Commissioner may
approve the issuance of an immigrant visa upon the recommendation of a Consular Officer
in the following manner:

(a) An immigrant visa may only be issued to a foreign national who has made a
proper application therefor, which shall specify the foreign country, if any, to which the quota
the number is assigned, the immigrant’s particular status in such country, the preference to
which the foreigner is classified, the date on which the validity of the visa shall expire, and
such additional information as may be required

(b) The Department of Foreign Affairs, through its Consular Office abroad and
through the Office of the Visa Director, shall approve the issuance of a non-immigrant visa to
a foreign national who has made a proper application therefor in accordance with Section 33
of this Act.

Al diplomatic visas under Section 33 (e) of this Act shall be exclusively issued by the
Department of Foreign Affairs in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations.

All other non-immigrant visas under Section 33 shall be issued by the Consular
Officer, when the application is made abroad, or may be issued by the Office of the Visa
Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, when the application is made in the Philippines
for conversion or renewal.


7

The issuance of special non-immigrant visas falling under the jurisdiction of a
particular government office or agency can only be done in coordination with and upon
recommendation of the government agency or office concemed.

SEC. 58. Requirements for Physical and/or Mental Examination Prior to
Issuance of Immigrant Visa. - Prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa to any foreign
national, the Consular Officer shall require such person to submit to a physical and mental
examination in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the
Commissioner. In addition, said foreign national shall be required to personally plant fifty
(80) trees, except when he/she is physically incapable of doing so, in which case, he/she
may cause another person to plant the trees.

SEC. 59. Validity of Visa. — A non-immigrant or immigrant visa issued by a
Consular Officer abroad pursuant to Section 57 of this Act shall be valid for a period not
exceeding six (6) months. In prescribing the period of validity of a non-immigrant visa, the
Consular Officer shall, insofar as practicable, accord to such nationals the same treatment
on a reciprocal basis as such foreign country accords to citizens of the Philippines who are
within a similar class. An immigrant visa may be replaced under the original number during
the calendar year in which the original visa was issued for a foreigner who establishes to the
satisfaction of the Consular Officer that he/she was unable to use the original immigrant visa
during the period of its validity for reasons beyond his/her control: Provided, That the foreign
national is found by the Consular Officer to be eligible for another immigrant visa and has
paid all the fees.

SEC. 60. Denial of Visa, Grounds Thereof — The Consular Officer may deny the
application for visa (a) if it appears from the statements in the application or in the
documents submitted the applicant is not entitled to a visa under this Act; or (b) if he/she
fails to comply with the requirements of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 61. Revocation of Visa Issued by Consular Officer. — The Commissioner
may, for valid cause and upon confirmation of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, revoke the
visa issued by any Philippine Consular Office. If the notice of revocation is not received and
the visa holder applies for admission into the Philippines, his/her admission or entry shall be
determined by the Immigration Officer upon his/her arrival at the port of entry.

CHAPTER 8
RE-ENTRY AND EMIGRATION CLEARANCE
SEC. 62. Re-entry. — Every time a registered foreign national, except a temporary
visitor, departs or is about to depart temporarily from the Philippines with the intention to
return, he/she must pay a re-entry fee, emigration clearance fee and head fee: Provided,
That said foreign national returns to the Philippines within a period of one (1) year from
his/her departure in order to maintain his/her visa category. Otherwise, he/she shall apply for
an extension of the period within which to return prior to its expiration and pay the prescribed
fees and charges therefor: Provided, further, That if his/her authorized stay is less than one
(1) year, he/she shall pay a special return fee, emigration clearance fee and head fee for
every departure: Provided, finally, That in both cases, if the registered foreign national
departs permanently from the Philippines, he/she shall surrender all his/her Philippine
immigration documents to the Commission and apply for and be issued an Emigration
Clearance Certificate upon payment of the prescribed fees and charges therefor, subject to
the following conditions:
(a) He/she has no pending obligation with the government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities;
(b) He/she has no pending criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding which requires
his continued presence in the country; and


18

(c) There is no ongoing legislative inquiry where he/she is called upon to testify as a
witness.

