Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS 
PROTECTION OFFICE, PROVIDING FOR THE REFUGEE AND STATELESS 
PERSON STATUS DETERMINATION PROCEDURE, SETTING FORTH THE 
OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND TREATMENT OF RECOGNIZED REFUGEES 
AND STATELESS PERSONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines has a long-standing tradition of hospitality, offering refuge  
to vulnerable groups such as refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and 
those at risk of statelessness, throughout the 20th century and beyond, the 
country has provided a safe haven for these populations, who often face 
challenges navigating state systems. 
In recent years, the Philippines has strengthened its commitment to 
protecting these individuals through a robust legal and policy framework. The 
country became a State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 
Protocol in 1981 and was the first in Southeast Asia to ratify the 1954 
Statelessness Convention in 2011 and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of 
Statelessness in 2022. Additionally, several executive orders have been issued 
to enhance protection for refugees and stateless persons. 
Despite these positive developments, there is still no comprehensive law 
in the Philippines to fully address the needs of these vulnerable groups. 
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January 13, 2025
5:30 pm


This bill aims to establish a formal Refugee and Stateless Status 
Determination Procedure, ensuring alignment with the 1951 Refugee 
Convention, the 1967 Protocol, and the 1954 Statelessness Convention. It will 
also outline the rights and responsibilities of refugees and stateless persons in 
the Philippines. Furthermore, the bill proposes expanding the current Refugees 
and Stateless Persons Protection Unit within the Department of Justice (DOJ-
RSPPU) into a dedicated office with the necessary funding and specialized staff 
to address issues of refugee protection and statelessness. 
By passing this bill, the Philippines will contribute to the United Nations' 
2030 Agenda for safe, orderly, and regular migration, with respect for human 
rights and the humane treatment of displaced persons. It will also fulfill the 
country's commitments to strengthening the legal framework for refugees and 
stateless individuals, as highlighted in the 2019 and 2023 Global Refugee 
Forum and other international events. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS PROTECTION 
OFFICE, PROVIDING FOR THE REFUGEE AND STATELESS PERSON STATUS 
DETERMINATION PROCEDURE, SETTING FORTH THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS 
AND TREATMENT OF RECOGNIZED REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress 
assembled: 
Chapter 1 
GENERAL PRINCIPLES 
SECTION 1. Short Tile - This Act shall be known as the “Comprehensive Refugees 
and Stateless Persons Protection Act”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
value the dignity of every human being, including refugees, asylum seekers, stateless 
applicants, stateless persons, and populations at risk of statelessness, and to guarantee 
the respect for individual rights. In pursuit of this policy, the State shall give priority to 
the enactment of measures and the development of programs that will protect them from 
threats, violence, persecution, and exploitation, and ensure their reintegration into 
mainstream society. 
11265


 
In accordance with the principle that the Philippines adopts the generally accepted 
principles of international law as part of the law of the land, the State shall strive to 
address the vulnerabilities of these populations by codifying matters pertaining to 
their status, obligations, rights, and treatment, in keeping with their fundamental 
freedoms guaranteed under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 
and its 1967 Protocol, the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless 
Persons, the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, and any future 
international conventions on the subject matter to which the State will become a 
Party. 
 
SECTION 3. Basic Principles - This Act shall be governed by the following 
principles: 
 
(a) Non-discriminatory application of the refugee and stateless status 
determination procedure, considering factors such as age, gender, disability, 
and diversity; 
(b) Non-deprivation of refugee or stateless status and non-discrimination in 
the application of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and the 
1954 Statelessness Convention, regardless of race, religion, political opinion, or 
country of origin; 
(c) Preservation and promotion of family unity; 
(d)  Best interest of the child as the primary consideration in all actions 
concerning children, including those who are unaccompanied and separated; 
and 
(e) Non-detention on account of being stateless or a refugee. 
 
