TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1279
Senate
ffitc of tl)c
25 AUG 27 P1 -44
RF.CE1VHD BY;
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE A. VILLAR
AN ACT
GRANTING OFFICIAL OR DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT TO NATIONAL ATHLETES 
AND SPORTS OFFICIALS REPRESENTING THE PHILIPPINES IN 
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution declares that "[t]he State shall 
give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster 
patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human 
liberation and development".
National athletes serve as the Philippines' modern-day ambassadors of 
goodwill, bringing honor and recognition to the country through their performances in 
the international stage. Despite their crucial role in nation-building and diplomacy, 
many Filipino athletes face unnecessary hurdles when traveling abroad, particularly in 
securing visas and travel documents for competitions.
In recent years, several Filipino athletes1 have publicly shared difficulties and 
delays in obtaining visas for key international tournaments, affecting their training 
schedules, mental preparedness and, in some instance, their performance. 
Additionally, such bureaucratic obstacles hinder the country's chances of 
representation and success in global competitions.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articIes/1243 593


Recognizing the indispensabie role of national athletes and the urgent need to 
support them, this measure seeks to grant official passports to Filipino athletes and 
sports officials who are duly accredited by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), 
the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), or the National Sports Associations (NSA), 
and who are officially representing the country in international sports events.
Thus, the State will provide not only moral but also practical support to its 
athletes, enabling them to carry the Philippine flag across borders without undue 
administrative barriers.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is urgently sought.
CAMILLE A. VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 127S
of 11).' ^prrrtaiT
25 AUG 27 PI-.44
RtCElVED B\;
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE A. VILLAR
AN ACT
GRANTING OFFICIAL OR DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT TO NATIONAL ATHLETES 
AND SPORTS OFFICIALS REPRESENTING THE PHILIPPINES IN 
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Athletes and
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Sports Officials Passport Act'.
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote and
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support the welfare of national athletes as ambassadors of goodwill who represent
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the country in international sporting events. To facilitate their travel and remove
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bureaucratic obstacles such as visa requirements, the State shall provide special travel
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documentation privileges to national athletes and sports officials.
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Sec. 3. Grant of Official or Diplomatic Passports - National athletes duly
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recognized and accredited by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine
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Olympic Committee (POC), or the National Sports Association (NSA) who are officially
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selected to represent the country in international competitions shall be eligible for the
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issuance of an official or diplomatic, solely for the purpose of their travel to and from
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the host country of such competitions.


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Sec. 4. Eligibility and Scope. - The privilege shall extend to the following 
individuals:
a) National athletes officially listed as members of the Philippine national 
delegation; and
b) National coaches, trainers, and officials accredited by the PSC, POC or NSA 
and accompanying the national athletes.
The passport shall be valid only for the duration of the international sports 
event and related activities, including training, meetings, and official functions.
Sec. 5. Requirements. - The following documents shall be submitted to the DFA 
for the issuance of an official passport under this Act:
a. Endorsement letter from the PSC, the POC and/or the NSA, stating the name 
of the athlete, national coaches, trainers, and sports officials, the 
competition to be attended and the duration thereof;
b. Copy of invitation or any official communication from the international 
sports governing body or event organizer; and
c. Other requirements as may be reasonably prescribed by the Department of 
Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Sec. 6 Validity and Use. - The official passport issued under this Act shall:
a. be valid for a period consistent with DFA regulations and the expected
duration of the athlete's active international competition; and
b. be used exclusively for official travel related to international sports
competitions or activities endorsed by the PSC or the NSA.
Sec. 7. Purpose and Limitations. - The issuance of diplomatic or official passport 
under this Act shall be exclusively for official travel related to international sporting 
events. The passport shall not be used for personal or unofficial purpose. The misuse 
of the passport shall be subject to penalties under existing laws and regulations.


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Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DFA, in coordination with the PSC, the POC and the NSA, 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation 
of this Act.
Sec. 9. Appropriations - Such sums as may be necessary for the implementation 
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. -Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be 
declared unconstitutional or Invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions 
or provisions hereof provided such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist 
and be given effect in their entirety.
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent 
with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 12. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,