SEC. 63. Emigration Clearance. — Any temporary visitor departing from the
Philippines shall, after the expiration of his/her initial authorized stay, apply for emigration
clearance with the Commission and pay the prescribed fees and charges therefor.

CHAPTER 9
PRESIDENTIAL PREROGATIVES
SEC. 64. Presidential Prerogatives. — Any provision of this Act to the contrary
notwithstanding, the President may:

(a) Deny the entry and admission into the Philippines of any foreign national or a class
of foreign nationals whenever the President finds that the entry would be detrimental to the
interest of the Philippines or impose such restrictions as he/she may deem appropriate;

(b) Waive passport and/or documentary requirements for non-immigrants and
immigrants under such terms and conditions as he/she may prescribe;

(C) Change the status of non-immigrants by allowing them to acquire permanent
residence status without necessity of a visa;

(d) Deport any foreign national, subject to the requirement of due process;

(e) 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 he/she may prescribe;

(f) Prohibit the departure from the Philippines of any person who is likely to disclose
national security information, or who is likely to organize a rebellion abroad against the
Philippines, or whose presence in the country is necessary to face, or be a witness in,
criminal proceedings; and

(g) 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 1
CLASSIFICATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY

SEC. 65. 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 foreigners may be admitted into the
Philippines. Only such classes of foreigners 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. 66. Inspection by Immigration Officer. — A foreigner seeking admission or
readmission shall present his/her 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
examining Immigration Officer, if favorable to the admission of any foreigner, may be
challenged by another Immigration Officer. The final determination of admissibility of such
foreigner shall be determined by the Commissioner in case no resolution is reached between
the Immigration Officers on the challenged admission. In case of admission, the Immigration
Officer shall indicate in the passport the date, the port of entry and the identity of the vessel
boarded.

SEC. 67. Detention or Quarantine for Examination. — For the purpose of
determining whether a foreigner arriving at any port in the Philippines belongs to any of the


19

classes excludable under this Act by reason of being afflicted with any of the contagious or
communicable disease or mental disorder set forth under Section 78(a) of this Act or
whenever the Commissioner has received information showing that foreigners are coming
from a country or a place where any of such diseases are prevalent or widespread, the
foreigner shall be detained or quarantined for a reasonable period of time to enable the
immigration and medical officers to subject such person to observation and examination.

‘SEC. 68. Medical Examination Requirement. — Any arriving foreign national whom
the examining Immigration Officer believes to belong under the class of excludable foreign
nationals specified in Section 78(a) herein shall be referred to designated medical officers for
physical and mental examination. Such medical officer shall certify his/her findings for the
information of the Immigration Officer.

SEC. 69. Arrival Notice Requirements of Vessel, ~ The immigration authorities
shall be given prior notice of the arrival of any civilian vessel before such vessel comes into
any area in the Philippines from any place outside thereof. Such prior notice shall not be
required in the case of vessels with scheduled arrivals filed with the Immigration Officer in
charge at the international port of entry

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

SEC. 70. Contents of Notice of Arrival. — The advance notice of arrival required in
the preceding section shall specify the following:

(a) Type of vessel and registration marks;

(b) Visaed crewiist;

(c) Passenger manifest;

(d) Port of last departure;

(e) International port of intended destination, or other place authorized by the
Commissioner;

(f) Estimated time of arrival; and

(g) Authorized agent or representative at the place of arrival.

CHAPTER 3
FOREIGN CREWMEMBER
SEC. 71. Conditional Permit to Disembark. — A foreign crewmember of a vessel
under Section 33(c) of this Act may be granted a conditional permit, in a form prescribed by
regulations, to disembark temporarily from the vessel on which he/she arrived while such
vessel remains in port under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the
Commissioner.