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms - As used in this Act: 
 
a) 1951 Refugee Convention - refers to the 1951 United Nations Convention 
relating to the Status of Refugees; 
b) 1967 Protocol - refers to the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of 
Refugees; 
 


c) 1954 Statelessness Convention - refers to the 1954 United Nations 
Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons; 
 
d) Applicant - refers to a person who has submitted the Application, including 
their accompanying and applying Family Members, or, in the case of a child or 
incapacitated person, the person on whose behalf an application was 
submitted; 
 
e) Application - refers to the formal written claim to refugee or stateless status, 
as the case may be, and initiates the status determination procedure; 
 
f) Asylum seeker - refers to a person who is seeking international protection 
and whose claim has not been finally decided upon; 
 
g) Bureau - refers to the Bureau of Immigration; 
 
h) Child - refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or those over but 
are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, 
neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical, mental, 
intellectual or sensory disability or condition; 
 
i) Commissioner - refers to the Commissioner of the Bureau; 
 
j) Country of Origin - refers to (i) the country to which an Asylum Seeker is a 
national or citizen; (i) the country of the Asylum Seeker's former habitual 
residence, if not having a nationality; or (iii) the country to which a stateless 
Applicant is a habitual resident; 
 
k) DFA - refers to the Department of Foreign Affairs; 
 
l) Durable solutions - refer to the satisfactory and permanent resolution of 
refugee or stateless status ensuring national protection for their civil, cultural, 
economic, political and social rights; 
 
m) Family Members - refer to the legal spouse and/or child of the Applicant; 
 
n) Non-refoulement - refers to a principle of customary international law which 
provides that no State shall expel or return a refugee in any manner 
whatsoever, to the frontiers of territories where their life or freedom would be 


threatened on account of their religion, nationality, membership in a particular 
social group, or political opinion; 
o) Protection - refers to all activities aimed at ensuring full respect for the rights of 
the individual in accordance with the letter and spirit of the relevant bodies of 
law, such as human rights law, humanitarian law, and refugee and 
statelessness law; 
p) Protection Officer - refers to an officer of the Refugees and Stateless 
Persons Protection Office who evaluates the claims of the Applicant to refugee 
and stateless status and their eligibility for protection; 
q) Persons of Concern (POC) - collectively refers to refugees, asylum seekers, 
stateless applicants, stateless persons, and populations at risk of 
statelessness; 
r) PSA - refers to the Philippine Statistics Authority; 
 
s) Recognized Refugee or Stateless Person - refers to an Applicant who has 
been determined as a refugee or stateless person by the Refugees and 
Stateless Persons Protection Office; 
 
t) 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, or political opinion, is outside the country of their nationality 
and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail themselves of the 
protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the 
country of their former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is 
unwilling to return to Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Office 
(RSPPO) - refers to the office that will evaluate the claims of Applicants and 
their eligibility for protection; 
 
u) Secretary - refers to the Secretary of Justice; 
 
v) Stateless Person - refers to a person who is not considered as a national by 
any State under the operation of its law; and 


 
w) UNHCR - refers to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 


Chapter 2 
REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS PROTECTION OFFICE 
 
SECTION 5. Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Office. - There is hereby 
created the Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Office (RSPPO) as an 
attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The RSPPO shall be 
independent and autonomous but attached to the DOJ for purposes of policy and 
program coordination. 
 
SECTION 6. Powers and Functions. - The RSPPO shall have the following 
functions: 
 
(a)  Facilitate identification, registration, status determination, and protection of 
refugees and stateless persons under the terms of this Act; 
 
(b)  Establish and implement a fair, efficient, and non-adversarial procedure to 
facilitate identification, treatment, and protection of refugees and stateless 
persons, including applicants, in accordance with this Act, international law, 
and humanitarian tradition of the Republic of the Philippines; 
 
(c) Issue visas and other relevant documentation to refugees, asylum seekers, 
stateless applicants, and stateless persons in accordance with applicable 
laws, rules, and regulations. The requirements and validity of such 
documentation shall be guided by the implementing rules and regulations, 
considering the specific circumstances and vulnerabilities of these individuals; 
 
(d)  Formulate and coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring, and 
evaluation of government policies, plans, and programs, including their 
integration into development, sectoral and emergency response and recovery 
frameworks, towards the protection and pursuit of durable solutions for and 
with POC; 
 
(e)  Coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure access to services, including the 
provision of shelter to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless applicants, and 


stateless persons, in coordination with the Department of Human Settlements 
and Urban Development (DHSUD) and local government units (LGUs); 
 
