NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. no._8^3j3_
s>enai;e
•22 JUL25 PI :28
Rl-CEIVcO Bf,
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
FACILITATING AND REGULATING INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF 
AND INITIAL RECOVERY ASSISTANCE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the 
Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) published a study 
which highlighted the extent of disaster losses in the Philippines. In its report "The 
Human Cost of Weather-Related Disasters/' the Philippines recorded a total of 130 
million people affected by weather-related disasters over the period 1995-2015.1
In 2017, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in its 
publication "A Review of Philippine Government Disaster Financing for Recovery 
and Reconstruction," said that the country faces annual average losses due to
earthquakes of Php 43.5 billion and Php 133.2 billion from tropical cyclones. The
!
combined annual average loss of both perils is estimated at Php 176.6 billion.2
1 Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDR) (June 2016). Protecting Lives and Property from 
Disaster Risk in the Philippines. Retrieved from https: / / www.gfdrr.org/en/region/Philippines
2 Villacin, D. T. 0une 2017). A Review of Philippine Government Disaster Financing for Recovery and 
Reconstruction. Philippine Institute for Development Studies; Discussion Paper Series No. 2017-21. Retrieved 
from https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLlCAT10NS/pidsdpsl721.pdf


In terms of disaster risk, Philippines ranked third among all of the countries 
with the highest risks worldwide according to the World Risk Report 2018, with index 
value of 25.14%.3
The Department of Finance (DOF) revealed in 2021, that losses from natural 
disasters are estimated to cost the Philippines Php 506.1 billion, or approximately $10 
billion, from 2010 to 2020. The country's estimated losses and damages due to extreme 
weather totaled Php 515.51 billion, or about $10.6 billion, during the course of a ten- 
year period, or 98.2 percent of the total. This amount is equivalent to an annual 
average of Php 48.9 billion, or about 0.33 percent of the annual average gross domestic 
product (GDP) of the Philippines.4
Due to the brunt of disasters to human life and the economy, the Philippines 
received various international assistance from neighboring countries and allies. The 
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the international aid 
agency Oxfam, the United States government, the European Union, South Korea, and 
Japan, to name a few, were among the constant donors of the Philippines.
However, as foreign and private sector assistance continue to pour in, there is 
a need to ensure that resources benefit targeted communities in affected areas and 
respond quickly to emergency relief and recovery needs. Strict monitoring and 
transparent accounting of aid should be undertaken to avoid misallocation and 
misuse of resources.
To facilitate the ease of flow of international assistance by foreign governments 
and aid agencies and ensure that the aid being offered is what is needed on the ground, 
this seeks to designate the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 
(NDRRMC) as the central focal point agency between the government of Philippines
3 World Economic Forum, 2018
4 Leyco, C. (21 November 2021). PH lost P506-billion due to natural disasters. Manila Bulletin; Retrieved from 
https;//mb.com.ph/2021/11/02/ph-lost-p506-trillion-due-to-natural-disasters/


and assisting international actors to promote the effective facilitation, coordination, 
and oversight of international disaster assistance.
It requires the NDRRMC to consult with the local government units affected 
by a calamity to determine the list of goods, equipment and services needed for relief 
recovery. A Single Window International Facilitation Teams (SWIFTs) is also 
proposed to consolidate and expedite the legal requirements concerning entry of 
international disaster relief and personnel, goods, equipment, and transport.
By providing mechanisms to ensure the timely and efficient entry and delivery 
of international aid assistance in the country, it is hoped that the resources available 
will be put to good use. Effective policies and innovative financing to manage aid will 
immensely contribute to the immediate recovery of severely affected communities.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. No.
£ ^
of tljr ^crrftnrp
’22 JUL25 PI :28
RECEIVED SY:
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
FACILITATING AND REGULATING INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF 
AND INITIAL RECOVERY ASSISTANCE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Title. -This Act shall be known as the "International Disaster 
Relief and Initial Recovery Assistance Act."
Sec. 2. Purpose and Scope. - This Act sets out procedures, roles and 
responsibilities related to the facilitation and regulation of international disaster 
assistance provided to the Philippines in the event of a disaster on its territory.
In particular, this Act:
a. sets out roles and responsibilities for key officials and departments 
concerned with the facilitation and regulation of international disaster 
assistance;
b. establishes procedures for initiating, coordinating, and terminating 
international disaster assistance;
c. establishes the mechanism for recognition of eligibility for legal facilities for 
certain assisting actors;
d. specifies the legal facilities to be provided to such eligible actors; and


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e. specifies that minimum standard is expected from assisting actors providing 
international disaster assistance.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms, - For purposes of this Act, the following shall have 
the corresponding meanings:
a. 
Assisting Actor means any assisting international actor and any assisting 
domestic actor responding to a disaster in the Philippines;
b. Assisting Domestic Actor means any non-profit entity established under the 
laws of the Philippines, which is responding to a disaster in the territory of the 
Philippines;
c. Assisting International Actor means any foreign state, organization, entity or 
individual responding to a disaster on the territory of the Philippines;
d. Assisting State means any foreign government that is providing disaster relief 
or initial recovery assistance to the Philippines, whether through its civilian or 
militery institutions;
e. Disaster Relief means the goods, equipment, services and internationally 
donated funds provided to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of disaster 
affected communities;
f. Disaster means a serious disruption of the functioning of society, which poses 
a significant, widespread threat to human life, health, property or the 
environment, whether arising from accident, nature, or human activity, 
whether developing suddenly or as the result of long-term processes, but 
excluding armed conflict;
g. Domestic Non-Govemmental Organization or Domestic NGO means any non­
governmental, non-profit entity, which is registered or created under the laws 
of the Philippines and whose mandate and activities are exclusively focused on 
humanitarian relief, recovery or development;
h. Eligible Actor means any assisting actor that has been determined to be 
eligible to receive legal facilities, in accordance with Chapters V and VI of this 
Act;
i. Equipment means physical items, other than goods, which come from 
international sources and are designated for use in disaster relief or initial