SEC. 72. Confiscation and Cancellation of Permit; Deportation from the
Philippines. — Upon the determination that the foreigner 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 foreigner into custody, and
require the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel on which
the foreigner arrived to receive and detain him/her on board. The expenses for his/her
removal, 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

SEC. 73. Liability for Overstaying Foreign Crewmen. — A foreign crewmember
who remains in the Philippines in excess of the period allowed in the conditional permit
issued to him shall be solidarily liable with the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent
or consignee of the vessel to pay the penalties prescribed in Section 126 of this Act


20

SEC. 74. 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 foreign crewmember employed by a vessel
arriving in the Philippines and whilst in port, without first obtaining the prior permission of the
Commissioner. Otherwise, such person or owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or
consignee of the vessel shall pay the Commission such fines as may be prescribed under
this Act. No such 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. 75. 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
foreigners and any information that shalll result in their apprehension.

SEC. 76. Requirement for Submission of List of Newly Employed, Discharged
and Illegally Landed Foreign Crewmember. — 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, if any, who have been discharged; (c) the name 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. 77. Liability for Failure to Submit Complete, True and Correct Report. — in
case the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee, fails to submit a true
and complete list or report of foreigners, or to report cases of desertion or illegal landing,
he/she shall pay to the Commission such sum as may be prescribed under this Act. No
such 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 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. 78. Exclusion Grounds. - The following classes of foreign nationals shall not
be allowed entry and shall be excluded from the Philippines:
(2) Health Related Grounds
1. Those who are found to be suffering from a communicable, dangerous or
contagious disease;
2. Those who are found to be suffering from mental disorder or associated
behavior that may pose threat to persons or danger to property;
3. Those who are found to be suffering from addiction to prohibited or regulated
‘substance;
(b) Economic Grounds
Those likely to become a public charge;
Those seeking entry for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor,
without a permit from the Secretary of the Department of Labor and
Employment as required by law;
(©) Moral Grounds
1. Those coming to the Philippines to practice polygamy or who advocate the
practice of polygamy unless his/her religion allows such practices;

woes


21

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;

4. Those who, at the time of primary inspection, by the Immigration Officer
exhibit any obnoxious behavior, contempt or disrespect for the said officer or
any government official or Commission;

(d) Criminal and Security Grounds
1. Those who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or who

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

2. Those who have been convicted, 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 attempt or conspire to
commit the crime;

3. Those that the Philippine Government knows or has reason to believe is a
trafficker of any controlled, regulated or prohibited substance or knows or has
reason to believe is or has been an accomplice, accessory, abettor, or co-
conspirator 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:

‘a. Espionage or sabotage, or a violation or evasion of any laws
prohibiting export of goods, technology or sensitive information;

b. Any activity aimed to promote membership in an organization of
syndicated criminal activities;

c. Any activity, the purpose of which is to overthrow the Philippine
government by force, violence or other unlawful means; and

d. 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;

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 are under fifteen (15) years of age and unaccompanied by or not
coming to a parent, except that they may be admitted in the discretion of the
Commissioner, if otherwise admissible; and

9. 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.

SEC. 78-A. Minor Persons/ Minority. — Persons under fifteen (15) years of age,
having a Filipino parent, and not accompanied by or not coming to a parent, may be
admitted: Provided, That the written consent of either parent allowing them to travel is
presented. The written consent must cite the purpose of the travel and must be affirmed by
the Philippine Consular post in the minor's country of origin.

SEC. 79. Temporary Detention of Excludable Foreigners. — For the purpose of
ascertaining whether a foreigner arriving in the Philippines belongs to any of the excludable
classes of foreigners provided for in this Act or related laws, the Immigration Officer, for a
period not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours, may temporarily detain for investigation such
foreigner either on board the vessel or at a place designated for the purpose at the expense
of the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of the carrying vessel.


2

SEC. 80. Finality of Exclusion Order. — An order by the Immigration Officer to
exclude a foreign national who is excludable under Section 78 hereof is final and executory
unless revoked by the Commissioner upon a timely appeal prior to the implementation of the
exclusion order.

SEC. 81. Authority to Waive Grounds for Exclusion. — Except for grounds of
exclusion under Section 78(d), subparagraphs 1 to 8 and subparagraph 9, the
Commissioner may waive any of the grounds for exclusion mentioned therein.