(f) Assist 
and 
coordinate 
with 
government 
agencies, 
non-government 
organizations, the UNHCR, and other United Nations agencies, as necessary, to 
consider and facilitate measures aimed at finding durable solutions for 
refugees and stateless persons, ensuring their protection and access to 
appropriate assistance and services; and 
 
(g) Perform such acts as may be necessary implement the provisions of this Act 
and other related laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to refugees and 
stateless 
persons
SECTION 7. Composition. - The RSPPO shall be headed by an Executive Director 
who shall be assisted by the following: 
(a) Three (3) Deputy Directors on refugee protection, addressing statelessness 
and on administrative and financial matters; 
(b) Five (S) Senior Protection Officers; 
(c) Ten (10) Associate Protection Officers; and 
(d) Such number of personnel, as may be necessary, to enable the RSPPO to 
effectively and efficiently execute its mandate. 
 
The Executive Director and Deputy Directors shall be appointed by the President. 
All other officials and personnel of the RSPPO shall be appointed by the 
Executive Director. 
 
SECTION 8. Minimum requirement for Qualification - No person shall be 
appointed as Executive Director unless such person has been engaged in the 
practice of law for at least ten (10) years, with at least eight (8) years of experience or 
exposure in the field of refugee and statelessness matters and/or human rights. The 
Executive Director shall have the same qualifications for appointment, rank, category, 
salary grade, salaries, benefits, allowances, and other emoluments as those of an 
Undersecretary. 
 


No person shall be appointed as Deputy Director unless they have at least six (6) 
years of experience or exposure in the field of refugee and statelessness matters 
and/or human rights; Provided, that at least two (2) Deputy Directors must be 
members of the Philippine Bar with at least six (6) years of legal experience. They 
shall have the same qualifications for appointment, rank, category, salary grade, 
salaries, benefits, allowances, and other emoluments as those of an Assistant 
Secretary. 
 
Senior Protection Officers must have at least four (4) years of experience or exposure 
in the field of refugee and statelessness matters and/or human rights. 
 
Associate Protection Officers must have at least two (2) years of experience or 
exposure in the field of refugee and statelessness matters and/or human rights; 
Provided, that at least eight (8) Protection Officers must be members of the Philippine 
Bar. 
 
Personnel of the RSPPO shall be selected based on qualifications determined by the 
Executive Director in accordance with civil service laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
The Executive Director shall determine the functions and responsibilities of the 
Protection Officers in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.  
 
 
Chapter 3 
REFUGEE AND STATELESS STATUS DETERMINATION PROCEDURE 
 
SECTION 9. Refugee and Stateless Status Determination Procedure. - The 
RSPPO shall establish a free, fair, speedy, and non-adversarial Refugee and 
Stateless Status Determination (RSSD) procedure. The procedure may be classified as 
regular or accelerated depending on the circumstances of the Applicant. 
 
SECTION 10. Application. - In general, the Application may be filed directly with the 
RSPPO or in the central office or any field o9ice of the Bureau. 
 
For applications filed in ports of entry (airports or seaports), the Application is initiated 
by a declaration of the arriving alien before the immigration officer or port personnel of 


their intention to seek asylum in the Philippines. 
 
In cases where the Applicant is detained in any government detention facility, the 
Applicant or their counsel may file and application for an accelerated procedure with 
the Warden or the Head of the government detention facility where the Applicant is 
detained. 
In case the Application is filed with the Bureau, ports of entry, or government 
detention facility, the Commissioner or the head of the Bureau's field office, or the 
Warden or Head of the government detention facility, as applicable, shall forward the 
Application to the RSPPO, together with relevant documentation and evidence to 
support the claim to refugee or stateless status, where available In cases where it is not 
feasible for the Applicant to personally file their application, the intention to apply for 
recognition as a refugee or stateless person may be expressed through other means 
as established under the implementing rules and regulations. 
 
At any time prior to the rendering of the decision, the Applicant may submit additional 
documents, statements, and pleadings to supplement the Application. 
 
SECTION 11. Suspensive Effect of the Application. - Any proceeding for the 
deportation or exclusion of the Applicant and/or their Family Members shall be 
suspended upon the filing of the Application until a final determination of their status has 
been reached, regardless of the stage of the proceedings. The Applicant, together 
with their Family Members, if relevant, who may be detained for an immigration-
related violation, may be released from custody upon the order of the Executive 
Director or a duly authorized representative, based on the recommendation of the 
Executive Director, subject to the conditions that the former may impose. 
 
The Executive Director, in the exercise of the power to release Applicants and/or their 
Family Members from detention, may take into consideration their special needs 
and/or circumstances, such as if they are survivors of trauma or torture, survivors or 
potential victims of trafficking, children, persons with disability, and/or the elderly. 
 
The Commissioner shall implement the order of release and inform the RSPPO of the 
action taken. 


 
SECTION 12. Durable Solution. - For refugees, a durable solution requires re-
establishment of a permanent legal status and generally involves voluntary 
repatriation, local integration, or resettlement. For stateless persons, the only durable 
solution is the acquisition or confirmation of nationality. 
 
SECTION 13. Priority of Refugee Status Determination. - Where in the 
Application for recognition as a stateless person or in the processing thereof, a 
refugee claim appears to exist, the stateless status determination shall, with the 
consent of the Applicant, be suspended and the Application shall be considered first for 
refugee status determination. If the claim to refugee status is denied with finality, the 
stateless status determination shall automatically recommence. 
 
SECTION 14. Burden of Proof. - The burden of proof in a claim to refugee or 
stateless status rests on the Applicant. However, the duty to ascertain and evaluate all 
the relevant facts is a shared and collaborative effort between the Applicant and the 
Protection Officer. 
 
The applicant has the obligation to provide an accurate, full, and credible account or 
proof in support of their claim and to submit all relevant evidence that is reasonably 
available. The Protection Officer shares the duty to ascertain and evaluate all 
relevant facts of the case. 
 
For this purpose, the Executive Director, Deputy Directors, and Protection Officers are 
authorized to administer oaths. 
 
SECTION 15. Rights of an Applicant. - From the time of the filing of the Application, 
until the finality of the decision on the Application, the Applicant shall have the 
following rights: 
 
(a) To legal counsel, including legal representation and counselling from the 
Public Attorney's Office, subject to its rules and regulations; 
(b) To be informed and have access to the procedure and to due process; 
(c) To the extent possible, have the Applicant's interview conducted in a private, 
secure, and appropriate location, and in a confidential manner; 


(d)  To participate in the procedure in a language and manner they understand, 
and to have access to the services of an interpreter, if necessary; 
(e) To have access to the UNHCR; 
 
(f) To have protection from any forcible return in any manner whatsoever, to a 
country where one may face persecution on account of one's race, religion, 
nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; 
 
(g) To be free from punishment on account of their illegal entry or presence in the 
country, provided they present themselves to the authorities and/or show 
good cause for their illegal entry or presence; and 
 
(h) To access protection services as may be provided under existing laws, rules 
and regulations. 
 
Nothing herein shall be construed in a manner that diminishes the enjoyment of such 
rights. Applicants shall have the right to avail themselves of greater rights provided 
under international human rights conventions and treaties of which the Philippines is a 
State Party, as well as under existing laws, rules, and regulations, including those 
granted under this Act. 
 
SECTION 16. Group-based procedures. - The RSPPO may activate group-based 
recognition procedures for large-scale situations characterized by the arrival across an 
international border of persons in need of international protection in such numbers 
and at such rate as to render individual determination of their claims impracticable. 
 
SECTION 17. Security Clearance. - Prior to the issuance of a decision recognizing 
the refugee or stateless status, the RSPPO shall forward the relevant personal 
information of the Applicant to the appropriate government security agency for vetting 
any derogatory information that may affect the application. 
 
In vetting applications for refugee or stateless status, the principles under relevant 
international human rights law shall be considered. 
 
Verification and regular security vetting shall also apply and form part of the process for 
group-based procedures. 