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recovery assistance, including, but not limited to, vehicles, medical, and 
telecommunications equipment;
j. Foreign Components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement 
means foreign National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies, the International 
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International 
Committee of the Red Cross;
k. Foreign Non-Governmental Organization or Foreign NGO means any 
nongovernmental, not-for-profit entity riot incorporated/ registered in the 
Philippines, whose mandate and activities are focused on humanitarian relief, 
recovery, or development;
l. Goods means supplies from international sources intended to be provided to 
disaster-affected communities for their relief or initial recovery;
m. Initial Recovery Assistance means goods, equipment, services, and 
internationally donated funds intended to restore or improve the pre-disaster 
living conditions of disaster-affected cornmunities, including initiatives to 
increase resilience to disasters and reduce disaster risk;
n. Internationally Donated Funds means any funds donated by foreign persons 
or entities directly to the Government of the Philippines or to an assisting 
domestic actor for purposes of disaster relief or initial recovery assistance;
o. International Disaster Assistance means disaster relief and initial recovery 
assistance that is provided by assisting international actors, or imported or 
otherwise brought to Philippines from abroad by or on behalf of assisting 
domestic actors;
p. International Disaster Relief Period means the period following a disaster, as 
described in Sections 8 and 9 of this Act, during which the relevant legal 
facilities described in Chapter VI are made available to eligible actors for the 
purpose of providing disaster relief;
q. International Initial Recovery Period means the period following a disaster, as 
described in Sections 8 and 10 of this Act, during which the relevant legal 
facilities described in Chapter VI are made available to eligible actors for the 
purpose of providing initial recovery assistance;


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r. International Personnel means the staff, and volunteers of any assisting actor
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providing disaster relief or initial recovei y assistance in the Philippines, being
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persons who are neither citizens of the Philippines ncr domiciled in the
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Philippines prior to their recruitment by the assisting actor;
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s. Legal Facilities means the special entitlements and exemptions that are made
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available to Eligible Assisting Actors und er Chapter VI of this Act;
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t. Locally Engaged Personnel means nationals or persons domiciled in the
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Philippines who are recruited as staff or volunteers by assisting international
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actors to provide disaster relief initial recovery assistance;
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u. Services means activities undertaken by assisting actors to assist disaster-
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affected communities with their relief or initial recoveries, such as search and
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rescue activities, medical care, protection services, and information services;
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V. Transit Facilities means the special entitlements and exemptions that are
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made available to assist international actors under Chapter VII of this Act;
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w. Transit Facilities Period means the period following a disaster in another
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country as described in Section 62 of this Act, during which the relevant legal
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facilities described in chapter vii are made available to assisting actors for the
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purpose of providing disaster relief or initial recovery assistance; and
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X. Transport means the land, air or water vehicles operated on or behalf of
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assisting actors to transport international personnel, goods, and equipment
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across an international border for the purpose of providing disaster relief or
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initial recovery assistance.
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Sec. 4. Existing Rights, Privileges, and Immunities. - Nothing in this Act shall be
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interpreted to limit or reduce the existing rights, privileges, or immunities of any
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assisting actor as separately recognized by other laws or agreements of the
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Philippines, and any status or headquarters agreement between the Philippines and
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an assisting international actor.
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CHAPTER II
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INITIATION AND TERMINATION OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER
30 
ASSISTANCE
31 
Sec. 5. Assessment of the Need for International Disaster Assistance. -


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a. Immediately after the onset of a major disaster, and in consultation with 
relevant local government units and loc al authorities, the National Disaster 
Risk Reduction and Management Council NDRRMC) shall make a 
determination, based on initial estimates, as to whether domestic capacities are 
likely to be sufficient to attend to the needs of affected persons for disaster relief 
and initial recovery assistance. This determination may also be made, at the 
discretion of the NDRRMC, prior to the onset of an imminent major Disaster.
b. In the event of a determination that domestic response capacities are not 
likely to be sufficient due to the scale of the disaster, the NDRRMC shall advise 
the President and recommend that an immediate request be made for 
international disaster assistance.
c. If such a recommendation is made, the NDRRMC shall, in consultation with 
relevant local government units and local authorities, develop a preliminary 
list of goods, equipment and services required. The NDRRMC shall make this 
list available to potential assisting international actors immediately upon the 
commencement of an international disaster relief period pursuant to Section 8. 
The list shall be updated as needed to reflect new information and changing 
circumstances.
d. A determination that domestic capaci ies are likely to be sufficient and that 
international disaster assistance is, therefore, unnecessary may be reviewed 
and rescinded by the NDRRMC at any time, in light of updated information. 
Sec. 6. Requests for International Disaster Assistance. -
a. Upon the advice of the NDRRMC, the President may make a request for 
International Disaster Assistance. That request may be specifically directed to 
particular international actors, or it may be a general request directed to the 
international community as a whole.
b. The request shall be accompanied by:
(i) information as to the extent and type of assistance required, based on 
the list prepared by the NDRRMC pursuant to Section 5, unless this 
would lead to undue delay; and
(ii) information on the procedures for assisting international actors to
,i 
make offers or provide assistance pursuant to Section 7.


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Sec. 7. Offers and Acceptance of International Assistance. -
a. Assisting states and intergovernmental organizations interested in providing 
international disaster assistance shall direct an offer to the Department of 
Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the appropriate Philippine embassy Offers 
should indicate, in general terms, the type, amount, and estimated duration of 
assistance to be provided. The DFA shall then consult with the NDRRMC about 
such offers. Upon the direction of the NDRRMC, the DFA may accept such 
offers, in whole or in part.
b. Assisting states planning to provide aid through military actors shall make 
such offers according to agreements between the Philippines and the assisting 
states and other relevant laws of the Pldlippines. They may be accepted, in 
whole or in part, with the specific conditions set out in the aforementioned 
laws, regulations and/ or agreements.
c. In the event of a general request for international disaster assistance made 
pursuant to Section 6(a), assisting international aciors other than assisting 
states and intergovernmental organizations are exempt from making formal 
offers. However, they shall comply with the terms of the general request and 
shall inform the NDRRMC of the type, amount, and estimated duration of 
assistance to be provided in advance of their arrival.
d. In the absence of a general request for international disaster assistance, 
assisting international actors may make unsolicited offers to the DFA through, 
the appropriate Philippine embassy. The DFA shall consult with NDRRMC 
and upon its direction, may accept such offers, in whole or in part.
Sec. 8. International Disaster Relief and Initial Recovery Periods. -
a. The international disaster relief and recovery periods shall both commence 
simultaneously upon the issuance of a request for international disaster 
assistance under Section 6, or upon acceptance of an offer under Section 7, and 
shall continue until terminated pursuant to Section 9 or Section 10, as 
appropriate.
b. The legal facilities described in Chapter VI shall only be effective during the 
international disaster relief and initial recovery periods.
Sec. 9. Termination of the International Disaster Relief Period -


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a. When, on the basis of updated needs assessments and other information and
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in consultation with assisting actors, the NDRRMC is satisfied that the need for
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disaster relief is coming to an end, it shall advise the President to approve a
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termination date for the international disaster relief period, with due
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consideration for the impact on ongoing relief activities. This termination shall
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not affect the ongoing validity of the international initial recovery period.
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b. The termination date shall be announced to assisting actors no later than 30
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days prior to the proposed date. The announcement shall also include
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information about the anticipated ongoing needs for goods and services related
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to initial recovery assistance, if any.
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c. Upon the issuance of an announcement pursuant to this Section, the
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NDRRMC shall consult with assisting actors actively involved in disaster relief
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work in order to reduce any negative impact from the termination and, where
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necessary, to ensure an adequate handover of responsibilities.
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Sec. 10. Termination of the International Initial Recovery Period. ~
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a. When, on the basis of updated needs assessments and other information, and
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in consultation with assisting actors, the NDRRMC is satisfied that the need for
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international initial recovery assistance is coming to an end, it shall advise the
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President to approve a termination date for the international initial recovery
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period, with due consideration for the impact on ongoing initial recovery
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activities.
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b. The termination date shall be announced to assisting actors no later than 30
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days prior to the proposed date.
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c. Upon the issuance of an announcement pursuant to this Section, the
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NDRRMC shall consult with assisting actors actively involved in initial
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recovery assistance work to reduce any negative impact from the termination
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and, where necessary, to ensure an adequate handover of responsibilities.
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CHAPTER III
29 
COORDINATION AND PREPAREDNESS FOR INTERNATIONAL DISASTER
30 
ASSISTANCE
31 
Sec. 11. Coordination Duties and Powers of the Focal Point Agency. -


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a. The NDRRMC shall serve as a central fcx:al point agency for liaison between 
the government of the Philippines and assisting international actors, 
promoting the effective facilitation, coordination, and o^ ersight of 
international disaster assistance pursuant to this chapter. As such, the 
NDRRMC shall serve as the main counterpart for any applicable international 
or regional coordination mechanisms.
b. The NDRRMC shall inform assisting actors and relevant national and local 
government agencies of their rights and responsibilities under this Act and 
orient them to other laws, rules, or procedures especially relevant to 
international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance.
c. During the international disaster relief and initial recovery periods, the 
NDRRMC may order any relevant governing body of the Philippines to 
undertake actions or make available assets or premises required to facilitate the 
work of assisting international actors to provide disaster relief or initial 
recovery assistance. Such bodies shall comply to the fullest extent possible 
within their legal mandates. Any order that may impose a substantial burden 
on the cooperating agency may be reviewed at its request by the Secretary of 
the agency or department involved.
d. During the international disaster relief and initial recovery periods, the 
NDRRMC may likewise request any private actor to undertake voluntary 
actions, at their own expense, as needed to facilitate the work of assisting 
international actors to provide disaster relief or initial recovery assistance. This 
may include a request to lower or waive fees or charges for key services 
required by assisting international actors and/or to extend operating hours for 
their provision.
Sec. 12. Taskforce on International Disaster Assistance Preparedness. -
a. A cross-sectoral Taskforce on International Disaster Assistance Preparedness 
shall be established, to operate in accordance with this Section, under the 
chairmanship of the NDRRMC witJi the primary role of enhancing 
preparedness for implementation of this Act in case of a disaster requiring 
international disaster assistance.
b. The Taskforce shall be composed of representatives from:


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(i) The NRRMC;
(ii) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
(iii) The Philippine Red Cross;
(iv) The Office of the Governor/s of the Province/s involved;
(v) The Office of the Members of the House of Representatives of the 
District/s involved;
(vi) The Office of the Mayor/s of the city/ cities involved;
(vii) Such other members as the taskforce may invite to participate, 
including relevant United Nations (UN) agencies, regional 
organizations, and Foreign NGOs.
c. The Taskforce shall provide technical advice on preparedness for the 
facilitation of international disaster assistance to the NDRFJMC In fulfilling this 
role, the Taskforce shall:
(i) Prepare and update manuals, guidelines, plans or other procedures 
for the entry and coordination of international disaster relief and initial 
recovery assistance;
(ii) Compile and update information on existing bilateral, regional and 
international coordination mechanisms applicable the Philippines, and 
provide technical advice to the NDRRMC on the further development 
of such mechanisms;
(iii) Develop and maintain a list of personnel nominated by the relevant 
Secretaries to participate in Single Window International Facilitation 
Teams (SWIFTs), as described in Section 13, and to assist the NDRRMC 
to convene the SWIFTs immediately upon the commencement of an 
international disaster relief period pursuant to Section 8, if required for 
the volume of international disaster assistance expected;
(iv) Advise the NDRRMC on the development of technical quality 
standards for international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance, 
as described in Chapter IV of this Act;
(v) Develop, in accordance with Chapter V of dus Act, procedures, 
documentation requirements and information about the responsibilities 
of assisting actors imder this Act; and


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(vi) Undertake other tasks related to international disaster assistance, as 
requested by the NDRRMC. 
d. The taskforce shall meet:
(i) immediately upon the commencement of an international disaster 
relief period pursuant to Section 8, to ensure the effective operation of 
the SWIFTs described in Section 13 and to advise the NDRRMC on the 
application of relevant procedures, manuals and other techmcal 
materials concerning the facilitation of international disaster assistance; 
and
(ii) otherwise as necessary, and in no case less frequently than twice per 
year, to review national preparedness for implementing the provisions 
of this Act and to carry out the functions assigned to it pursuant to this 
Section.
Sec. 13. Single Window International Facilitation Teams (SWIFTs). -
a. Single Window International Facilitation Teams (SWIFTs) shall be 
established in accordance with this Section, for the purpose of consolidating 
and expediting the legal requirements concerning entry of incoming 
international disaster relief and initial recovery personnel, goods, equipment, 
and transport, as well as the application process for eligibility, as described in 
Chapter V.
b. In consultation with the Taskforce, the NDRRJVIC shall establish the 
membership, functions, authorities, and operating procedures for the SWIFTs, 
consistent with this Act and other relevant legislation.
c. The SWIFTs shall be composed of representatives of relevant Departments 
and Agencies, from the list established and updated by the Taskforce in 
accordance with Section 12.
d. Upon the commencement of an international disaster relief period pursuant 
to Section 8, SWIFTs shall be deployed to primary points of entry for 
international disaster assistance, including, as circumstances dictate, relevant 
airports, seaports, and land border crossing points.
e. In the absence of a SWIFT team at a particular border crossing, officials of the 
Bureau of Customs shall nevertheless apply the relevant provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 14. Operational Coordination of Assisting International Actors. -
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a. National and local authorities shall endeavor to integrate the role of assisting
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international actors into their contingency planning and mechanisms for
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operational coordination for disaster relief and initial recovery assistance
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efforts. In particular, they shall endeavor to facilitate the work of assisting
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international actors, while balancing the urgent needs of people affected by
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disaster and necessary safeguards relating to public safety and
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health, coordination and oversight.
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b. Assisting international actors shall cooperate and coordinate with National
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and local authorities in their disaster relief and initial recovery assistance. They
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shall provide them with such information as is available to them on the needs,
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and on the location, type and extent of their disaster relief and initial recovery
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assistance operations, as required for a coordinated and effective response.
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c. Assisting international actors shall cooperate with any international or
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regional mechanisms for coordination that have been specifically approved for
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a particular operation by the NDRRMC.
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Sec. 15. Limited Exemption from Privacy of Personal Data. - Public authorities and
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assisting actors shall be permitted to share personally identifiable information
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concerning disaster-affected persons among themselves for the purpose of avoiding
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imminent death or physical harm to individuals, or grave and foreseeable harm to
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public health or safety, or for facilitating family reunification.
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CHAPTER IV
23 
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTING ACTORS
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Sec. 16. Principles of International Disaster Assistance. -
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a. Assisting actors shall comply with the principles of humanity and
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impartiality in providing international disaster assistance. In particular, they
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shall establish their aid priorities on the basis of need alone and they shall not:
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(i) engage in any adverse distinctions, exclusions, or preferences based
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on statuses, such as nationality, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, class,
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gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or political opinion;
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(ii) seek to further a particular political or religious standpoint or
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interfere in internal matters irrelevant to disaster response;
11


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(iii) seek to obtain commercial gain from their assistance;(iv) gather
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sensitive information of a political, economic, or military nature that is
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‘ irrelevant to International Disaster Relief or Initial Recovery Assistance.
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b. In addition, non-governmental organizations shall comply with the principle
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of independence. They shall not act as instruments of the foreign policy of any
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government.
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Sec. 17. Respect for the Dignity of Persons Affected hy Disaster. - Assisting actors
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providing international disaster assistance shall respect the dignity cf persons affected
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by a disaster. They shall consult with the beneficiaries of their assistance in the design,
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implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the disaster relief and initial recovery
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assistance they provide.
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Sec. 18. Quality of Goods and Services. - Assisting actors shall ensure that the
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goods and services they provide are appropriate to the needs and circumstances of
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persons affected by the disaster and in compliance with the requirements of this Act
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and all applicable laws of the Philippines. Assisting actors shall additionally comply
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with technical quality standards as contained by regulations to be developed by the
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NDRRMC.
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Sec. 19. Disposal of Unusable Goods, Non-Functioning Equipment, and other Waste.
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- Assisting actors shall ensure that any goods or equipment they import for the
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purpose of disaster relief or initial recovery assistance, which are, or which have
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become unusable, as well as any other waste p roducts produced by them the course
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of their disaster relief or initial recovery assistance operations, are recycled or
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otherwise disposed of in a safe, enviroiunentally sensitive, and effective manner in
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compliance with Philippine laws.
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CHAPTER V
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ELIGIBILITY FOR LEGAL FACILITIES
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Sec. 20. Provision of Legal Facilities to Eligible Actors. -
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a. The legal facilities described in Chapter are available only to eligible actors
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as described in this chapter and are effective only during the international
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disaster relief and initial recovery periods. Unless otheiwise stated in Chapter
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VI, the legal facilities are equally effective during both of those periods.
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b. All legal facilities described in Chapter VI shall be available to assist 
international actors deemed eligible pursuant to Section 21 or approved as 
eligible pursuant to Section 22.
c. The legal facilities described in Parts 1 to 5 in Chapter VI shall only be 
available to assist domestic actors deemed eligible pursuant to Section 21 or 
approved as eligible pursuant to Section 22, with respect to international 
personnel, goods, equipment, and transport they bring to the country from 
abroad to provide disaster relief or initial recovery assistance.
Sec. 21. Deemed EligiUlity for Legal Facilities for Certain Assisting Actors. -
a. Upon the commencement of an international disaster relief period pursuant 
to Section 8, the following assisting international actors shall be deemed eligible 
to receive the legal facilities described in Chapter VI of this Act without a 
further application process pursuant to Section 22:
(i) Assisting States;
(ii) Relevant intergovernmental organizations, including United 
Nations and regional organizations; and
(iii) Any other assisting actor that the NDRRMC wishes to deem eligible.
b. In order to facilitate access to the legal facilities, the NDRRMC shall provide 
assisting international actors described in Subsection (a) a certificate of 
eligibility, upon their request.
Sec. 22. Application for EligiUlity for Legal Facilities by Assisting Actors. -
a. With the exception of those deemed eligible pursuant to Section 21, assisting 
actors seeking eligibility shall apply in accordance with this Section. Assisting 
international actors may apply only if they are recognized as a legal person in 
a foreign country or under international law.
b. The eligibility of private businesses for legal facilities shall be limited to 
assistance from which they make no profit or other commercial gain.
c. Applications for eligibility may be made in advance of any disaster, or after 
the onset of a disaster. In the event that eligibility for legal facilities is granted 
in advance of a disaster, it will remain valid for 1 year, after which a new 
application is required. The legal facilities will enter into legal effect only 
during international disaster relief or initial recovery period.
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d. All Assisting Actors seeking eligibility shall submit:
(i) certified copies of documents evidencing their legal personality in a 
foreign jurisdiction or under international law, in the case of assisting 
international actors, or under the laws of the Philippines, in the case 
of assisting domestic actors;
(ii) the name and full contact details Of the authorized representative of 
the organization and the address of its headquarters, if any, in the 
Philippines;
(iii) documentation relating to their previous experience and current 
capacity in providing effective disaster relief or initial recovery 
assistance;
(iv) an undertaking relating to their organizational commitment and 
practices concerning the responsibilities set out in Chapter IV,
Sec. 23. Eligibility Determination and Certificates. -
a. The NDRRMC shall respond to any application under Section 22 by either 
approving it and issuing a certificate of eligibility for the relevant Chapter VI 
legal facilities, or by giving notice that the application has not been approved.
(i) For applications made during the international disaster relief period, 
the NDRRMC shall respond no later than 2 days after receipt of all 
required documents.
(ii) For applications made after the termination of an international 
disaster relief period but during; an international initial recovery 
period, the NDRRMC shall respond no later than 5 days after receipt of 
all required documents.
b. Applications from assisting actors with significant experience will be 
accepted unless the documentation provided or external information raises 
doubts as to their capacities, in which case, additional opinions, and 
information may be gathered prior to making a determination.
c. Upon approval of an application pursuant to Section 22 or upon the request 
of an assisting actor deemed eligible purf .uant to Section 21, the NDRRMC shall 
issue a certificate indicating that the assisting actor is eligible for the relevant 
Chapter VI legal facilities. In the case of a domestic assisting actor, the
14


1 
certificate shall state that the eligibility extends to the legal facilities in Parts 1
2 
to 5 of Chapter VI.
3 
d. A certificate issued in accordance with this Section shall be valid for a period
4 
of 1 year from the date of issue and may be renewed through a new decision
5 
under Section 20 or Section 22.
6 
Sec. 24. Termination of Eligibility for Legal Facilities. - Eligibility of assisting actors
7 
for the relevant Chapter VI legal facilities may be terminated upon the request of the
8 
eligible actor concerned or upon the termination of the legal facilities for failure to
9 
comply with this Act, pursuant to Section 56 of this Act.
10 
CHAPTER VI
11 
LEGAL FACILITIES FOR ELIGIBLE ACTORS
12 
PART 1
13 
INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL
14 
Sec. 25. Disaster Visa. - The international personnel of eligible actors shall be
15 
entitled to waiver of entry visa requirements, including any associated fees or charges.
16 
International personnel who enter the Philippines under this Disaster Personnel visa
17 
waiver shall be allowed to undertake disaster relief and initial recovery work for their
18 
sponsoring entities without the requirement to seek a separate residence or work
19 
permit. As long as they continue as international personnel of their sponsoring
20 
entities, they shall be entitled to remain in or re-enter the territory as often as necessary
21 
throughout the international disaster relief and international initial recovery periods.
22 
After that time, they may apply for a relevant visa from within the country.
23 
Sec. 26. Reception of Foreign Professional Qualifications -
24 
a. Eligible assisting actors wishing to deploy international personnel for tasks
25 
requiring legal recognition of their foreign professional qualifications shall
26 
certify the validity of those qualifier tions and the competence of their
27 
personnel for the tasks envisaged.
28 
b. Within six months of the entry into force of this Act, the Department of
29 
Foreign Affairs shall establish lists of countries and/ or educational institutions
30 
whose health professionals, architectural, engineering, and other relevant
31 
professionals may be given automatic recognition of their foreign qualifications
32 
when certified by an eligible assisting actor pursuant to subsection (a) of this
15


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Section. The lists shall be reviewed at least once per year and published
2 
electronically.
3 
c. The Department of Foreign Affairs shall also establish expedited procedures
4 
to be applied for the assessment and recognition of the foreign qualifications of
5 
the international personnel originating from countries or institutions not
6 
included on the above-mentioned lists when certified by their sponsoring
7 
eligible assisting actor pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section.
8 
d. Recognition of qualifications under this Section shall exempt international
9 
personnel of eligible actors from any obligations for compulsory membership
10 
of professional associations or other professional registration processes within
11 
the Philippines until the end of the international initial recovery period.
12 
e. Recognition of qualifications under this Section shall remain valid until the
13 
end of the international initial recovery period, absent individual criminal
14 
conduct, or other professional miscondu ct sufficient to bar the individual from
15 
professional practice in the Philippines.
16 
Sec. 27. Recognition of Foreign Driving Licenses.- The Land Transportation
17 
Office (LTO) and other relevant authorities shall accord temporary recognition of the
18 
foreign driving licenses of the international personnel of eligible actors, during the
19 
international disaster response and initial recovery periods.
20 
Sec. 28. Freedom of Access. -
21 
a. The international personnel of eligible actors under this Act shall be provided
22 
freedom of access to disaster-affected areas and persons requiring disaster
23 
relief or initial recovery assistance, subject only to limitations based on national
24 
security, public order, or public health, weighed in the context of the urgency
25 
of the disaster needs. They shall be permitted to provide their goods and
26 
services directly to affected persons.
27 
b. In situations where the relevant authorities have decided to restrict public
28 
access to affected areas out of concern for the safety of those persons seeking to
29 
enter, they shall warn the international personnel of eligible actors, but allow
30 
them to enter, if they may do so without endangering others and if the
31 
international personnel assume the risk.
32 
PART 2
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ENTRY OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER GOODS AND EQUIPMENT
2 
Sec. 29. Customs Facilitation and Priority Treatment - As further described in this
3 
Part, the Bureau of Customs shall facilitate the rapid importation of consignments of
4 
goods and equipment by eligible actors and shall accord them priority treatment in
5 
handling.
6 
Sec. 30. Duty of Compliance of Eligible Actors. - In order to benefit from the legal
7 
facilities in this part, eligible actors shall:
8 
a. declare that all the goods and equipment they seek to import under this Part
9 
are exclusively for disaster relief or initial recovery assistance and that they
10 
comply with any relevant standards under national law, including as provided
11 
in this Act or its regulations; and
12 
b. pack, classify and mark their consignments in accordance with the
13 
requirements described in this part and as directed by the Bureau of Customs.
14 
Sec. 31. Representation to Customs - Eligible actors may make representations
15 
directly to the Bureau of Customs with respect to their international disaster assistance
16 
consignments or through a designated third party acting on their behalf.
17 
Sec. 32. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes, and Restrictions. - Consignments of
18 
goods and equipment by or on behalf of eligib1 e actors shall b(3nefit from:
19 
a. exemption from all duties and taxes;
20 
b. waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of
21 
special goods and equipment as provided in Part 3 of this Act; and
22 
c. clearance without regard to the country of origin or the country from which
23 
the goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public health and
24 
security.
25 
Sec. 33. Simplification of Document Requirements. - The Bureau of Customs shall:
26 
a. clear or release consignments of goods and equipment sent by or on behalf
27 
of eligible actors on the basis of a simplified/ provisional goods declaration
28 
providing the minimum information necessary for the Bureau of Customs to
29 
identify the goods and equipment: Provided, that eligible actors are subject to
30 
completion of a more complete declaration within a specified period;
31 
b. allow a single goods declaration for all imports of goods or equipment by or
32 
on behalf of eligible actors;
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c. allow the goods declaration and any supporting documents relating to 
consignments of goods equipment sent by or on behalf of eligible actors to 
be lodged electronically and without any fee;
d. allow the lodging and registering or checking of the goods declaration and 
supporting documents prior to the arrival of consignments of goods or 
equipment sent by or on behalf of eligible actors, to facilitate their release upon 
arrival; and
e. waive any requirement of translation of details in documents relating to 
consignments of goods or equipment sent by or on behalf of eligible actors 
unless it is absolutely necessary for the purposes of release or clearance.
Sec. 34. Extended Hours for Customs. - During the international disaster relief 
period only, the Bureau of Customs shall:
a. upon request, and without additional charges, carry out the functions 
necessary for the release or clearance oc consignments of goods or equipment 
imported by or on behalf of eligible actors outside their designated hours of 
business and/or away from customs offices when necessary; and
b. coordinate with the business hours and competencies of any other relevant 
departments involved in the approval of incoming consignments and, 
whenever possible, carry out joint operations, such as joint customs controls, 
including participation in SWIFTs, if established under Section 13 of this Act. 
Sec. 35. Inspections and Customs Security. - During the international disaster
relief period only, the Bureau of Customs shall:
a. on the basis of risk analysis, take only such action as it deems essential to 
ensure compliance with customs and related laws for the purpose of checking 
the goods declaration of a consignment sent by or on behalf of eligible actors; 
and
b. waive, as feasible, any customs security that would normally be required in 
respect of consignments of goods and equipment imported on or behalf eligible 
actors.
PART 3
EXPEDITED ENTRY AND USE RESTRICTIONS FOR SPEaFIC INTERNATIONAL
DISASTER GOODS AND EQUIPMENT
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Sec. 36. Telecommunications Ecjuipment -
a. Eligible actors shall be permitted to import telecommunications equipment 
for the purpose of disaster relief or initial recovery assistance without 
restrictions, except as required for purposes of national security or public order.
b. Upon notification of the names, frequencies, as applicable, and locations of 
the intended use of such telecommunic ations equipment imported by eligible 
actors, the National Telecommunications Commission NTC shall waive any 
licensing requirements or fees for their use.
c. The NTC shall also grant eligible actors priority over domestic users with the 
exception of security forces, ambu'ance services, and otlier domestic 
emergency responders in access to bandwidth, frequencies, and satellite use for 
telecommunications and data transfer associated with disaster relief and initial 
recovery assistance.
Sec. 37. Medications. - 
[
j
a. Eligible actors shall be permitted to import medications and medical 
equipment for the purpose of disaster relief or initial recovery assistance so 
long as they conform to the requirements of this Section.
b. Any such medications and medical equipment shall be appropriate to the 
needs of the disaster-affected persons and shall be legal for use in the country 
of origin according to its laws as well as in Philippines according to appropriate 
laws on pharmaceuticals. Pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) below, a 
distinction shall otherwise be made between medications intended to be 
donated for the use of others and those eligible actors intend to use directly in 
providing medical services.
c. Medications that eligible actors intend to use directly in providing medical 
services in disaster relief or initial recovery assistance shall be
(i) transported and maintained by the eligible actor in appropriate 
conditions at all times to ensure their quality; and
(ii) guarded against misappropriation and abuse.
d. Medications intended for donation for the use of others shall be:
(i) at least 12 months from their expiry date upon arrival, unless 
otherwise specifically agreed by the Department of Health (DOH);
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(ii) transported and maintained by the eligible actor in appropriate 
conditions to ensure their quality xmtil they reach their intended 
domestic recipients; and
(iii) appropriately labeled in a language understood in the affected State 
with the international non-proprietary name or generic name, batch 
number, dosage form, strength, Jiame of the manufacturer, quantity in 
the container, storage conditions, and expiry date.
Sec. 38. Food. - Food imported by eligible actors shall be pursuant to expedited 
procedures set out by regulations to be developed within 6 months from the effectivity 
of this Act by the DOH and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Sec. 39. Imported Vehicles. - The LTO shall grant temporary recognition to 
foreign registration and plates to vehicles imported by eligible actors during the 
international disaster relief period and the international initial recovery period.
Sec. 40. Search Dogs. - Search dogs imported temporarily by eligible actors shall 
be admitted without the need for quarantine so long as they meet the conditions and 
requirements of special regulations to be developed within 6 months from the 
effectivity of this Act by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
PART 4
PERMITTED DISPOSITION OF EQUIPMENT AND UNUSED GOODS 
Sec. 41. Disposition of Equipment and Unused Goods. -
a. This part sets out the permitted disposition of goods or equipment for which 
eligible actors have received waivers or exemptions from fees, duties, taxes, or 
other charges pursuant to this chapter and which remain in their possession as 
of the end of their disaster relief and initial recovery assistance operations.
b. Such goods and equipment may be:
(i) retained by eligible actors that are non-profit entities and used or 
distributed by them for humanitarian, development or charitable 
purposes in the Philippines;
(ii) re-exported pursuant to Section 42;
(iii) donated pursuant to Section 43; or
(iv) disposed of pursuant to Section 19.
c. Additionally, such goods and equipment may be sold, but only:
20


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(i) after the termination of the initial recovery period; and
2 
(ii) with payment of all fees, duties, taxes, or charges that were
3 
previously waived or exempted for these items under this Chapter.
4 
Sec. 42. Re-Export of Goods and Equipment - Eligible actors that import
5 
equipment or goods benefitting from the legal facilities in this chapter are permitted
6 
to re-export any equipment or unused goods and to do so without the imposition of
7 
any taxes, export duties, or similar charges, provided that:
8 
a. re-export is commenced no later than 2 months after the termination of the
9 
international initial recovery period; and
10 
b. they provide documentation that the equipment and goods in question were
11 
originally imported for the purpose of disaster relief or initial recovery
12 
assistance pursuant to this Chapter.
13 
Sec. 43. Donation of Unused Goods and Equipment. - When they are no longer
14 
needed for their disaster relief or initial recovery assistance, eligible actors are
15 
permitted to donate any imported or locally pu rchased goods and equipment without
16 
the imposition of any taxes, fees, duties, or similar charges on either the donor or the
17 
beneficiary, provided that:
18 
a. the donation is made no later than two months after the termination of the
19 
international initial recovery period;
20 
b. the eligible assisting international actor provides documentation to the BOC
21 
and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the identity of the importer or
22 
purchaser, the date of import or purchase, and the fact that the item or group
23 
of items was imported or purchased pursuant to the legal facilities in
24 
this Chapter;
25 
c. the beneficiary of the donation is the Philippine Red Cross, a domestic NGO,
26 
or other non-profit charitable or humanitarian organization established in the
27 
Philippines; and
28 
d. any items thus donated may not be sold unless fees, duties, taxes, or charges
29 
that were previously waived or exempted for these items under this Chapter
30 
are paid.
31 
PARTS
32 
TRANSPORT
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Sec. 44. Facilitation of Means of Transport - Ground, air, and water transport 
vehicles operated by or on behalf of eligible assisting actors to transport international 
and locally engaged personnel, goods, or equipment for the purposes of disaster relief 
or initial recovery assistance shall:
a. Be priority in air traffic routing and landing permissions subject to existing 
laws, rules, and regulations of the proper authorities.
b. Be exempt from any applicable taxes, J evies, duties, fees, or charges normally 
imposed by governmental entities of the Philippines, including, but not limited 
to:
(i) over flight, landing, parking, taking off and navigation service fees;
(ii) demurrage and docking fees; and 
iii) road tolls.
c. Be exempt from any prohibitions, limitations, or restrictions in respect of 
their arrival, overflight, landing, stay and departure, other than those necessary 
to guarantee national security, public sa cety, or public healtla.
Sec. 45. Entry of Transport Operators. -The appropriate authorities shall endeavor 
to reduce and expedite any procedures for the entry of drivers, pilots and crew of 
transport vehicles operated by on or behalf of eligible actors.
Sec. 46. Notice of Transport. - To facilitate the provision of the legal facilities in 
this part, eligible assisting actors or their carriers shall:
a. inform the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines CAAP) in advance of 
the intended route of flights, type and call signs of the aircraft, number of crew 
members, the character of the cargo, time-table of flights, and the list of all 
passengers, and shall comply with any directions from the CAAP as to air 
traffic control and landing procedures.
b. inform the relevant marine authority in advance, of the intended port or 
location of arrival each water vessel, the type, make and registration number 
of each vessel, the number of personnel operating and on board each vessel and 
the equipment, facilities and other materials on board each vessel, and shall 
comply with any directions from the relevant authority as to the control of 
incoming vessels or docking procedures.
PART 6
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LEGAL CAPAaXY AND EMPLOYMENT 
Sec. 47. Legal Capacity of Assisting International Actors. - The status of eligibility 
for legal facilities of an assisting international actor includes such legal capacity as 
may be relevant for the exercise of its functions and the fulfilment of its purposes in 
providing international disaster relief or initial recovery assistance accordance with 
the laws of the Philippines during the international disaster relief and initial recovery 
periods, in particular the capacity to:
a. open bank accounts;
b. enter into contracts, including leases;
c. acquire and dispose of movable property;
d. receive and disburse private funds;
e. initiate legal proceedings; or
f. engage and terminate locally engaged personnel, as set out in Section 49 this 
Act
Sec. 48. Engagement and Termination of Locally Engaged Personnel -
a. Subject to Section 4 of this Act, and except as provided this Section, all 
eligible assisting international actors shall comply with the applicable law in 
the Philippines with regard to the employment of locally engaged personnel;
b. Eligible assisting international actors shall not be required to make any 
separate registration as employers, including for the purposes of taxation, 
social security, and social insurance registration requirements relating to the 
employment of locally engaged personnel.
c. Notwithstanding any provisions of labor and employment laws to the 
contrary, eligible assisting international ictbrs may:
(i) recruit any individual legally entitled to perform the work envisaged 
in Philippines through a non-discrin}itnatory process; and
(ii) engage local personnel pursuant |to fixed-term contracts, which may 
be of short duration, and may be renewed as required without creating 
an open-ended obligation.
Sec. 49. Jurisdiction over International Personnel - Jurisdiction concerning 
contracts between eligible assisting international actors and international personnel
23


1 
engaged by them shall be determined based on the application of Philippine laws on
2 
jurisdiction.
3 
PART 7
4 
TAXATION OF ELIGIBLE ASSISTING INTERNATIONAL ACTORS
5 
Sec. 50. Value-Added Tax (VA). -
6 
a. The supply of disaster relief and initial recovery assistance by an eligible
7 
assisting international actor shall be exempt from all vat, service taxes and
8 
similar taxes, duties, levies, and governmental fees where such supply takes
9 
place during the international disaster relief or initial recovery periods. Eligible
10 
assisting international actors shall also be exempt from registration for vat
11 
during the same periods.
12 
b. In providing this legal facility the BIR shall take all practical steps to ensure
13 
that local suppliers suffer no negative financial or administrative impact in
14 
providing goods or services to eligible assisting international actors.
15 
Sec. 51. Income Tax. -
16 
a. The activities of an eligible assisting international actor carried on for the
17 
purpose of providing disaster relief or initial recovery assistance shall be
18 
subject to income tax on any actual or deemed income or gain arising from such
19 
activities.
20 
b. The international personnel of an eligible assisting international actor shall
21 
not be treated as a resident of the Philippines or as having any other connection
22 
with the Philippines relevant for taxation purposes by reason of their presence
23 
in the Philippines or activities undertaken there during the international
24 
disaster relief and initial recovery periods except in instances where any actual
25 
or deemed income or gain is realized.
26 
Sec. 52. Property, Assets, and Similar Taxes. - During the international disaster
27 
relief or international initial recovery periods, no taxes, duties, levies, or governmental
28 
fees having similar effect shall accrue or be payable by eligible assisting international
29 
actors in connection with:
30 
a. land, a building, or any part of a building where such land, building, or part
31 
thereof is wholly or primarily used by an eligible assisting international actor
32 
for the purpose of disaster relief or initial recovery assistance; and
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1 
b. the assets of an eligible assisting international actor.
2 
PART 8
3 
CURRENCY AND BANKING
4 
Sec. 53. Right to Bring Necessary Funds and Currencies into the Country. - The
5 
Department of Finance (DOF) shall facilitate the entry of such funds and currencies
6 
by eligible assisting international actors to provide disaster relief and initial recovery
7 
assistance.
8 
Sec. 54. Preferential Exchange Rates. - The DOF shall make available to eligible
9 
assisting international actors the best available legal exchange rates into the state
10 
currency for funds to be used for the purpose of providing disaster relief or initial
11 
recovery assistance.
12 
CHAPTER \TI
13 
SUPERVISION, REPORTING AND SANCTIONS
14 
Sec. 55. Supervision of Assisting Actors. -
15 
a. The NDRRMC shall be responsible for monitoring the compliance of
16 
assisting actors with their responsibilit'es under this Act, and in particular
17 
Chapter IV.
18 
b. To facilitate the NDRRMC s oversight, it may require assisting actors to
19 
report to it, at reasonable intervals, about the disaster relief and initial recovery
20 
assistance they provide. These reports shall be made public tJhrough electronic
21 
means.
22 
c. Any reporting requirements imposed by the NDRRMC under this Section
23 
shall be designed to reduce any administrative burden on assisting actors to
24 
the minimum necessary.
25 
Sec. 56. Non-Compliance by Assisting Actors. -
26 
a. If on the basis of credible information, the NDRRMC suspects that any
27 
assisting actor has failed to materially comply with its responsibilities under
28 
this Act, and in particular its responsibilities under Chapter IV, it shall
29 
immediately consult with the assisting actor and seek clarification or
30 
explanation If still unsatisfied, the NDRRMC shall provide written notice of
31 
non-compliance along with a decision either:
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(i) to require the assisting actor to bring itself into compliance within a 
specified period of time, with or without temporary suspension of its 
eligibility, if any, for legal facilities under Chapter VI;
(ii) to revoke the assisting actor s eligibility, if any, for legal facilities 
under Chapter VT;
(iii) in the case of deliberate misrepresentation or fraud, to impose fines 
to be set out by implementing regulation; or
iv) in the most extreme cases concerning an assisting international actor, 
to revoke the Philippines/ consent for it to provide disaster relief or 
initial recovery assistance in response to the disaster.
b. In the event of a decision to revoke pursuant to subsection (a)(iv) of this 
Section, if the assisting international actor lacks a legal basis independent of 
this Act to remain in the country, it may be required to depart, as of a date no 
sooner than 30 days from the date of the notice,
c. Decisions to suspend or revoke legal Ifacilities pursuant to subsections 
(a)(i) or a)(ii) of this Section may not be given retroactive effect, except in cases 
of fraud or criminal misconduct attributable to the assisting international actor. 
Sec. 57. Transparency as to Internationally Donated Funds. —
a. Jnternationally donated funds received by the Government of the Philippines 
for the purposes of disaster relief and initial recovery assistance shall be subject 
to audit by the Commission on Audit (COA) no later than six months after the 
termination of the international disaster relief period or the international initial 
recovery period. The results of these audits shall be made publicly available.
b. International donated funds received by Assisting domestic actors shall be:
(i) maintained in a dedicated accbunt for disaster relief or initial 
recovery assistance;
(ii) subjected to an external audit no later than six months after the 
termination of the international disaster relief period or the 
international initial recovery period, whichever is sooner. The results of 
these audits shall be reported to the appropriate authority and made 
publicly available.
26


1 
Sec. 58. Congressional Oversight Committee. - A Congressional Oversight
2 
Committee is hereby created to be composed of ttie 3 members each from the Senate
3 
and the House of Representatives who shall be designated by the Senate President
4 
and the Speaker of the House of Representati^ es: provided, that 1 of the 3 Senators
5 
and 1 of the 3 House members shall be nominated by the respective minority leaders
6 
of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
7 
The Oversight Committee is hereby mandated to oversee the implementation
8 
this act. For tliis purpose, the Oversight Commit tee shall set the guidelines and overall
9 
framework for the monitoring of the implementation of this Act and shall adopt its
10 
internal rules of procedures.
11 
Sec. 59. Annual Reporting on Implementation. - The NDRRMC shall report
12 
annually to the Congressional Oversight Committee created by Section 58 of this Act
13 
on steps taken to implement this Act, including preparedness measures taken prior to
14 
a disaster.
15 
Sec. 60. Sanction for Non-Compliance by Ojficials. — Officials of the Philippines
16 
that fail to abide by their responsibilities under this Act shall be subject to
17 
administrative sanctions, without prejudice to any civil or criminal liability under
18 
other laws that might also attach to the official s actions or omissions.
!
19 
CHAPTER Vin
20 
TRANSIT OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
21 
Sec. 61. Facilitation for Transit. - In the event a Disaster occurs in another country
22 
for which international disaster assistance is required the BOC and the Bureau of
23 
Immigration (Bl) shall facilitate the speedy transit or transshipment across the national
24 
territory of the Philippines of international disaster assistance by assisting
25 
international actors, including international personnel, goods, equipment, and
26 
transport, in order to reach the affected country.
27 
Sec. 62. Transit Facilities Period. —
28 
a. When, after seeking the views of relevant authorities of a disaster
29 
affected country, the BOC and the Bl are satisfied that international disaster
I
30 
relief or initial recovery assistance is likely, to be required and that the transit
31 
or transshipment of international personnel, goods or equipment through its
27


1 
. territory is likely to be helpful, the BOC and the B1 may declare the beginning
2 
of a Transit Facilities Period.
3 
b. The Transit Facilities Period shall continue until terminated by the BOC and
4 
the Bl, when they are satisfied that Tranrit Facilities are no longer required.
5 
c. The termination of a Transit Facilities Period shall be announced to assisting
6 
international actors no later than 5 days prior to the proposed date.
7 
d. The transit facilities described in this Chapter shall be effective only during
8 
the Transit Facilities Period.
9 
Sec. 63. Entitlement to Transit Facilities. -
10 
a. Subject to subsection (b), all assisting international actors shall be entitled to
11 
the Transit Facilities provided in this Chapter upon declaration that the
12 
international personnel, equipment, and goods that they seek to send in transit
13 
through the Philippines are for the purpose of providing international disaster
14 
relief or initial recovery assistance to a disaster-affected country.
15 
b. The BOC and the Bl may deny transit facilities to any assisting
16 
international actor, case of actual or suspected fraud or if necessary to
17 
safeguard national security or public herdth.
18 
Sec. 64. Disaster Transit Visa. — International Personnel entering the Philippines
19 
for the purpose of transit to a disaster-affected country shall be entitled to waiver of
20 
entry visa requirements, including any associated fees or charges on the condition that
21 
they exit the territory of the Philippines within i period of 24 hours.
22 
Sec. 65. Goods and Equipment in Transit and Transshipment. - The provisions of
23 
Parts 2 and 3 of Chapter VI shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to consignments of goods
24 
and equipment by eligible actors, when placed under customs transit or
25 
transshipment to an affected country.
26 
Sec. 66. Transport for Transit and Transshipment. - The provisions of Part 5 of
27 
Chapter VI shall also apply mutatis mutandis, to the ground, air, and water vehicles
28 
of eligible actors in transit through the territorial lands, waters, or airspace of the
29 
Philippines to provide international disaster relief or initial recovery assistance to an
30 
affected country.
31 
CHAPTER IX
32 
IMPLEMENTATION, TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
28


1 
Sec. 67. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - The NDRRMC together with the
2 
DOF, BIR, BOC, LTO, and other government agencies mentioned in this Act shall
3 
draft the rules and regulations concerning all matters which are required or permitted
4 
to be prescribed, or which are necessary to carry this Act into effect or to give effect to
5 
any power, function, duty, or authority under tliis Act.
6 
Sec. 68. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the
7 
application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid or unconstitutional,
8 
the remaining sections of this Act or the application of such provision or part hereof
9 
to other persons or circumstances shall remain full force and effect.
10 
Sec. 69. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and
11 
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
12 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
13 
Sec. 70. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its approval
14 
and publication in the Official Gazette and/or in two (2) newspapers of general
15 
circulation, whichever comes earlier.
Approved,
29