SEC. 82, Procedure of Removal and Cost Thereof. — Any foreign national arriving
in the Philippines who is ordered excluded shall be immediately removed in the same
accommodation to the country where he/she boarded the vessel on which he/she arrived,
unless the Commissioner determines that immediate removal is not proper and practicable.
The cost of detention and other expenses incidental thereto shall be borne by the owner,
operator, master, pilot, captain, agent or consignee of the vessel on which he/she arrived.

SEC. 83. 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, his/her removal shall be directed by the Commissioner in his/her discretion and
without necessarily giving preference, either to:

(a) The country which he/she is a citizen or national;

(b) The country of birth;

(c) The country of his/her 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

SEC. 84. Obligation of Owner, Operator, Master, Captain, Pilot, Agent or
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 foreigner ordered excluded and removed under Section 78 hereof 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
such officer;

(d) Remove a foreign national from the Philippines to the country to which his/her
removal has been directed; or

(e) Pay the cost of detention and other expenses incidental thereto of a foreign
national incurred while being detained as required by Section 82 of this Act or other costs
necessary or incidental to his removal as provided in this Act.

()

SEC. 85. Penalty for Non-compliance of Obligation. — The owner, operator,
master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel who violated Section 84 hereof shall
pay the fines prescribed under this Act. No such 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 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
CHAPTER 1
DEPORTABLE FOREIGN NATIONALS
SEC. 86. Classes of Deportable Foreigners. — The following foreigners shall be
arrested upon the order of the Commissioner and deported upon recommendation by the


Board of Special Inquiry and approval by the Board:

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

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

(©) Those who engage, abet or aid in the practice of prostitution including the owner,
manager or inmates of a house of prostitution or are procurers, pedophiles or sexual
perverts;

(d) 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 or teach the overthrowing by force and
violence of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, or duly constituted authority,
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 by reason of their
office, 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, at any time after entry, engage in, abet, aid or finance any terrorist
activity;

(h) Those who commit any violation of the provisions of this Act, independent of any
criminal action which may be brought against them: Provided, however, That in the case of a
foreigner who, for any reason, is convicted and sentenced to suffer both imprisonment and
deportation, said foreigner shall first serve the entire period of his/her sentence before being
deported: Provided, further, That the penalty of imprisonment may be waived by the
President upon payment by the foreigner concerned of such costs, fines and/or damages, if
any, awarded to the government or any aggrieved party,;

(i) Those who, at any time after entry, are engaged in acts or omissions punishable
under Philippine penal laws cognizable by the Regional Trial Courts and the Sandiganbayan’

(i) Those who, at any time after entry, are convicted by final judgment of a crime
punishable under Philippine penal laws cognizable by the first level courts;

(k) Those who are guilty of any offense penalized under the naturalization laws of the
Philippines or any law relating to the acquisition of Philippine citizenship;

()). Those who defraud their creditors by absconding or alienating properties to prevent
their attachment or execution;

(m)Those who were admitted as non-immigrants and who obtained an adjustment of
their admission status for convenience, or through fraud, falsification of documents,
misrepresentations or concealment of material facts;

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

(0) Those who, upon prior investigation and hearing, are found to be undesirable and
whose further stay in the Philippines is inimical to public welfare and interest, or the dignity of
the Filipinos, or the Republic of the Philippines as a sovereign nation;

(p) 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 for his/her stay in the Philippines;
and

(q) 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.

SEC. 87. Non-Prescription of Deportation Cases. — The right of the State to initiate


at any time deportation proceedings shall not prescribe: Provided, That no deportation
proceedings and orders shall be had against foreigners facing preliminary investigation,
prosecution and trial before competent authorities

CHAPTER 2
DETENTION AND DEPORTATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS
SEC. 88. Issuance of Summons. - If the Commissioner determines that there exists
a reasonable ground to deport a foreigner pursuant to Section 86 of this Act, he/she may
issue summons requiring the foreigner to appear in person before the designated
investigating officer at the time, date and place stated therein.

SEC. 89, Authority to Issue Letter Order. — The Commissioner may issue a letter
order if he/she determines that a probable cause exists for the filing of deportation charges
against a foreigner for violation of immigration and other related laws, rules and regulations
or there is a strong probability that a deportable foreigner may flee from his/her place of
abode, go into hiding or surreptitiously leave the country.

SEC. 90. Formal Charge of Deportation. — A formal charge for deportation shall be
issued upon determination of the existence of a prima facie case against the foreigner.
Pending final determination of his/her deportation case, the foreigner shall, upon the
discretion of the Commissioner: (a) remain under detention; or (b) 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 foreigner is evading the proceedings or is attempting to
abscond, in which case he/she shall be taken into custody and placed under detention by
order of the Commissioner.

SEC. 91. Detention of a Foreigner Convicted of a Felony or an Offense. - After
service of his/her sentence or compliance with the conditions of his/her parole or probation,
as the case may be, the foreigner shall be taken into custody and placed under detention by
order of the Commissioner. Pending final determination of the deportation case, the
foreigner may be ordered released under such terms and conditions prescribed by the
Commissioner.

SEC. 92. Voluntary Deportation, When Authorized. — In case the foreigner does
not contest the formal charge against him/her and opts to voluntarily leave the country at
his/her own expense, the Commissioner may waive the deportation proceedings and order
the departure within the period specified in the voluntary deportation order, except in cases
of violations of laws such as Republic Act No. 8042 otherwise known as the “Migrant
Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995": Provided, That he/she has not committed any
ctiminal offense or has no pending case in court: Provided, further, That the said foreigner
so deported shall be barred from re-entering the country without prior written authorization
from the Commissioner.

SEC. 93. Contents of an Order or Warrant of Deportation. — The order or warrant
of deportation shall be in the form prescribed by the Commissioner and shall state the
grounds therefor, the specific place where the foreigner is to be deported and the period
within which to execute such order.

SEC. 94, 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 for
reasons beyond the control of the Commissioner, the foreigner shall remain in custody.

SEC. 95. Suspension of Deportation Order. - Upon application and payment of the
prescribed fees by the concemed foreigner, the Commissioner may suspend the


25

implementation of the deportation order and order his/her release for good cause, taking into
account the following factors:

(a) Age, health, family or conduct;

(b) Period of detention;

(c) Impact on national security and public welfare;

(d) Unavaitability of travel documents;

(e) Existence of an application for refugee status; or

(f) Other humanitarian considerations.

SEC. 96. Reinstatement of a Deportation Order. — A deportation order previously
implemented against a foreigner 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 foreigner who departed voluntarily under Section 92 hereof.

SEC. 97. Country of Destination of a Deportee. — Except as provided for under
existing treaty or international agreement, a foreigner shall be deported to the country of
which he/she is a citizen or national, or to the country of his/her birth, or to the country of
which he/she is a resident, or to the country from which he/she embarked for the Philippines,
subject to the acceptance by the receiving country.

SEC. 98. Existence of Danger in the Country Where a Foreigner is to be
Deported. — No foreigner shall be deported to a country where there exists a danger to
his/her life or freedom on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or
membership in a particular political or social group, except in the following circumstances:

(a) The foreigner participated, induced or cooperated in the persecution of any person
‘on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular
political or social group in the country where he/she is to be deported;

(b) The foreigner is a fugitive from justice in the country where he/she is to be
deported;

(c) The foreigner committed a serious non-political crime in the country where he/she
is to be deported; or

(d) The foreigner is undesirable in and/or a danger to the national security of the
Philippines.

SEC. 99. Cost of Deportation. — The cost of deportation shall be borne by the
‘owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of a vessel in case its foreign
‘crewmember is to be deported for violation of Section 100 of this Act. In all other cases, the
cost of deportation shall be borne by the deportee himself/herself, the concerned consular
office, nongovernment organizations or people's organizations with which the Commission
has an agreement on this matter, or from the appropriations for the enforcement of this Act.

SEC. 100. 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
deporte to his/her country of destination, or to shoulder the cost of deportation of the
foreign crew member as provided in Section 99 hereof, shall be punished by an
administrative penalty prescribed under this Act.

SEC. 101. Expenses of Accompanying Person. - The Commissioner may, by
reason of the mental or physical condition of the deportee, direct an employee of the
‘Commission to accompany such deporte to the country of his/her destination, subject to the
provisions of the immediately preceding sections.

CHAPTER 3
INDIGENT FOREIGNERS


26

SEC. 102. Deportation of Indigent Foreigners. — At any time after entry, the
Commissioner may deport indigent foreigners from the Philippines to the country of which
they are citizens or nationals, or country of birth, or country of residence, as the case may
be. The cost of deportation may be charged against the available funds of the Commission.
‘Any foreigner deported under this section shall be barred re-admission except upon written
authorization of the Commissioner.

This provision shall not apply to a foreigner declared as an indigent by any Philippine
court for purposes of filing a case or to pursue a cause of action which resulted in his/her
indigency until such action is resolved with finality: Provided, That no other grounds for
deportation exist during the pendency of the same.

TITLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 1
REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS
SEC. 103. Requirement of Registration. — A temporary foreign visitor must register
with the Commission or any Immigration Office nearest his/her place of residence on or
before the sixtieth (60") day of his/her arrival in the Philippines.

SEC. 104. Registration Form and Oath. — Applications for registration shall be
under oath and in such form as prescribed by the Commission. Upon registration, a
Certificate of registration shall be issued by the Commission to the registrant. In case of loss
or destruction of the certificate, a replacement thereof may be issued by the Commission
upon proper application and payment of prescribed fees.

SEC. 105. Amendment of Registration. — A registered foreign national shall notify
the Commission in writing of any change of information in his/her registration documents not
later than seven (7) days thereof.

SEC. 106, Presentation of Certificate of Registration. — Every foreigner required
to register under this Act or the parent or guardian of such foreigner shall, upon demand of
any authorized immigration official, present his/her certificate of registration, and failure to do
0 without justifiable cause shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 107. Reportorial Requirements. — Every foreigner registered under this Act
shall, within the first sixty (60) days of every calendar year, report in person to the
Commission subject to the payment of prescribed fees. The parent or legal guardian of
foreigners below fourteen (14) years of age shall have the duty to comply with the
Tequirements prescribed under this Act.

SEC. 108. Failure to Comply with Requirements. — A foreigner, or his/her parent
or guardian, as the case may be, who, without justifiable reason, fails to comply with all the
requirements under this Act, or who files an application for registration containing statements
known by him/her to be false, or who utilizes registration documents other than his/her own,
shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act and other existing laws.

SEC. 109, Cancellation of Registration of Foreign National. — In case of death of
a foreigner registered under the provisions of this Act, his/her legal heir, representative or
administrator must inform the Commission within sixty (60) days from death and the
Commission shall cancel such registration. The Local Civil Registrar or other civil registry
officer of the locality where said foreigner died shall furnish the Commission with a copy of
the Certificate of Death within thirty (30) days from issuance thereof. Failure on the part of
the persons concemed to comply with the requirements of this section shall be dealt with
pursuant to the provisions of this Act


CHAPTER 2
BONDS AND DEPOSITS

SEC. 110. Bonds, When Required. — The Commission shall have the authority to
require cash bonds in such amounts and under such conditions as it may prescribe:

(@) To control and regulate the admission into, and departure from, the Philippines of
foreigners applying for temporary admission;

(b) To insure against foreign passengers liable to be excluded as likely to become
public charges; and

(c) To insure the appearance of foreigners released from custody during the course
of deportation proceedings instituted against them,

SEC. 111. Requirement of Cash Deposits for Overtime Services. - The
Commission shall likewise have the authority to require cash deposits in such amounts as
may be necessary from vessel's owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee
or other persons served to cover payments for overtime services to be performed by officers
and employees of the Commission.

SEC. 112. Cancellation and Forfeiture of Bonds. - When the conditions of the
bond are fulfilled, or in case of a bond posted to insure against a foreigner becoming a public
charge, when the Commissioner decides that the likelihood no longer exists, or death of the
foreigner in whose behalf the bond is posted, the bond shall be cancelled and released to
the depositor or his/her legal representative. 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 of indigent deportes and to cover the costs of
operations in the arrest of a deporte who jumps bail

CHAPTER 3
RECOGNIZANCE

SEC. 113. _ Petitions for Recognizance, Sanction for Breach of Conditions. —
The Commissioner may order the release of a foreigner upon recognizance of his/her
lawyer or a person who is of good standing in the community, under such terms and
conditions as he/she may prescribe. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the
recognizance shall subject said lawyer or person to a fine of not less than Fifty thousand
pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), without
prejudice to other administrative sanctions and/or proceedings against the erring party.

CHAPTER 4
COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER OFFICES
SEC. 114. Working Cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs. - For
purposes of efficient implementation and administration of this Act, the Commission shall
maintain a working cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs

SEC. 115. Working Cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education. -
The Commission shall maintain a working cooperation with the Commission on Higher
Education with respect to accreditation of schools and learning centers for enrolment of
foreign students as authorized under this Act.

SEC. 116. Coordination with Law Enforcement, Security and Other Offices. —
The Commissioner shall have authority to maintain coordination with the National Security
Council, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies of the
government.


28

CHAPTER 5
FEES AND CHARGES.
SEC. 117. Authority of the Commissioner to Prescribe, Impose and Collect
Fees and Charges. — The Commissioner is authorized to prescribe, impose and collect
fees and charges for services rendered pursuant to the provisions of this Act, which shall
take effect fifteen (15) days after the last publication thereof for two (2) consecutive weeks in
a newspaper of general circulation.

SEC. 118. Head Fee. — Every foreign national who is at least fourteen (14) years of
age and admitted to the Philippines for a temporary stay exceeding sixty (60) days shall pay
a head fee in an amount to be fixed by the Board.

CHAPTER 6
ADMINISTRATIVE FINES AGAINST VESSELS

SEC. 119. Fine for Failure to Submit Crew List or Passenger Manifest, or

Failure to Account Every Passenger and Crew. — Any pilot, master, agent, owner 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 person,
respectively.

SEC. 120. Fine for Violation of Obligation on the Landing or Removal of
Foreigners. — A pilot, master, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving at a port of
the Philippines from a place outside thereof in violation of this Act 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.

SEC. 121. Fine for Bringing Undocumented Foreigner, or Foreigner Afflicted
with Communicable or Contagious Disease, or Suffering from Mental Disorder. — The
pilot, master, agent, owner or consignee of the vessel arriving at a port in the Philippines
from a place outside thereof bringing on board an undocumented foreigner shall be fined
One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) for each foreigner. If the foreigner is afflicted
with a communicable or contagious disease or is suffering from mental disorder, 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 foreigner.

SEC. 122. Fine for Bringing a Foreigner to Assist His Illegal Entry or
Misrepresenting a Foreigner as a Member of the Crew. — The pilot, master, agent,
‘owner or consignee of the vessel arriving at any port in the Philippines from a place outside
thereof bringing on board a foreigner bound for the Philippines to assist his/her illegal entry,
or misrepresenting the foreigner 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
foreigner.

SEC. 123. Fine for Violation of Other Provisions of this Act. — The pilot,
master, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving at any port of the Philippines from
a place outside thereof who violates any other provision of this Act not specifically provided
in this Chapter shall be fined not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more
than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) for each violation.


CHAPTER 7
OTHER PENAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 124. Other Prohibited Acts and Penalties Thereof. — Any person who shall
commit any of the acts specified hereunder shall, upon conviction, suffer the penalty of
prision correccional in its maximum period to prision mayor in its minimum period or a fine of
not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court:

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

(b) Issues or otherwise disposes of an immigration document or an immigration
accountable form, to any person not authorized by law to receive such documents;

(c) Obtains, manufactures, prints, accepts or uses any immigration or travel
document knowing it to be false or uses immigration accountable form that is not legally
issued;

(d) Enters the Philippines without inspection and admission by the immigration
authorities, or obtains entry into the Philippines by fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment
of material facts;

(e) Misrepresents himself/herself to be a Philippine citizen;

(f) Knowingly makes under oath any false statement regarding any immigration
matter; or

(g) Brings into, or lands in the Philippines, or conceals, harbors, employs, or gives
comfort to any person not duly admitted by any Immigration Officer or not lawfully entitled to
enter into or resides within the Philippines, or attempts, conspires with, or aids another to
commit any such acts.

Where the offender of any acts specified in paragraph (g) of this section is a
corporation, company, partnership or other juridical entity, the president, general manager,
managing partner, or chief executive officer thereof shall be held liable. Dismissal 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 pilot, master,
agent, owner, consignee, or other person in charge of the vessel which brought the foreigner
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 Commission. 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 his/her spouse and unmarried children, if applicable.

SEC. 125. Penalty for Non-compliance of Subpoena. — Any person who, having
been duly served with a subpoena, fails to comply without valid and justifiable reasons shall,
upon conviction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not more than fifteen (1) days or a
fine of not more than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court.

SEC. 126, Penalty for an Overstaying Crewmember. — Any foreign crewmember
who wilfully remains in the Philippines beyond the period allowed him/her for temporary
landing shall, upon conviction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of six (6) months or fine of
not less than Fifty thousand pesos (50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand
pesos (P100,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court

SEC. 127. 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 who shall violate or


30

circumvent any provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, suffer the maximum penalty for
such offense as provided under this Act.

CHAPTER 8
FUNDING
SEC. 128. Funding. — In addition to its annual budget under the General
Appropriations Act, the Commission is hereby authorized to retain and use thirty percent
(30%) of its income derived from collection of immigration fees, fines, penalties and charges
for maintenance and other operating expenses, intelligence and law enforcement,
information and communication technology infrastructure, transportation facilities and other
capital outlay expenditures. The Commission is likewise hereby authorized to retain and use
its income in excess of the prescribed collection target.

CHAPTER 9
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 129. Interim Period. — The incumbent Commissioner and two Deputy
Commissioners, if qualified under this Act, shall continue to discharge the functions of their
position for a period of one (1) year from the date of the effectivity of this Act, unless
otherwise removed for cause. On the recommendation of the Commissioner, the Board shall
have the authority to reorganize, upgrade, or otherwise make adjustments in, the offices of
the Commission as required by the implementation of this Act: Provided, That to the extent
possible, the incumbent chiefs of sections or divisions whose offices are thus affected may
be upgraded to positions of comparable rank in the reorganization; for the new division
created under this Act, the Commissioner shall designate the chiefs thereof. All personnel of

the Bureau of Immigration shall continue to discharge the functions of their position.

SEC. 130. Staffing Pattern and Salary Schedule. - To carry out the provisions of
this Act, the Commissioner shall submit a new staffing pattern and salary schedule for
personnel services to the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management for
approval, which shall be in accordance with the Salary Standardization Law and other
applicable laws under the National Compensation and Classification Plan.

SEC. 131. Reorganization of the Commission. — Upon approval of this Act, all
employees of the Bureau of Immigration covered by the civil service law and
regulations shall continue to hold their present positions pending the reorganization of
the Commission in accordance with the new staffing pattern: Provided, That the
salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of incumbent officers and employees of the
Commission shall not be subject to diminution: Provided, further, That in the event that the
positions are abolished in accordance with the reorganization, the affected employees shall
be retained. Provided, finally, That employees who have been dismissed for cause shall no
longer qualify for any position in the Commission.

SEC. 132. 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 Commission.

SEC. 133. 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. 134. 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 the provision of this Act unless otherwise applicable.


CHAPTER 10
ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
SEC. 135, Administration and Implementation Abroad. — The administration and
implementation of this Act abroad, including the rules and regulations as well as policies
arising from it shall be the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs through
Philippine diplomatic and consular establishments.

SEC. 136. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Commission, upon
consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other concerned government
agencies or offices and subject to the approval by the Secretary, shall promulgate the rules
and regulations for the implementation of this Act within one hundred twenty (120) days from
its effectivity

CHAPTER 11
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 137. Separability Clause. — If any of the provisions of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in force and
effect.

SEC. 138. Repealing Clauses. — (a) Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known
as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, is hereby repealed; (b) All laws,
presidential decrees, executive orders, proclamations, memorandum orders, instructions,
ules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 139, Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved