REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

Hane! > 12

Introduced by HON. AL FRANCIS C. BICHARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, was
enacted pursuant to the people's constitutional right to travel. Accordingly, the government has
the duty to issue passports or other travel documents to any of its citizens who comply with the
requirements of the said Act.

It is the policy of the State to prescribe only minimum requirements for the application
and issuance of passports and other travel documents to enhance and protect the unimpaired
exercise of the people's constitutional right to travel. For this reason, there is a need to amend
the existing Act in order to simplify the passport documentation requirements and application
process of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

This bill seeks to amend the provision relating to the requirements of issuance of
passports and provides additional grounds for amendments, suspension and revocation.

The proposed measure also provides an option for applicants to acquire a Philippine
passport with a five-year (5) or ten-year (10) validity. It also proposes for the allocation of an
amount equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the consular income to the Building Fund for the
purpose of renovating deteriorating government-owned chanceries and residences of Philippine
Embassies, consulates and missions abroad, amortization of acquired chanceries and buildings
of the Department of Foreign Affairs and acquisition of new properties abroad as well as
acquisition of official vehicles.

This bill also proposes to amend the provision on the Passport Revolving Fund which
may be utilized by the DFA for the improvement of ail its passports and consular offices in the
Philippines.

In addition, the bill addresses the proliferation of fake passports by providing more
‘severe penalties against the perpetrators of this type of fraud.

It is on the basis of the foregoing consideration that the approval of this ill is urgently
sought.

AL FAANCIS C. BICHARA
2™ District, Albay


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES )
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS. )
First Regular Session )

Introduced by HON. AL FRANCIS C. BICHARA

AN ACT TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8239, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 1996”

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

SECTION 1. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the “Philippine
Passport Act of 1996”, is hereby amended to read as follows

“SEC. 1. Short Title. - This Act [will] SHALL be called [as] the ‘[Philippine Passport Act
of 1996] REVISED PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 2012.”

SEC. 2. Section 2 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - The people's constitutional right to travel is inviolable.
Accordingly, the government has the duty to issue passports USING TAMPER PROOF AND
LATEST DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY AS MUCH AS PRACTICABLE or any travel
document to any citizen of the Philippines or individual who complies with the requirement of
this Act. The right to travel may be impaired only when national security, public safety, or public
health requires. To enhance and protect the unimpaired exercise of this right, only minimum
requirements for the application and issuance of passports and other travel documents shall be
prescribed. Action on such application and the issuance shall be expedited.”

SEC. 3. Section 3, subsections (e), (f) and (g) of the same Act are hereby amended to
read as follows:

“SEC. 3. Definitions. — As used in this Act:
“a) Department means the Department of Foreign Affairs;
“b) Secretary means the Secretary of Foreign Affairs;

“c) Post means a Philippine diplomatic and consular post such as an Embassy or
Consulate;

“d) Passport means a document issued by the Philippine government to its citizens and
requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass safely and freely, and in case of need
to give him/her all lawful aid and protection;

“e) Travel Document means a certification or identifying document containing the
description and other personal circumstances of its bearer, issued for direct travel to and from
the Philippines valid for short periods or a particular trip. It is issued only to persons whose claim
to Philippine citizenship is doubtful or who fall under the category enumerated in [Section 13]
SECTION 14 of this Act;

“f) Supporting Documents mean [any] paper$ or documentS which [is] ARE required to
be submitted with the passport application supporting claims to Filipino citizenship to complete


the application for a passport without which such application would be deemed incomplete or
otherwise become subject to denial by the issuing authority;

“g) Ambassadors mean those who have been appointed as chiefs of mission and have
served as AmbassadorS Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.”

SEC. 4. Section 4 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 4. Authority to Issue, Denyf, Restrict] or Cancel. — Upon the application of any
qualified Filipino citizen, the Secretary [of Foreign Affairs] or any [of his] authorized consular
officer may issue passports in accordance with this Act. “Philippine consular officers in a foreign
country shall be authorized by the Secretary to issue, verify, [restrict,] cancel or [refuse] DENY
ISSUANCE OF a passport in the area of jurisdiction of the Post in accordance with the
provisions of this Act. “In the interest of national security, public safety [and] OR public health,
the Secretary or any [of the] authorized consular officers may, after due hearing and in their
proper discretion, [refuse to issue a passport, or restrict its use or withdraw] DENY ISSUANCE
OF A PASSPORT, or cancel a passport: Provided, however, That such act shall not mean a
loss OF or doubt on the person's citizenship: Provided, further, That the issuance of a passport
may not be denied if the safety and interest of the Filipino citizen is at stake: Provided, finally,
That [refusal] DENIAL OF ISSUANCE or cancellation of a passport would not prevent the
issuance of a Travel Document to allow for a safe return journey by a Filipino to the Philippines.”

SEC. 5. Section 5, subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of the same Act are
hereby amended and new subsections to be designated as subsections (j), (k) and (I) are
hereby added to read as follows:

“SEC. 5. Requirements for the Issuance of Passport. - No passport shall be issued to an
applicant unless the Secretary or [his] A duly authorized representative is satisfied that the
applicant is a Filipino citizen who has complied with the following requirements:

“a) A duly accomplished application form and photographs of such number, size and
style as may be prescribed by the Department;

“[b) The birth certificate duly issued or authenticated by the Office of the Civil Registrar
General: Provided, however, That if the birth of the applicant has not been registered yet, or if
his birth certificate is destroyed, damaged, or not available due to other causes, he shall apply
for delayed registration of his birth with the Office of the Civil Registrar General which shall
issue to said applicant a certification of pending application for delayed registration of birth
attaching thereto a copy of an accomplished certificate of live birth. Such certification and the
accomplished certificate of live birth shall be sufficient to support an application for passport in
addition to other papers which the Department may require from the applicant;]

“B) THE APPLICANT'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE IN SECURITY PAPER ISSUED BY THE
NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE (NSO) OR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF BIRTH
CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE (LCRO) DULY
AUTHENTICATED BY THE NSO: PROVIDED, THAT IF THE BIRTH OF THE APPLICANT
HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED YET, OR IF SUCH BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS DESTROYED,
DAMAGED, OR NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO OTHER CAUSES, THE APPLICANT SHALL
APPLY FOR DELAYED REGISTRATION OF BIRTH WITH THE LCRO WHERE THE
APPLICANT WAS BORN. UPON COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
DELAYED REGISTRATION OF BIRTH, THE LCRO SHALL ISSUE TO SAID APPLICANT A
CERTIFICATION OF PENDING APPLICATION FOR DELAYED REGISTRATION OF BIRTH
ATTACHING THERETO A COPY OF AN ACCOMPLISHED CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH
WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF DELAYED REGISTRATION. SUCH CERTIFICATION AND THE
ACCOMPLISHED CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT AN
APPLICATION FOR PASSPORT IN ADDITION TO OTHER PAPERS WHICH THE
DEPARTMENT MAY REQUIRE FROM THE APPLICANT SUCH AS CERTIFICATION OF NO
PRIOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION OF PREVIOUS BIRTH REGISTRATION FROM
THE NSO.

“c) In the absence of a birth certificate, a baptismal certificate for those who are
members of a Christian religious organization, or similar or equivalent certificate issued by a


non-Christian religious group, attesting to the applicant's having been admitted to such religious
group or sect at an early age and where it is indicated that the applicant is a Filipino citizen,
which should be accompanied by a joint affidavit by two (2) persons who have personal
knowledge of the applicant and of such age as to credibly state the applicant's date and place of
birth, citizenship, and names of parents: Provided, That Filipinos who do not [believe in any
religion] BELONG TO ANY RELIGIOUS GROUP OR SECT and whose parents for any reason
failed to have the said applicant baptized shall be exempted from the baptismal certificate
requirement: Provided, further, That in lieu thereof, the applicant shall execute an affidavit to
that effect duly corroborated by affidavit of at least two (2) persons of good reputation who
Personally know such fact;

“[d) In case of a woman who is married, separated, divorced or widowed or whose
marriage has been annulled or declared by court as void, a copy of the certificate of marriage,
court decree of separation, divorce or annulment or certificate of death of the deceased spouse
duly issued and authenticated by the Office of the Civil Registrar General: Provided, That in
case of a divorce decree, annulment or declaration of marriage as void, the woman applicant
may revert to the use of her maiden name: Provided, further, That such divorce is recognized
under existing laws of the Philippines;]

“D) IF THE APPLICANT IS EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OLD AND ABOVE, A VOTER’S
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE OR THE APPLICANT'S VOTER’S ID OR AFFIDAVIT DULY
ISSUED OR AUTHENTICATED BY THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS IN THE LOCALITY
WHERE THE APPLICANT IS A REGISTERED VOTER;

“fe) In the case of naturalized citizens, a certified copy of the naturalization certificate; or
a certified naturalization certificate of husband or parent duly issued and authenticated by the
Office of the Civil Registrar General if citizenship is claimed through naturalization of spouse or
parent]

“E) A MARRIED WOMAN WHO OPTS TO ADOPT THE SURNAME OF HER
HUSBAND MUST PRESENT A LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY COPY OF HER MARRIAGE
CONTRACT DULY AUTHENTICATED BY THE NSO: PROVIDED, THAT A MARRIED
WOMAN WHO WAS WIDOWED OR DIVORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 26 OF
EXECUTIVE ORDER (EO) NO. 209, ASAMENDED BY EO NO. 227, ‘THE FAMILY CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES OF 1988’ OR UNDER PRESIDENTIAL DECREE (PD) NO. 1083, ‘THE
CODE OF MUSLIM PERSONAL LAWS OF THE PHILIPPINES’, OR WHOSE MARRIAGE
WAS ANNULLED OR DECLARED BY A COURT OF LAW AS VOID, AND WHO OPTS TO.
REVERT TO THE USE OF HER MAIDEN NAME MUST PRESENT THE DEATH
CERTIFICATE OF HER SPOUSE ISSUED BY THE NSO OR CTC OF DEATH CERTIFICATE
ISSUED BY THE LCRO, DULY AUTHENTICATED BY THE NSO OR CTC OF THE DIVORCE
DECREE, COURT DECREE OF ANNULMENT OR DECLARATION OF NULLITY SHOWING
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE AS RECOGNIZED BY PHILIPPINE COURTS AND DULY
REGISTERED AT THE NSO OR LCRO;

“[) For an applicant who has not reached the age of majority, an affidavit of consent
from a parent as indicated in the passport application if the minor is travelling with either parent,
and a clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, if the minor is
travelling with a legal guardian or a person other than a parent;]

“F) IN THE CASE OF NATURALIZED CITIZENS, A COPY OF THE NATURALIZATION
CERTIFICATE, DULY REGISTERED BY THE LCRO AND AUTHENTICATED BY THE NSO:
PROVIDED, THAT IN THE CASE OF DERIVATIVE NATURALIZATION, THE APPLICANT
SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THE COPY OF THE NATURALIZATION
CERTIFICATE OF THE PARENT OR SPOUSE DULY ISSUED BY THE NSO OR CTC OF
NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE LCRO DULY AUTHENTICATED BY THE
NSO;

“[g) If the applicant is an adopted person, the duly certified copy of court order of
adoption, together with the original and amended birth certificates duly issued and authenticated
by the Office of the Civil Registrar General shall be presented: Provided, That in case the
adopted person is an infant or a minor or the applicant is for adoption by foreign parents, an
authority from the Department of Social Welfare and Development shall be required: Provided,


further, That the adopting foreign parents shall also submit a certificate from their embassy or
consulate that they are qualified to adopt such infant or minor child;]

“G) APPLICATIONS FILED BY MINOR PASSPORT APPLICANTS MAY BE
PROCESSED ONLY UPON THE PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF EITHER PARENT:
PROVIDED, THAT IF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE MINOR'S PARENTS FILES THE
APPLICATION, A SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY (SPA) DULY EXECUTED BY EITHER
OR BOTH PARENTS MUST BE PRESENTED FOR THIS PURPOSE: PROVIDED, FURTHER,
THAT IN THE CASE OF AN ABANDONED, NEGLECTED, DEPENDENT OR
SURRENDERED CHILD, A CERTIFICATION DECLARING THE
CHILD AS LEGALLY AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL
WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) AND AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT EXECUTED BY
THE LEGAL GUARDIAN OR THE DSWD MUST BE PRESENTED;

“{h) In case of discrepancy between the applicant's name in the birth certificate and in
any other private documents, the former shall prevail over the latter unless by operation of law
or through court order, the applicant is permitted to use a name other than what is officially
recorded in the Civil Register; and]

“H) IF THE APPLICANT IS AN ADOPTEE OF ALIEN PARENTS UNDER REPUBLIC
ACT NO. 8043, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION ACT OF
1995’, THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE PRESENTED:

1) “CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF DECREE OF ABANDONMENT OF THE CHILD;

2) “DEED OF VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT (DVC) EXECUTED BY EITHER PARENT
AFTER THE BIRTH OF THE CHILD; AND

3) “CTC OF CERTIFICATION DECLARING A CHILD LEGALLY AVAILABLE FOR
ADOPTION ISSUED BY THE DSWD PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9523,
ENTITLED: “AN ACT REQUIRING CERTIFICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) TO DECLARE A ‘CHILD
LEGALLY AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION’ AS A PREREQUISITE FOR ADOPTION
PROCEEDINGS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8552, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE DOMESTIC ADOPTION
ACT OF 1998, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8043, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE INTER-
COUNTRY ADOPTION ACT OF 1995, PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 603,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE CODE, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES”

“PROVIDED, THAT THE AUTHENTICATED BIRTH CERTIFICATE, PLACEMENT
AUTHORITY AND FORMAL ENDORSEMENT OF THE CHILD TO THE INTER-COUNTRY
ADOPTION BOARD (ICAB) BY THE DSWD MUST ALSO BE PRESENTED.

“IF THE APPLICANT IS A MINOR TO BE ADOPTED BY A NON-FILIPINO RELATIVE
OR A RELATIVE MARRIED TO A NON-FILIPINO NATIONAL, THE APPLICANT SHALL
PRESENT THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8043:

1) “DEED OF VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT EXECUTED BY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

|. BOTH THE BIOLOGICAL PARENTS OR THE LEGAL GUARDIANS
FOR A LEGITIMATE CHILD;

Il. “BIOLOGICAL MOTHER OR LEGAL GUARDIAN FOR AN
ILLEGITIMATE CHILD; OR

ill, “DEED OF INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT BY THE DSWD FOR THE
ABANDONED OR NEGLECTED CHILD;

2) “DOCUMENTS ENDORSED BY THE DSWD FIELD OFFICER;
3) “PLACEMENT AUTHORITY ISSUED BY THE ICAB;


4) “TRAVEL CLEARANCE ISSUED BY THE ICAB; AND
5) “CERTIFICATE OF ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT (CIP) ISSUED BY THE ICAB.
“IF THE APPLICANT IS A MINOR TO BE ADOPTED BY A NONRELATIVE WHO IS
NOT A FILIPINO CITIZEN, THE APPLICANT SHALL PRESENT THE FOLLOWING
REQUIREMENTS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8043:

1) “DSWD CERTIFICATE DECLARING THE CHILD LEGALLY AVAILABLE FOR
ADOPTION;

2) “INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION CLEARANCE ISSUED BY THE DSWD;
3) "PLACEMENT AUTHORITY ISSUED BY THE ICAB;
4)

“TRAVEL CLEARANCE ISSUED BY THE DSWD; AND
5)

“CERTIFICATE OF ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT ISSUED BY THE ICAB.

“l) THE APPLICANT'S NAME IN THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE SHALL PREVAIL OVER
THAT APPEARING IN ANY OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE DOCUMENT IN CASE OF
DISCREPANCY, UNLESS BY OPERATION OF LAW OR THROUGH COURT ORDER, THE
APPLICANT IS PERMITTED TO USE A NAME OTHER THAN WHAT IS OFFICIALLY
RECORDED IN THE NSO OR THE LCRO;

“[iW) If the applicant is a government employee, the travel authority issued by the head
of department, agency or office may be required only if said applicant is applying for an official
passport{ J;

“K) IN THE CASE OF THOSE WHO HAVE REACQUIRED THEIR PHILIPPINE
CITIZENSHIP UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
‘CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-ACQUISITION ACT OF 2003’ AND OTHER EXISTING
LAWS, THE APPLICANT SHALL PRESENT THE FOLLOWING:

1) “ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF THE PRESCRIBED OATH OF
ALLEGIANCE;

2) “IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY APPROPRIATE AGENCIES;
AND

3) “SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR REQUIRED FOR
THE ISSUANCE OF PHILIPPINE PASSPORT;

“L) MUSLIM FILIPINOS, TRAVELLING FOR THE PURPOSE OF HAJJ, WHO ARE
UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A REGULAR
PASSPORT, MAY BE ISSUED A PASSPORT VALID FOR THREE (3) MONTHS AND FOR
ONE (1) TRIP ONLY UPON COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

1) “ENDORSEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS WHICH ISSUES
A CERTIFICATE OF TRIBAL AFFILIATION AND SIGNS A PERSONAL
GUARANTEE FORM; AND

2) “JOINT AFFIDAVIT OF TWO (2) DISINTERESTED PERSONS WHO ARE
FAMILIAR WITH THE BIRTH DETAILS OF THE APPLICANTS.

“A HAJJ PASSPORT IS NONRENEWABLE AND MAY NOT BE USED AS A BASIS
FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A REGULAR PASSPORT.”

SEC. 6. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:


“SEC. 6. Application. ~ [The application may be filed by:] A PERSON APPLYING FOR
A PASSPORT, EITHER FOR THE FIRST TIME OR FOR THE RENEWAL OF A PREVIOUSLY
ISSUED PASSPORT, MAY BE REQUIRED TO APPEAR IN PERSON FOR PHOTO AND
DATA CAPTURING.

“[a) The applicant himself or herself; or

“b) The parent or legal guardian on behalf of an applicant who is below the age of
majority.

“In case of first time applicants, the applicant must present himself/herself in person to
prove that he or she is the same person and of the age claimed in the application form. In case
of renewal the application may be filed by any licensed travel
agency duly accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs: Provided, That the agent shall be
responsible for the authenticity or bona fide of the supporting documents being presented to
meet the requirements for the application of passports.]

“THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN MAY ASSIST AN APPLICANT WHO IS A
MINOR.

“AN APPLICANT WHO IS ILLITERATE, PHYSICALLY DISABLED OR A SENIOR
CITIZEN MAY BE ASSISTED BY A RELATIVE WITHIN THE FOURTH CIVIL DEGREE BY
AFFINITY OR CONSANGUINITY OR BY ANYONE BELONGING TO THE SAME
HOUSEHOLD.

“THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE SPECIAL PROCEDURE TO FACILITATE
THE PASSPORT APPLICATION OF ILLITERATE, PHYSICALLY DISABLED AND SENIOR
CITIZENS.

“AN APPLICANT MAY ALSO BE ASSISTED BY ANY LICENSED TRAVEL OR
RECRUITMENT AGENCY DULY ACCREDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

“IN THE CASE OF A PASSPORT APPLICATION FILED BY A RECRUITMENT OR
TRAVEL AGENCY OR PASSPORT-RELATED SERVICE PROVIDER DULY ACCREDITED
BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE AGENT SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AUTHENTICITY
OF THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SECURED AND PRESENTED BY THE AGENT TO
MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPLICATION OF PASSPORTS.

“THE DEPARTMENT SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE ALTERNATIVE
DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE SPECIFIED IN THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND
REGULATIONS (IRR) FORMULATED TO ENFORCE THIS LAW.”

‘SEC. 7. Section 7 of the same Act is hereby amended and new subsections designated
as subsections (a) (10), (a) (11) and (a) (12) are hereby added to read as follows:

“SEC. 7. Types of Passports. - The Secretary or the authorized representative or
consular officer may issue the following types of passports:

a) “Diplomatic passports [for] ARE ISSUED TO persons [imbued] with diplomatic status
‘or WHO are on diplomatic mission such as:

1) “The President and former Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines;

2) “The Vice-President and former Vice-Presidents of the Republic of the
Philippines;

3) “The Senate President [and], the Speaker of the House of Representatives, AND
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENTS AND SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES;

4) “The Chief Justice, ASSOCIATE JUSTICES of the Supreme Court AND THE
PRESIDING JUSTICE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS;


5) “The [Cabinet Secretaries] SECRETARY, [and the] Undersecretaries and
Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Foreign Affairs;

6) “[Ambassadors, Foreign Service Officers of all ranks in the career diplomatic
service; Attaches, and members of their families] MEMBERS OF CONGRESS,
THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;

7) “[Members of the Congress when on official mission abroad or as delegates to
international conferences] THE SECRETARIES OF ALL THE DEPARTMENTS
OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH;

8) “[The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and delegates to international
or regional conferences when on official mission or accorded full powers by the
President; and] AMBASSADORS EXTRAORDINARY = AND
PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES;

9) “[Spouses and unmarried minor children of the abovementioned officials when
accompanying or following to join them in an official mission abroad.] CHIEFS
OF MISSION, FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS OF ALL RANKS IN THE
CAREER DIPLOMATIC SERVICE, INCLUDING DESIGNATED ATTACHES
FROM THE DEPARTMENT AND ATTACHED AGENCIES OF THE
GOVERNMENT;

10) “THE GOVERNOR OF THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS;

11)"OFFICIAL DELEGATES TO INTERNATIONAL OR REGIONAL
CONFERENCES ACCORDED FULL POWERS BY THE PRESIDENT; AND

12)"SPOUSES AND UNMARRIED MINOR CHILDREN OF THE
ABOVEMENTIONED OFFICIALS WHEN ACCOMPANYING OR FOLLOWING
TO JOIN THEM IN AN OFFICIAL MISSION ABROAD.

“The President of the Philippines [and] OR the Secretary of the Department of Foreign
Affairs may grant diplomatic passports to officials and persons other than those enumerated
herein who are on official mission abroad AND ARE GRANTED FULL POWERS BY THE
PRESIDENT.

“b) Official Passports [to be] ARE issued to all government officials and employees on
official trip abroad but who are not on a diplomatic mission or [delegates to international or
regional conferences or] have not been accorded diplomatic status such as:

1) “Undersecretaries, [and] Assistant Secretaries of the Cabinet other than the
Department of Foreign Affairs, the Associate Justices OF THE COURT OF
APPEALS and other members of the Judiciary, [members of the Congress] THE
DEPUTY SECRETARIES OF THE SENATE AND DEPUTY SECRETARIES
GENERAL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, and all other government
officials and employees travelling on [official business and] official time;

2) “Staff officers and employees of the Department [of Foreign Affairs] assigned to
diplomatic and consular posts and officers and representatives of other
government departments and agencies assigned abroad;

3) “Persons in the domestic service and household members of officials assigned to
diplomatic or consular posts NOT EXCEEDING TWO (2): PROVIDED, THAT AN
INCREASE IN DOMESTIC SERVICE AND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS OF SUCH
OFFICIALS SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY; AND

4) “Spousef[s] and [unmarried] minor children, [of the officials mentioned above
when accompanying or following to join them.] INCLUDING UNMARRIED
CHILDREN WHO ARE OF AGE BUT DEPENDENT ON THE STAFF


OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT ASSIGNED TO
DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR POSTS AND OFFICES AND
REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ASSIGNED
ABROAD, WHEN ACCOMPANYING OR FOLLOWING TO JOIN THEM.

“c) Regular PassportS ARE issued to Filipino citizens who are not eligible or entitled to
diplomatic or official passports, including government officials or employees going abroad for
pleasure or other personal reasons. Government officials and employees and members of their
families may, during their incumbency in office, hold two passports simultaneously: (1) a regular
passport for private travel; (2) a diplomatic or official passport when travelling abroad on
diplomatic or official business. The [wife] SPOUSE and minor children of persons entitled to a
diplomatic or official passports shall be issued regular passports, if they are not accompanying
or following to join them.”

SEC. 8. Section 8 of the same Act is hereby amended with subsection (a) (4)
renumbered as (a) (7); subsections (a) (4), (a) (5), (a) (6), (b) (4) and (b) (5) hereby added; and
subsection (c) is hereby deleted to read as follows:

“SEC. 8. Grounds for Denial[,] OF ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT OR Cancellation [or
Restrictions] OF PASSPORT. - The application for passport may be denied[,] OR A DULY
ISSUED PASSPORT MAY BE cancelled [or restricted] only on the following grounds:

“a) Denial of ISSUANCE OF Passport - THE ISSUANCE OF A PASSPORT MAY BE
DENIED ONLY ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

1) “[On orders of the court, after due notice and hearing, to hold the departure of an
applicant because of a pending criminal case] VIOLATION BY THE APPLICANT
OF ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT;

2) “[When so requested by the natural or legal guardian, if the applicant is a minor]
ON ORDERS OF THE COURT, AFTER DUE NOTICE AND HEARING, TO
WITHHOLD THE PROCESSING OF A PASSPORT;

3) “{When the applicant has been found to have violated any of the provisions of
this Act} WHEN THE APPLICANT IS A FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE:
PROVIDED, THAT THE APPLICANT BECOMES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A
NEW PASSPORT AFTER SUBMITTING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE
COURT;

4) "WHEN THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN CONVICTED BY FINAL JUDGMENT OF
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE: PROVIDED, THAT THE APPLICANT BECOMES
ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT AFTER THE SERVICE OF
SENTENCE OR THE GRANT OF PROBATION, CONDITIONAL OR
ABSOLUTE PARDON, OR AMNESTY;

5) "WHEN SO REQUESTED BY THE PARENT EXERCISING PARENTAL
AUTHORITY OR LEGAL GUARDIAN, IF THE APPLICANT IS A MINOR:
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT A COURT ORDER SHALL BE REQUIRED
WHEN BOTH PARENTS EXERCISE PARENTAL AUTHORITY BUT ONE
DOES NOT AGREE TO THE ISSUANCE OF A PASSPORT TO THE MINOR;

6) “UPON LAWFUL ORDER OF THE SECRETARY WHEN DEEMED
NECESSARY IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY, PUBLIC SAFETY
OR PUBLIC HEALTH; AND

7) “[4] Such other disqualificationS under existing laws.

“b) Cancellation OF PASSPORT - PASSPORTS MAY BE CANCELLED ONLY ON
THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:


1) "When the holder is a fugitive from justice[:]: PROVIDED, THAT THE
APPLICANT BECOMES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT
AFTER SUBMITTING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT;

2) “When the holder has been convicted BY A FINAL JUDGMENT of a criminal
offense: Provided, That the [passport may be restored after service of sentence;
or] HOLDER BECOMES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT
AFTER THE SERVICE OF SENTENCE OR THE GRANT OF PROBATION,
CONDITIONAL OR ABSOLUTE PARDON OR AMNESTY;

3) “[When a passport was acquired fraudulently or tampered with.] UPON FINDING
BY THE SECRETARY OR THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR
CONSULAR OFFICER THAT A PASSPORT HAD BEEN ACQUIRED UNDER
ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:

|. “FICTITIOUS NAME, FALSE NAME, ALIAS OR NICKNAME WAS.
USED IN VIOLATION OF EXISTING LAWS AND EXECUTIVE
ORDERS;

I. “FALSE OR INACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT PERSONAL
DETAILS WAS PROVIDED IN THE APPLICATION;

ill. “FAKE DOCUMENTS WERE SUBMITTED TO SUPPORT THE
APPLICATION;

4) "UPON FINDING BY THE SECRETARY OR THEAUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OR CONSULAR OFFICER THAT A PASSPORT HAD
BEEN TAMPERED SUBSEQUENT TO ITS RELEASE OR ISSUANCE; OR
“UPON ORDER OF THE SECRETARY WHEN DEEMED NECESSARY IN THE
INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY, PUBLIC SAFETY OR PUBLIC
HEALTH.

5

“ALL PASSPORTS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT CONTAIN ANY
MARKING, ANNOTATION OR STAMP PERTAINING TO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS.
LIMITATION OF TRAVEL SHALL BE ADMINISTERED THROUGH TRAVEL ADVISORIES
OR ANY OTHER MEANS WHICH DOES NOTNECESSITATE MARKING OR STAMPING OF
PASSPORTS.

“[c) Restricted

1) “When the country of destination is in a state of political instability which could
pose a danger to the Filipino traveler;

2) “When diplomatic ties have been fractured or severed with the Philippines;

3) “When the country of destination is subject to travel restriction by government
policy, enforcement of action by the United Nations or in a state of war.]”

SEC. 9. A new Section 9 is hereby added to read as follows:

“SEC. 9. SPECIAL BOARD OF INQUIRY (SBI). - THE DEPARTMENT MOTU
PROPRIO OR UPON RECEIPT OF ANY VERIFIED COMPLAINT THAT SHALL
NECESSITATE CANCELLATION OF PASSPORT SHALL SUMMON THE PASSPORT
HOLDER WHO SHALL BE GIVEN FIVE (5) WORKING DAYS UPON RECEIPT OF THE
COMPLAINT TO REPLY AND SUBMIT SUCH PROOF TO CONTRAVENE THE COMPLAINT.

“A SPECIAL BOARD OF INQUIRY (SBI) UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
IS HEREBY CREATED TO HANDLE AND ADJUDICATE THE COMPLAINTS FOR
CANCELLATION OF PASSPORT. THE SBI SHALL BE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS FROM
THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, THE OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS, THE OFFICE OF
‘CONSULAR AFFAIRS AND FROM SUCH OTHER OFFICES WHICH THE SECRETARY MAY


DEEM NECESSARY: PROVIDED, THAT THE SBI SHALL NOT EXCEED SEVEN (7)
MEMBERS.

“THE SBI SHALL OBSERVE SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS IN ADJUDICATING THE
COMPLAINT: PROVIDED, THAT SUCH SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS RESOLVE THE
COMPLAINT IN NOT MORE THAN THIRTY (30) WORKING DAYS UPON SUBMISSION OF
THE PASSPORT HOLDER'S REPLY TO SUCH COMPLAINT.

“AN APPLICANT WHOSE PASSPORT HAS BEEN CANCELLED UPON THE
DECISION OF THE SBI MAY FILE FOR ITS REISSUANCE UPON CLEARANCE BY THE
SBI.”

SEC. 10. Section 9 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [9.] 10. Appeal. - Any person who [feels] WAS aggrieved as a result of the
application of this Act or of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) issued by the
Secretary shall have the right to appeal to the Secretary [of Foreign Affairs from] whose
decision [judicial review] may be [had to] REVIEWED BY the Courifs in due course].”

SEC. 11. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [10.] 11. Validity. - Regular passports issued under this Act shall be valid for a
period of five (5) OR TEN (10) years{:]. [Provided, however, That the issuing authority may limit
the period of validity to less than five (5) 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
returned to the holder after canceliation.]

“THE PASSPORT APPLICANT SHALL HAVE THE OPTION TO APPLY FOR A FIVE
(5)-YEAR OR A TEN (10)-YEAR PASSPORT: PROVIDED, THAT MINOR APPLICANTS
SHALL BE ISSUED PASSPORTS VALID ONLY FOR FIVE (5) YEARS: PROVIDED,
FURTHER, THAT THE SECRETARY OR THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR
CONSULAR OFFICER SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF A
PHILIPPINE PASSPORT IF DEEMED NECESSARY FOR HUMANITARIAN REASONS OR IN
THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY, PUBLIC SAFETY OR PUBLIC HEALTH. THE
EXTENSION PERIOD OF THE PASSPORT SHALL NOT EXCEED TWO (2) YEARS AND
MAY BE AVAILED OF ONLY ONCE.”

SEC. 12. Section 11 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [11.] 12. Ownership of Passports. — A Philippine passport remains at all times the
property of the Government, the holder being a mere possessor thereof as long as it is valid and
the same may not be surrendered to any person or entity other than the government or its
representative: Provided, That [a] THE PASSPORT OF ANY Filipino citizen may BE voluntarily
surrenderED [his/her passport to a Philippine Service] TO ANY Post for storage and
safekeeping for which a proper receipt shall be issued for PRESENTATION [use] when
reclaiming the passport at a later date.”

SEC. 13. Section 12 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [12.] 13. Names and Titles. - The passport shall contain the full name of the
applicant, but shall not include [his] ANY title, [or titles or] profession or job description. If an
applicant's name is changed by order of the court, a certified copy of the court order or decree
shall be submitted together with the birth certificate or old passport on application.”

SEC. 14. Section 13 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:


“SEC. [13.] 14. Travel Documents. - A travel document, in lieu of a passport, may be
issued to:

a) “A Filipino citizen returning to the Philippines [who for one reason or another has
lost his/her] OR ON EMERGENCY TRAVEL TO ANOTHER DESTINATION,
WHOSE passport WAS LOST or WHO cannot be issued a regular passport;

b) “A Filipino citizen being sent back to the Philippines;

©) “An alien spouse of a Filipino and [their] THE dependents who have not yet been
naturalized as [a] FilipinoS [and] who are travelling to the Philippines or [is a]
permanent residentS of the Philippines;

d) “Aliens permanently residing in the Philippines who are not able to obtain foreign
passport$ and other travel documents;

e) “A stateless person who is likewise a permanent resident, or a refugee granted
such status or asylum in the Philippines.”

SEC. 15. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [14.] 15. Amendments. - A passport may be amended at the request of the holder
for any [lawful] OF THE FOLLOWING purposeS[,]: [but such amendment should be approved
by the Secretary or his duly authorized diplomatic or consular officers.]

“[Diplomatic and official passports shall be submitted for revalidation before each
departure of the holder.]

A) “AMENDMENTS OF A WOMAN'S NAME DUE TO MARRIAGE;

B) “AMENDMENT OF A WOMAN'S NAME DUE TO DEATH OF SPOUSE,
ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE, ISSUANCE OF A DIVORCE DECREE UNDER
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1083, GRANT OF DIVORCE DECREE OR
DECLARATION OF NULLITY SHOWING DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
GRANTED BY A FOREIGN COURT AND RECOGNIZED BY PHILIPPINE
COURTS CONSISTENT WITH ARTICLE 26 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209,
AS AMENDED; OR

C) “AMENDMENTS BY ORDER OF A COURT PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 9048, ENTITLED: ‘AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OR MUNICIPAL
CIVIL REGISTRAR OR THE CONSUL GENERAL TO CORRECT A CLERICAL
OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR IN AN ENTRY AND/OR CHANGE OF FIRST
NAME OR NICKNAME IN THE CIVIL REGISTER WITHOUT NEED OF A
JUDICIAL ORDER, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE ARTICLES 376 AND
412 OF THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES’.”

SEC. 16. Section 15 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [15.] 16. Loss or Destruction. - The loss or destruction of a passport should be
immediately reported to the Department or the Post. The holder of such passport shall submit to
the Department or Post an affidavit stating in detail the circumstances of such loss or
destruction. The holder of such a passport, who is in the Philippines, should also furnish the
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) copies of the affidavit.
For those who are abroad, copies of the affidavit will be forwarded by the Post to the
Department's Office of Consular [Services] AFFAIRS, and in coordination with the Office of
Legal [and Intelligence Services] AFFAIRS, shall transmit a copy of the affidavit to the [National
Bureau of Investigation] NBI and [Bureau of Immigration] BI. The transmittal of the affidavit
shall be accompanied by a request for the confiscation of the said passport if found, and to
investigate or detain, if necessary, the person attempting to use or has used the passport. All


Posts will be informed of the lost passport, including pertinent information on the passport and
the circumstances of loss.

“No new passport shall be issued until satisfactory proof is shown that the passport was
actually lost and after the lapse of fifteen (15) days following the date of submission of the
affidavit of loss as herein required: Provided, however, That in the case of a passport reported
lost by a Filipino travelling abroad, the Consulate may waive the fifteen [(15) days] (15)-DAY
requirement if the loss has been proven to the Consular Official's satisfaction: Provided, further,
That in case the Filipino who reported a loss of passport is returning to the Philippines, the
holder may be issued a Travel Document{: Provided, finally, That in the event the lost passport
is found, it should be destroyed if a replacement has been issued, or mailed to the holder who
was issued a Travel Document].

“In all cases, AT THE DISCRETION OF the head of Office of Consular [Services]
AFFAIRS or the head of the Consular Section of an Embassy or the Consul General of a
consulate, [may, upon his discretion, waive] the fifteen (15)-day waiting period[.] MAY BE
WAIVED.”

SEC. 17. Section 16 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows: “SEC. [16] 17. Fees. - Reasonable fees shall be collected for the processing,
issuance, [extension,] OR amendment OF AN EXISTING PASSPORT or replacement of a lost
passport and the issuance of a Travel Document as may be determined by the Departmentf:].
[Provided, however, That any fee shall not be increased more than once every three (3) years.]
“THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PRESCRIBE THE NECESSARY FEES FOR PASSPORTS
WITH FIVE (5)-YEAR AND TEN (10)-YEAR VALIDITIES.”

SEC. 18. Section 17 of the same Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [17.] 18. Passport Revolving Fund. — The Department may charge a service fee
of not more than Two hundred fifty pesos (P250) for such service rendered to applicants relating
to the processing and issuance of passports requiring special consideration, waiver or issuance
beyond regular office hours. The service fees received by the Department under this section
shall constitute a revolving fund to be called the ‘Passport Revolving Fund’ which may be
utilized by the Department for the improvement of its passporting and consular services and
other Department services except travel and transportation allowances and expenses.

“The setting up, use and disbursement of funds shall be subject to review, accounting
and auditing rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit and will be subject to an annual
review by Congress[,]. [but] FURTHER, the Secretary [will] SHALL submit a report on the
disbursement of the fund every six (6) months to both the Senate COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN
RELATIONS and the House Committee[s] on Foreign [Relations] AFFAIRS.”

SEC. 19. Section 18 of this Act is hereby renumbered and amended to read as follows:

“SEC. [18] 19. Waiver. - The Secretary of Foreign Affairs is solely authorized to waive
any requirement[s] set forth in Section 5 of this Act.”

SEC. 20. Section 19 of this Act is hereby renumbered and amended with new
‘subsections (a) (4) and (f) hereby added to read as follows:

“SEC. [19] 20. Offenses and Penalties. - A passport being a proclamation of the
citizenship of a Filipino, is [a document that is] superior to all other official documents[,] AND
[As] AS such, [it] should be accorded the highest respect by its holder. {that to do damage to its
integrity and validity is a serious crime that should be penalized accordingly] ANY ACT
PREJUDICIAL TO ITS INTEGRITY IS A GRAVE CRIME AGAINST THE SECURITY OF THE
STATE AND SHOULD BE PENALIZED ACCORDINGLY.

“a) Offenses Relating to Issuances: Penalties — Any person who:

1) “Acting or claiming to act in any capacity or office under the Republic of the
Philippines, without lawful authority, ACCEPTS PASSPORT APPLICATIONS,


grants, issues or verifies any passport or travel document to any or for any
person whomsoever, OR IS CAUGHT SELLING IN WHATEVER CAPACITY
PASSPORT APPLICATION FORMS, OR LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORTS
AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen
thousand pesos (P15,000) [nor] BUT NOT more than Sixty thousand pesos
(P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than [eighteen (18) months nor more
than] six (6) years AND ONE (1) DAY NOR MORE THAN TWELVE (12)
YEARS; or

2) “Being a diplomatic or consular official authorized to grant, issue, amend or verify
passports, knowingly an {wilfully} WILFULLY grants, issues, amends or verifies
any such passport to any or for any person not owing allegiance to the Republic
of the Philippines, whether citizen or not, shall be punished by a fine of not less
than Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000) [nor] BUT NOT more than Sixty
thousand pesos (P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than [eighteen (18)
months but not more than] six (6) years AND ONE (1) DAY BUT NOT MORE
THAN TWELVE (12) YEARS, and upon conviction, be PERPETUALLY
disqualified from holding [appointive] public office; OR

3) “Being a diplomatic or consular officer, knowingly and [willfully] WILFULLY
grants and issues to, amends or certifies to the authenticity of any passport or
travel document for any person not entitled thereto, or knowingly and [willfully]
WILFULLY issues more than one passport to any person except as provided for
in this Act, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos
(P15,000) [nor] BUT NOT more than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) and
imprisonment of not less than [eighteen (18) months nor more than] six (6) years
and ONE (1) DAY BUT NOT MORE THAN TWELVE (12) YEARS AND upon
conviction, be disqualified PERPETUALLY from holding [appointive] public
office]; OR

4) “ACTING OR CLAIMING TO ACT IN ANY CAPACITY, WITH THE INTENTION
TO PROFIT THEREBY, INTERCEPTS A PERSON PROCEEDING TO THE
DEPARTMENT OR ANY OF ITS REGIONAL CONSULAR OFFICES TO
APPLY FOR A PASSPORT, AND PERSUADES, ENTICES, ENCOURAGES
OR MISLEADS SUCH APPLICANT TO COURSE THE APPLICATION
THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON OR AGENCY OTHER THAN THE
DEPARTMENT OR ITS PERSONNEL ON THE PRETEXT OF FACILITATING
ITS APPROVAL OR ISSUANCE BY THE DEPARTMENT SHALL BE
PUNISHED BY IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN EIGHTEEN (18)
MONTHS NOR MORE THAN SIX (6) YEARS.

“b) Offenses Relating to False Statements: Penalties - Any person who [willfully]
WILFULLY and knowingly:

1) “Makes any false statement in any application for passport with the intent to
induce or secure the issuance of a passport under the authority of the Philippine
Government, [either for his own use or the use of another] FOR ANY PURPOSE,
contrary to this Act or rules and regulations prescribed pursuant hereto shall be
punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000) nor more
than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than [three
(3) years nor more than ten (10) years] SIX (6) YEARS AND ONE (1) DAY BUT
NOT MORE THAN TWELVE (12) YEARS; or

2) “Uses or attempts to use any passport which was secured in any way by reason
of any false statement[s], shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen
thousand pesos (P15,000) [nor] BUT NOT more than Sixty thousand pesos
(P60,000) and imprisonment of not less than [three (3) years, but not more than
ten (10) years] SIX (6) YEARS AND ONE (1) DAY BUT NOT MORE THAN
TWELVE (12) YEARS; or

3) “Travel and recruitment agencies [whose] AND PASSPORT-RELATED
SERVICE PROVIDERS, agents, liaison officers or representatives are convicted


of offenses relating to false statements shall, in addition to the fines and penalties
abovementioned, have their license revoked with all deposits, escrow accounts
or guarantee funds deposited or made as a requirement of their business
forfeited in favor of the government [without prejudice to the officials of the
branch office or of the agency being charged as accessories to the offense and
upon conviction barred from engaging in the travel or recruitment agency
business]. AN OFFICER OF THE TRAVEL OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY
CONVICTED FOR FALSE STATEMENTS SHALL BE BARRED FROM
ENGAGING IN THE TRAVEL OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY BUSINESS.

“c) Offenses Relating to Forgery: Penalties — Any person who:

1) “Falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, mutilates or alters any passport or travel
document OR DEPARTMENT STAMPS, or any supporting document for a
Passport application, with the intent of using the same shall be punished by a fine
of not less than [Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000)] SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND
PESOS (P75,000) [nor] BUT NOT more than One hundred fifty thousand pesos
(P150,000) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) years [nor] BUT NOT more
than fifteen (15) years[; or]. THE POSSESSION OF THE DOCUMENTS HEREIN
MENTIONED SHALL BE PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF COMMISSION OF THE
ACTS ENUMERATED HEREIN AND THE INTENT TO USE THE SAME; OR

2) “{Willfully] WILFULLY or knowingly uses or attempts to use, or furnishes to
another for use any such false, forged, counterfeited, mutilated or altered
Passport or travel document or any passport validly issued which has become
void by the occurrence of any condition [tJherein prescribed shall be punished by
a fine of not less than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) [nor] BUT NOT more than
‘One hundred fifty thousand pesos (P150,000) and imprisonment of not less than
six (6) years 32 [nor] BUT NOT more than fifteen (15) years[:]. [Provided,
however, That] THE officers of corporations, agencies or entities licensed in the
travel and recruitment industry would be held similarly liable as their agents,
liaison officers or representatives[:]. [Provided, finally, That f|Forgeries of five or
more passports or travel documents[, would] SHALL be considered as massive
forgery tantamount to national sabotage and [shall be] punished by a fine of not
less than Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000) [nor] BUT NOT more
than One million pesos (P1,000,000) and imprisonment of not less than seven (7)
years [nor] BUT NOT more than seventeen (17) years.

“(d) Offenses Relating to Improper Use: Penalties - A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN
SIXTY THOUSAND PESOS (P60,000) BUT NOT MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED FIFTY
THOUSAND PESOS (P150,000) AND IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN SIX (6) YEARS
BUT NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN (15) YEARS SHALL BE IMPOSED UPON [AJAny person
who [willfully] WILFULLY and knowingly:

1) “Uses or attempts to use[,] any passport issued or designed for the use of
another or any supporting document[s] for a passport application which belongs
to another; or

2) “Uses or attempts to use any passport or supporting document in violation of the
conditions or restrictions therein contained, or of the rules prescribed pursuant
thereto; or

3) “Furnishes, disposes or delivers a passport to any person, [for use by another or
other than the person for whose use it was originally issued or designed] OTHER
THAN TO THAT IN WHOSE NAME AND FOR WHOSE USE IT WAS ISSUED,
EXCEPT WHEN THE APPLICANT IS A MINOR, A SENIOR CITIZEN OR
PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY INCAPACITATED AND THE PASSPORT IS
RELEASED TO THE PARENT, GUARDIAN OR IMMEDIATE RELATIVE:
PROVIDED, THAT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY AND FOR HUMANITARIAN
REASONS, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE OF
CONSULAR AFFAIRS OR THE HEAD OF THE CONSULAR SECTION OF
ANY EMBASSY OR THE CONSUL GENERAL OF A CONSULATE, THE


PASSPORT MAY BE RELEASED TO A THIRD PARTY UPON THE
SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM THE APPLICANT; or

4)

“Defaces or destroys a Philippine passport[.]. [shall be punished by a fine of not
less than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) nor more than One hundred fifty
thousand pesos (P150,000) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) years nor
more than fifteen (15) years.]

“e) Offenses Relating to Multiple Possession: Penalties — No person or individual may
hold more than one valid passport, except as provided for in Section 7 hereof, and any
individual who possesses more than one unexpired passport shall, for every unexpired passport
found in his possession, be punished by a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos
(P15,000) [nor] BUT NOT more than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) and imprisonment of not
less than [eighteen (18) months but not more than six (6) years] SIX (6) YEARS AND ONE (1)
DAY BUT NOT MORE THAN TWELVE (12) YEARS: Provided, That the maximum fine and
imprisonment shall be imposed by the court [if he] FOR ANY attempt{s] to use or THE actually]
use[s] OF an unexpiredpassport which is not in [his] THE name OF THE USER.

“In case any of the offenses prohibited in this Act constitutes a violation of the Revised
Penal Code and the penalty imposed in said Code is heavier than that provided in this Act, the
latter penalty shall be imposed.

“F) OFFENSES RELATING TO FORGERY OF VISAS AND ENTRY DOCUMENTS:
PENALTIES - A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN FIFTEEN THOUSAND PESOS (P15,000) BUT
NOT MORE THAN SIXTY THOUSAND PESOS (P60,000) AND IMPRISONMENT OF NOT
LESS THAN THREE (3) YEARS BUT NOT MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS SHALL BE
IMPOSED UPON ANY PERSON WHO:

1) "KNOWINGLY FORGES, COUNTERFEITS, ALTERS OR FALSELY MAKES
ANY IMMIGRANT OR NONIMMIGRANT VISA, PERMIT, BORDER CROSSING
CARD, ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD OR OTHER DOCUMENT PRESCRIBED
BY STATUTE OR REGULATION FOR ENTRY INTO OR AS EVIDENCE OF
AUTHORIZED STAY OR EMPLOYMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES OR
ELSEWHERE WITH THE INTENT OF USING THE SAME; OR

2) "KNOWINGLY USES, ATTEMPTS TO USE, POSSESSES, OBTAINS,
ACCEPTS OR RECEIVES ANY SUCH VISA, PERMIT, BORDER CROSSING
CARD, ALIEN REGISTRATION RECEIPT CARD OR OTHER DOCUMENT
PRESCRIBED BY STATUTE OR REGULATION FOR ENTRY INTO OR AS
EVIDENCE OF AUTHORIZED STAY OR EMPLOYMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES
OR ELSEWHERE, KNOWING IT TO BE FORGED, COUNTERFEITED,
ALTERED OR FALSELY MADE, OR TO HAVE BEEN PROCURED BY MEANS
OF ANY FALSE CLAIM OR STATEMENT, OR TO HAVE BEEN OTHERWISE
PROCURED BY FRAUD OR UNLAWFULLY OBTAINED: PROVIDED, THAT
THE USE OF FORGED, COUNTERFEITED, ALTERED OR FALSELY MADE
VISA, PERMIT, BORDER CROSSING CARD, ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD
OR OTHER ENTRY DOCUMENT SHALL BE PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF
KNOWLEDGE; OR

3) “KNOWINGLY POSSESSES ANY BLANK PERMIT, OR ENGRAVES, SELLS,
BRINGS INTO THE PHILIPPINES, OR HAS THE CONTROL OR POSSESSION
IN ANY PLATE IN THE LIKENESS OF A PLATE DESIGNED FOR THE
PRINTING OF PERMITS, OR MAKES ANY PRINT, PHOTOGRAPH OR
IMPRESSION IN THE LIKENESS OF ANY IMMIGRANT OR NONIMMIGRANT
VISA, PERMIT OR OTHER DOCUMENT REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THE
PHILIPPINES OR ELSEWHERE, OR HAS THE POSSESSION OF A
DISTINCTIVE PAPER WHICH HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT
FOR THE PRINTING OF SUCH VISAS, PERMITS OR DOCUMENTS:
PROVIDED, THAT THE PERSON WHO FORGES, COUNTERFEITS, ALTERS
OR FALSELY MAKES ANY IMMIGRANT OR NONIMMIGRANT VISA, PERMIT,
BORDER CROSSING CARD, ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD OR OTHER
ENTRY DOCUMENT SHALL BE PUNISHED BY A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN


SIXTY THOUSAND PESOS (P60,000) BUT NOT MORE THAN ONE
HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P150,000) AND IMPRISONMENT OF
NOT LESS THAN SIX (6) YEARS BUT NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN (15)
YEARS FOR EACH VISA OR ENTRY DOCUMENT.

“FINES AND PENALTIES PROVIDED FOR UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE
IMPOSED IN THEIR MAXIMUM WHEN SAID ACTS ARE COMMITTED BY A SYNDICATE
OR IN LARGE SCALE. ANY UNLAWFUL ACT UNDER THIS SECTION IS COMMITTED BY
A SYNDICATE IF CARRIED OUT BY A GROUP OF THREE (3) OR MORE PERSONS
CONSPIRING AND CONFEDERATING WITH ONE ANOTHER. SUCH ACTS ARE
COMMITTED IN LARGE SCALE IF COMMITTED AGAINST THREE (3) OR MORE PERSONS
INDIVIDUALLY OR AS A GROUP.”

SEC. 21. Section 20 of the same Act if hereby renumbered and amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. [20] 21. Suspension OR REVOCATION of Accreditation. - TRAVEL OR
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES AND OTHER PASSPORT-RELATED SERVICE PROVIDERS
ARE ALLOWED THE PRIVILEGE TO TRANSACT BUSINESS WITH THE DEPARTMENT ON
THE BASIS OF TRUST AND CONFIDENCE. FOR THE EXERCISE OF THIS PRIVILEGE,
THESE PASSPORT SERVICE PROVIDERS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SECURE
ACCREDITATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT.

“Any [duly accredited] travel or recruitment [agent or] agency AND OTHER PASSPORT
SERVICE PROVIDERS [which] THAT violate[s the prescription on application for passport
under Section 6 hereof] ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT shall have [such] ITS accreditation
suspended [without prejudice to civil, criminal or administrative sanctions including revocation of
its license to operate] OR REVOKED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCHEDULE OF
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES TO BE FORMULATED BY THE DEPARTMENT. ANY SUCH
SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF ACCREDITATION SHALL BE WITHOUT PREJUDICE
TO CIVIL SERVICE OR CRIMINAL SANCTIONS AGAINST THE AGENCY, ITS OFFICERS,
AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES.

“The [mere] submission of spurious, forged or falsified documents supporting a passport
application by any duly accredited travel or recruitment [agent or] agency OR OTHER
PASSPORT SERVICE PROVIDERS shall be prima facie evidence that the said travel or
recruitment [agent or] agency is the author of such forgery or falsification[.]: PROVIDED, THAT
THE SPURIOUS, FORGED OR FALSIFIED DOCUMENT SUBMITTED WAS SECURED BY
THE TRAVEL OR RECRUITMENT AGENCY OR OTHER RELEVANT PASSPORT SERVICE
PROVIDERS ON BEHALF
OF ITS CLIENT.”

SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary shall issue the
necessary implementing rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within
ninety (90) days from the date of its effectivity without extension or delays.

SEC. 23. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act No. 8239 and all other laws or parts thereof,
decrees, orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 25. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,