 
Chapter 4 
RENDERING, FINALITY, AND EFFECTS OF THE DECISION AND MODES OF 
APPEAL 


SECTION 18. Decision. - A written decision on the Application shall be rendered by the 
RSPPO within a prescribed period. A decision denying recognition of the Applicant 
may be appealed pursuant to Sections 20 and 21, Chapter 4 of this Act and in 
accordance with existing rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 19. Request for Reconsideration. - If the Application is denied, the 
Applicant or their counsel may file a request for reconsideration of the decision 
denying the Application. This must be filed with the RSPPO or appropriate authority 
within a prescribed period and based on any meritorious circumstances identified 
under the implementing rules and regulations of this Act. 
 
SECTION 20. Administrative Appeal to the Office of the President. - A decision or 
resolution of the RSPPO denying an application or a request for reconsideration may 
be appealed to the Office of the President (OP) under the principle of exhaustion of 
administrative remedies and in accordance with the rules and regulations governing 
appeals on RSSD cases to the OP. 
 
SECTION 21. Judicial Appeal. - In line with the Rules of Court, the Applicant may 
seek judicial review of the decision or resolution on the request for reconsideration of the 
decision of the OP. 
 
SECTION 22. Finality of the Decision. - The decision is deemed final where the 
Applicant did not request for reconsideration of the decision or seek any 
administrative or judicial remedy under Sections 20 and 21, Chapter 4 of this Act. 
 
SECTION 23. Effect of Recognition. - The recognition of the Applicant as a 
refugee or stateless person shall have the following effects: 
(a)  The benefits derived from this recognition shall also, as appropriate, extend to 
Family Members who are present in the Philippines; 
(b) They shall enjoy the same treatment accorded to aliens in general, unless 
otherwise provided in this Act; and 
(c) After a period of three (3) years of residence, all recognized refugees and 
stateless persons shall be exempt from reciprocity required by law. 


Chapter 5 
EXCLUSION 
 
SECTION 24. Persons Excluded - This Act shall not apply to the following: 
 
(a) Persons who are currently receiving protection or assistance from organs or 
agencies of the United Nations other than the UNHCR, as long as they are 
receiving such protection or assistance. 
If this protection or assistance ceases for any reason, and their status remains 
unresolved in accordance with the relevant resolutions adopted by the 
General Assembly of the United Nations, these persons shall ipso facto be 
entitled to the benefits of this Act. 
 
(b)  Persons who are recognized by the competent authorities of the country in 
which they reside as having the rights and obligations which are attached to 
the possession of the nationality of that country; and 
 
(c) Persons who, for serious reasons, are considered to have committed any of 
the following: 
 
1.  Crimes against peace, war crimes, or crimes against humanity, as 
defined in international instruments addressing such crimes; 
 
2. Serious non-political crime outside the Philippines prior to their 
admission to the Philippines; or 
 
3. Acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 
 
Chapter 6 
CANCELLATION, REVOCATION, AND CESSATION OF REFUGEE OR STATELESS 
STATUS 


SECTION 25. Cancellation of Refugee or Stateless Status. - The refugee or 
stateless status shall be cancelled if: 
 
(a)  The recognition was granted erroneously as a result of intentional 
misrepresentation or concealment by the Applicant or a third party of facts 
that were material to the determination of the claim; 
 
(b) New evidence shows that the Applicant ought not to have been recognized in 
the first place; 
 
(c) Recognition was granted on the basis of a material mistake of fact or law; or 
 
(d) Misconduct by the Applicant, including but not limited to threats or bribery, 
was the motivating factor for the recognition of refugee or stateless status. 
 
SECTION 26. Revocation of Refugee Status. - The refugee status shall be revoked 
if, subsequent to recognition, refugees engage in conduct that would bring them within 
the exclusion grounds under Sections 24(c)(1) and 24(c)(3), Chapter 5 of this Act. 
 
SECTION 27. Revocation of Stateless Status. - The stateless status shall be 
revoked if there are serious reasons to believe that, after recognition, stateless 
persons engage in conduct that would bring them within the exclusion grounds under 
Chapter 6 of this Act. 
 
SECTION 28. Cessation of Refugee Status. - The refugee status shall cease if a 
Refugee: 
 
(a) Voluntarily re-availed of the protection of the country of their nationality; 
(b) Voluntarily re-acquired their lost nationality; 
(c)  Voluntarily acquired a new nationality and enjoys the protection of that 
country; 


(d) Voluntarily re-established themselves in the country they left, or outside of 
which they remained owing to fear of persecution; 
(e) Enjoys the protection from the country of their nationality, because the 
reasons in connection with which they were granted refugee status have 
ceased to exist; Provided, that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee who 
is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for 
refusing to avail themselves of the protection of the country of their nationality; 
(f) Not having a nationality, returned to their country of habitual residence due to 
changed circumstance; Provided, that this paragraph shall not apply to a 
refugee who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous 
persecution for refusing to avail themselves of the protection of the country of 
their former habitual residence. 
 
SECTION 29. Cessation of Stateless Status. - The stateless status shall cease 
when a stateless person acquires a nationality. 
 
SECTION 30. Application for Cancelation, Revocation or Cessation. - A refugee or 
stateless person may apply, personally or by electronic means, with the RSPPO for the 
cancellation, revocation or cessation of their own refugee or stateless status, providing 
justification and necessary documents in support of the application. 
 
SECTION 31. Motu proprio re-examination or re-assessment of refugee or 
statelessness status. - The RSPPO may review and assess, motu proprio, the status 
of a refugee or stateless person under circumstances that may have come to its 
attention, including information from any interested person that justifies a re-
examination or re-assessment for the cancellation, revocation, or cessation of such 
status. 
 
SECTION 32. Decision in Cases of Cancelation, Revocation or Cessation. - The 
refugee or stateless status of a person shall not be cancelled, revoked, or ceased 
unless pursuant to a decision rendered by the RSPPO and after observance of due 
process of law. 


SECTION 33. Request for Reconsideration and Appeal. - A refugee or stateless 
person or their counsel may request for reconsideration of the decision within a 
prescribed period. 
 
The refugee or stateless person may appeal to the OP or the courts pursuant to 
Sections 20 or 21, Chapter 4 of this Act within the period prescribed under existing 
rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 34. Effect of Finality of Decision Denying Recognition. - The RSPPO 
shall inform the Bureau of the finality of the denial of the Application. Said denial 
converts the Applicant's asylum or stateless case into an immigration matter. The 
Applicant shall be afforded sufficient time to leave the country unless they hold 
another immigration status, or the Commissioner has authorized the Applicant's 
continued stay. Any immigration proceeding that has been suspended pursuant to 
Section 11, Chapter 3 of this Act may be reactivated. 
 
Chapter 7 
REMOVAL 
 
SECTION 35. Removal of a Refugee or a Stateless Person. - Subject to due 
process, a refugee or stateless person may be removed from the Philippine territory: 
 
(a) On grounds of national security or public order; or 
 
 
(b) When they have been convicted with finality of a crime punishable by more 
than six (6) years of imprisonment and is considered a danger to the 
community. 
 
Chapter 8 
RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS, AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS OF CONCERN 
 
SECTION 36. General Obligations. - Recognized refugees, stateless persons, and 
other POC shall comply with Philippine laws and regulations as well as with the 
measures taken for the maintenance of public order. 
 


SECTION 37. Right to Freedom of Religion. - Recognized refugees, stateless 
persons, and other POC shall enjoy the right to freedom of religion and its free 
exercise in the same manner as Filipino citizens. 
 
SECTION 38. Right to Identity and Travel Documents. - Recognized refugees, 
stateless persons, and other POC shall be issued identity papers and travel 
documents for the purpose of travelling outside their territory, unless compelling 
reasons of national security or public order dictate otherwise. They shall also be 
given consideration for the issuance of travel documents if they are unable to obtain 
such documents from their country of lawful residence  
 
SECTION 39. Refugee and Stateless Seafarers. - Recognized refugees and 
stateless persons regularly traveling as crew members on board Philippine-
registered vessels shall be given access to Refugee and Stateless Determination 
Procedures. 
 
SECTION 40. Movable Properly. - Recognized refugees and stateless persons 
shall have the right to acquire movable property and other rights pertaining thereto, 
including leases and other contracts concerning movable property, in the same 
manner as foreign nationals. 
 
SECTION 41. Intellectual Property. - Recognized refugees and stateless persons 
shall have the same right as Filipino citizens with respect to intellectual property, 
including inventions, designs, models, trademarks, trade names, and rights in literary, 
artistic, and scientific works. 
 
SECTION 42. Rights to Association. - Regarding non-political and non-profit 
associations and trade unions, recognized refugees and stateless persons shall be 
accorded the same treatment as foreign nationals. 
 
SECTION 43. Access to Courts and Legal Assistance. - Recognized refugees, 
stateless persons, and other POC shall have the same rights as Filipino citizens with 
respect to access to the justice system, including access to courts, legal assistance, 
counselling, and representation through the Public Attorney's Office. They shall also 


benefit from indigency standards that will entitle them to exemption from the payment of 
filing, docket, and other similar fees subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SECTION 44. Public Relief. - Recognized refugees and stateless persons shall be 
entitled to the same right as Filipino citizens with public relief and assistance, 
including but not limited to inclusion in social welfare, health, subsistence, and 
emergency response and recovery programs. 
 
SECTION 45. Gainful and Decent Employment. - Recognized refugees and 
stateless persons shall be exempt from securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) for 
engaging in wage-earning and self-employment activities; Provided, however, that a 
special work permit may be issued by the Bureau while their application for refugee or 
stateless status determination is pending. 
 
For the exercise of professions, the citizenship requirement for taking national board 
examinations regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission is waived for 
recognized refugees and stateless persons upon compliance with appropriate 
requirements. 
 
Recognized refugees and stateless persons are also exempt from securing 
authorization from the Secretary of Justice for participating in an industry as provided in 
Commonwealth Act No. 108, otherwise known as the Anti-Dummy Law, as amended. 
 
SECTION 46. Housing. - Recognized refugees and stateless persons shall have the 
same rights to housing as foreign nationals generally in the same circumstances. 
 
SECTION 47. Public Education and Recognition of Prior - Recognized 
refugees and stateless persons shall have the same right to basic and secondary 
education as Filipino citizens. They shall be accorded the same rights as foreign 
nationals with respect to secondary and tertiary education, including access to studies, 
the recognition of foreign school certificates, diplomas and degrees, the remission of 
fees and charges, and the award of scholarships. 
 
SECTION 48. Labor Legislation and Social Security. - Recognized refugees and 
stateless persons shall be accorded the same treatment as Filipino nationals with 


respect to labor standards and social security under the Labor Code and other 
applicable Philippine social security legislations, subject to conditions prescribed 
therein. 
 
The right to compensation for the death of a refugee or a stateless person resulting 
from employment injury or from occupational disease shall not be affected 
notwithstanding the residence of the beneficiary outside Philippine territory. 
 
SECTION 49. Freedom of Movement. - Recognized refugees and stateless persons 
shall have the right to choose their place of residence and to move freely within 
Philippine borders, subject to regulations generally applicable to foreign nationals. 
 
SECTION 50. Fiscal Charges. - Recognized refugees and stateless persons shall be 
entitled to the same treatment as Filipino citizens with respect to duties, charges, or 
taxes, except for fees or charges related to the issuance of administrative documents 
and identity papers issued to foreign nationals. 
 
SECTION 51. Administrative Assistance. - The RSPPO, DFA, Bureau, Philippine 
Statistics Authority, and other relevant agencies shall assist refugees or stateless 
persons in exercising rights that would normally require the action of authorities of a 
foreign country to which they cannot have recourse. Assistance may include: 
 
1. Delivery or causing the delivery to refugees or stateless persons of such 
documents or certifications as would normally be delivered to foreign 
nationals by or through their national authorities; 
 
2. In lieu of official instruments and in the absence of proof to the contrary, giving 
credence to such delivered documents or certifications; and 
 
3. Charging moderate fees for these services, subject to exceptional treatment 
for indigent persons, but such fees shall be reasonable and comparable to 
those charged to foreign nationals for similar services. 
 
Under no circumstance shall an Applicant be asked to approach authorities in their 
country of origin to obtain documents or take other steps that would place their 
remaining family members or associates in the country of origin at risk. 
 
SECTION 52. Naturalization. - The State shall, as far as practicable, facilitate the 
integration and naturalization of recognized refugees and stateless persons. It shall 


endeavor to expedite both administrative and judicial naturalization proceedings and to 
minimize the charges and costs of such proceedings. 
 
Chapter 7 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 53. Monitoring of Human Rights Situation of POC. - The Commission on 
Human Rights (CHR) shall monitor the human rights situation of POC in exercise of its 
Constitutional mandate. 
 
SECTION 54. Data Protection. - The information provided by an Applicant under this 
Act and in other information management activities shall be confidential. The 
information collected may be used to make a determination of the veracity of the 
factual statements in the Application and other legitimate purposes in line with the 
provision of protection and durable solutions for and with persons of concern (POC). 
The RSPPO shall ensure that the processing of personal information is compliant 
with the requirements of Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data 
Privacy Act of 2012 and other laws, rules, and regulations allowing disclosure of 
information to specific agencies and adherence to the principles of transparency, 
legitimate purpose, and proportionality. 
SECTION 55. Data Sharing with Other Agencies. - Where effective cooperation 
between RSPPO and its partners, including other government agencies and non-
government organizations, requires the exchange of personal data of refugees, asylum 
seekers, and Applicants, such exchange shall be governed by the provisions of Republic 
Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and by the respective 
Data Sharing Agreements, where applicable. The sharing of information with UNHCR 
shall be governed by the related provisions in the Conventions and other applicable 
international instruments. 
 
SECTION 56. Local Integration. - Local government units (LGUs) shall determine 
avenues to support and integrate POC within their communities through the conduct of 
information and awareness campaigns and provide the necessary programs and 
services to facilitate such integration into local development frameworks, including 
development programming and emergency response and recovery frameworks. 


 
SECTION 57. Engagement with Non-government Entities. - The RSPPO may 
engage with civil society organizations, non-government organizations, the private 
sector, the academe, communities of POC, faith-based organizations, relevant 
people's organizations, and UN agencies to ensure collaborative implementation of this 
Act and to broaden the support network available to refugees, stateless persons, and 
Applicants. 
 
SECTION 58. Applicants Who May Also Be Victims- The principles governing the 
treatment of Applicants who may also be victims, such as, but not limited to survivors of 
trafficking, shall be considered to ensure that protection is available for both 
circumstances 
under 
existing 
laws, 
rules, 
and 
regulations.
 
SECTION 59. Complementary Protection Mechanism. - Notwithstanding the 
primacy of the Refugee and Stateless Status Determination Procedure under this Act, 
a fair, just, and speedy complementary protection mechanism shall be established to 
ensure the protection of individuals who are not POC and who may be at risk of torture 
or other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment or punishment in another State 
pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act No. 9745, otherwise known as the Anti-Torture 
Act of 2009, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, 
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The procedure lor the 
complementary protection mechanism shall be guided by the implementing rules and 
regulations of this Act. 
 
SECTION 60. Transition Period. - Except for the designated personnel of the 
Department of Justice — Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-
RSPPU), the functions, duties, and transactions of the RSPPU shall be transferred to 
the RSPPO within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act during which the RSPPU 
shall continue to function in holdover capacities until appointments of RSPPO personnel 
are issued. 
 
Accordingly, all applications for recognition of refugees and stateless persons and 
cases pending with the RSPPU upon the effectivity of this Act and filed during the 
transition period shall continue to be acted upon by the RSPPU. 
 


 
SECTION 61. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following the 
enactment hereof and every year thereafter. 
 
SECTION 62. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after 
the effectivity of this Act, the DOJ in consultation with the Bureau, Department of 
Social Welfare and Development, DFA, Department of Education, Department of 
Labor and Employment, Department of Health, Department of Human Settlements 
and Urban Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior 
and Local Government, Department of Transportation, PSA, Commission on Higher 
Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Civil Aviation 
Authority of the Philippines, Manila International Airport Authority, National Housing 
Authority, Bureau of Immigration, Public Attorney's Office, Professional Regulation 
Commission, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Health Insurance 
Cooperation, Commission on Human Rights together with civil society organizations, 
non-government organizations, the private sector, the academe, POC, faith-based 
organizations and relevant people's organizations, and UN agencies shall prepare 
and issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The IRR shall take effect 
fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
SECTION 63. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and 
regulations, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 64. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any portion or provision of 
this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, all other parts or provisions not 
affected shall continue to remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 65. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved