HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
RECEIVED
27 JUL 2016

Republic of the Philippine|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTAT|
Quezon City, Metro Manil

SEVENTEENTH CONGRE: L ic X SERVICE
First Regular Session

2063

HOUSE BILL NO. _* ~~

Introduced by Honorable MARK A. VILLAR

AN ACT EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF PASSPORTS,
AMENDING SECTION 10 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8239,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 1996,”
FOR THE PURPOSE THEREOF

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution provides, “The liberty of abode and of changing the same
within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the
court. Neither shail the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security,
public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law.” (Article Ill, Section 6)

We are all familiar with the traffic problem plaguing Metro Manila. It saps away not
only money through gas consumption and other expenses, but it also drains our very
precious time. This problem is projected to be solved many years in fhe future. But now,
we have the chance to fix up another type of traffic problem - the long lines, particularly in
the passport application process.

Most of us have experienced the lengthy queues for availing government services
It has proven itself to be extremely time consuming, as it takes half, whole or even more
than a day to finish the process. This is inimical to the productivity of the people, aside
from it being a great hassle to them.

If we increase the duration of the passports’ validity, this can decrease the volume of
people applying for renewal. By extending the duration of passport validity, the frequency
of applying will be lessened. Hence, the long lines at the Department of Foreign Affairs
(OFA) offices will be reduced

The proposed measure will help unburden the people, especially those who are
travelling abroad to work


This bill seeks to amend Section 10 of Republic Act No. 8239, in order to increase
the duration of passport validity,

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is eamestly sought. = ~_

iia ie
MARK A. VILLAR


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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. _2063

Introduced by Honorable MARK A. VILLAR

AN ACT EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF PASSPORTS,
AMENDING SECTION 10 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8239, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
“THE PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 1996,” FOR THE PURPOSE THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Section 10 of the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 is hereby amended
to read as follows:

"Sec. 10. Validity. — Regular passports issued under this Act shall be valid
for a period of {five (5)] ten (10) years: Provided, however, That the issuing
authority may limit the period of validity to less than [five (5)] ten (10)
years; whenever in the national economic interest or political stability of
the country such restriction is necessary: Provided, finally, That a new
passport may be issued to replace one which validity has expired, the old
passport being retumed to the holder after cancellation.”

SEC 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Foreign Affairs
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of
the provisions of this Act.

SEC 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, issuances, circulars, rules and
regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


SEC 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional
or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,
whichever comes earlier.

‘Approved,