TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
1259
li;':'? &cuau'
of Mi?
25 AUG 27 A9 21
RECEIVED BY:
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Loren 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
According to the 2024 edition of the World Risk Index (WRI) published by the 
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict and Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft 
(Alliance Development Works), the Philippines has ranked as the most disaster-prone 
country in the world for sixteen consecutive years.
From 2010 to 2020, the Philippines suffered an estimated P506.1 billion 
(approximately $10 billion) in losses due to natural disasters, according to the Department
1 https://www.unisdr.org/files/46796_cop21weatherdisastersreport2015.pdf
2 Villacin, D. T. (June 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/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdpsl721.pdf


of Finance. Of this, P515.51 billion (around $10.6 billion) was attributed to extreme 
weather events alone—representing 98.2% of total losses over the decade. This translates 
to an average annual loss of P48.9 billion, or about 0.33% of the country's GDP.3
Given the scale of damage to both lives and livelihoods, the Philippines has received 
consistent international aid from partners such as 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.
While this support is important, it is equally important to ensure that aid reaches 
the communities that need it most, and that relief and recovery efforts are fast, targeted, 
and transparent. Misuse or misallocation of resources must be avoided through strict 
monitoring and accountability.
To improve coordination, this measure proposes to designate the National Disaster 
Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as the central agency responsible for 
managing international disaster assistance. The NDRRMC will serve as the primary liaison 
between the Philippine government and foreign governments and aid agencies.
The bill also requires the NDRRMC to consult local government units (LGUs) in 
disaster-hit areas to identify the specific goods, services, and equipment needed on the 
ground. To streamline aid entry and deployment, it proposes the establishment of Single 
Window International Facilitation Teams (SWIFTs) which will fast-track the legal and 
logistical requirements for the arrival of international relief personnel, supplies, 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
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articIes/1158484


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
1259
S. No.
of tijf
25 AUG 27 A9
RHCEIVED 8Y;
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
1
2
AN ACT
FACILITATING AND REGULATING INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF AND 
INITIAL RECOVERY ASSISTANCE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "International Disaster
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Relief and Initial Recovery Assistance Act."
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Sec. 2. Purpose and Scope. - This Act sets out procedures, roles and
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responsibilities related to the facilitation and regulation of international disaster
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assistance provided to the Philippines in the event of a disaster on its territory.
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In particular, this Act:
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a. sets out roles and responsibilities for key officials and departments
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concerned with the facilitation and regulation of international disaster
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assistance;
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b. establishes procedures for initiating, coordinating, and terminating
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international disaster assistance;
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c. establishes the mechanism for recognition of eligibility for legal facilities
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for certain assisting actors;
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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
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providing international disaster assistance.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following shall have
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the corresponding meanings:
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a. Assisting Actor vnedins any assisting international actor and any assisting
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domestic actor responding to a disaster in the Philippines;
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b. Assisting Domestic Actor means any non-profit entity established under
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the laws of the Philippines, which is responding to a disaster in the
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territory of the Philippines;
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c. Assisting International Actor means any foreign state, organization,
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entity or individual responding to a disaster on the territory of the
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Philippines;
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d. Assisting State means any foreign government that is providing disaster
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relief or initial recovery assistance to the Philippines, whether through
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its civilian or military institutions;
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e. Disaster Relief the goods, equipment, services and internationally
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donated funds provided to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of
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disaster affected communities;
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f. Disaster mear\s a serious disruption of the functioning of society, which
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poses a significant, widespread threat to human life, health, property or
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the environment, whether arising from accident, nature, or human
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activity, whether developing suddenly or as the result of long-term
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processes, but excluding armed conflict;
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g. Domestic Non-Governmental Organization or Domestic NGO mea ns a ny
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non-governmental, non-profit entity, which is registered or created
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under the laws of the Philippines and whose mandate and activities are
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exclusively focused on humanitarian relief, recovery or development;
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h. Eligible Actor vneaus any assisting actor that has been determined to be
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eligible to receive legal facilities, in accordance with Chapters V and VI
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of this Act;
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i. Equipment means physical items, other than goods, which come from
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international sources and are designated for use in disaster relief or
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initial 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 not incorporated/ registered in 
the Philippines, whose mandate and activities are focused on 
humanitarian relief, recovery, or development;
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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 communities, 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;
0. 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 foilowing a 
disaster, as described in Sections 8 and 10 of this Act, during which the


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relevant legal facilities described in Chapter VI are made available to
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eligible actors for the purpose of providing initial recovery assistance;
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r. International Personnel n\Qdir\s the staff, and volunteers of any assisting
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actor providing disaster relief or initial recovery assistance in the
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Philippines, being persons who are neither citizens of the Philippines nor
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domiciled in the Philippines prior to their recruitment by the assisting
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actor;
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s. Legal Facilities means the special entitlements and exemptions that are
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made available to Eligible Assisting Actors under 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
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international actors to provide disaster relief initial recovery assistance;
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u. Services means activities undertaken by assisting actors to assist
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disaster-affected communities with their relief or initial recoveries, such
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as search and rescue activities, medical care, protection services, and
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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
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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
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legal facilities described in chapter vii are made available to assisting
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actors for the purpose of providing disaster relief or initial recovery
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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
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equipment across an international border for the purpose of providing
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disaster relief or initial recovery assistance.
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Sec. 4. Existing Rights, Privileges, and Immunities. - Nothing in this Act shall
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be 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
4 
INITIATION AND TERMINATION OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
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Sec. 5. Assessment of the Need for International Disaster Assistance. -
a. Immediately after the onset of a major disaster, and in consultation with 
relevant local government units and local 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 capacities 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 
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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 make offers or provide assistance pursuant to 
Section 7.
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 Philippines. 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 actors 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.
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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-
a. When, on the basis of updated needs assessments and other information 
and in consultation with assisting actors, the NDRRMC is satisfied that 
the need for disaster relief is coming to an end, it shall advise the 
President to approve a termination date for the internationai disaster 
relief period, with due consideration for the impact on ongoing relief 
activities. This termination shall not affect the ongoing vaiidity of the 
international initial recovery period.
b. The termination date shall be announced to assisting actors no later than 
30 days prior to the proposed date. The announcement shall also include 
information about the anticipated ongoing needs for goods and services 
related to initial recovery assistance, if any.
c. Upon the issuance of an announcement pursuant to this Section, the 
NDRRMC shali consult with assisting actors actively involved in disaster 
relief work in order to reduce any negative impact from the termination 
and, where necessary, to ensure an adequate handover of 
responsibilities.


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Sec. 10. Termination of the International Initial Recovery Period. -
a. When, on the basis of updated needs assessments and other 
information, and in consultation with assisting actors, the NDRRMC is 
satisfied that the need for international initial recovery assistance is 
coming to an end, it shall advise the President to approve a termination 
date for the international initial recovery period, with due consideration 
for the impact on ongoing initial recovery activities.
b. The termination date shall be announced to assisting actors no later than 
30 days prior to the proposed date.
c. Upon the issuance of an announcement pursuant to this Section, the 
NDRRMC shall consult with assisting actors actively involved in initial 
recovery assistance work to reduce any negative impact from the 
termination and, where necessary, to ensure an adequate handover of 
responsibilities.
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CHAPTER III
COORDINATION AND PREPAREDNESS FOR INTERNATIONAL DISASTER
ASSISTANCE
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Sec. 11. Coordination Duties and Powers of the Focal Point Agency. -
a. The NDRRMC shall serve as a central focal point agency for liaison 
between the government of the Philippines and assisting international 
actors, promoting the effective facilitation, coordination, and oversight 
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
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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 with 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:
(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.


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c. The Taskforce shall provide technical advice on preparedness for the
faciiitation of international disaster assistance to the NDRRMC In fulfiliing
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 biiaterai, regionai and 
internationai coordination mechanisms appiicabie the Phiiippines, 
and provide technical advice to the NDRRMC on the further 
development of such mechanisms;
(iii) 
Develop and maintain a iist 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 
reiief 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 internationai disaster relief and initiai recovery 
assistance, as described in Chapter IV of this Act;
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Deveiop, in accordance with Chapter V of this Act, procedures, 
documentation requirements and information about the 
responsibilities of assisting actors under this Act; and
(vi) 
Undertake other tasks reiated to internationai 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 technical materials concerning the 
faciiitation of international disaster assistance; and
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(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 NDRRMC 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.
Sec. 14. Operational Coordination of Assisting International Actors. -
a. National and local authorities shall endeavor to integrate the role of 
assisting international actors into their contingency planning and 
mechanisms for operational coordination for disaster relief and initial 
recovery assistance efforts. In particular, they shall endeavor to 
facilitate the work of assisting international actors, while balancing the 
urgent needs of people affected by disaster and necessary safeguards 
relating to pubiic safety and health, coordination and oversight.
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b. Assisting international actors shall cooperate and coordinate with
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National and local authorities in their disaster relief and initial recovery
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assistance. They shali provide them with such information as is availabie
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to them on the needs, and on the location, type and extent of their
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disaster relief and initial recovery assistance operations, as required for
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a coordinated and effective response.
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c. Assisting internationai actors shall cooperate with any international or
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regional mechanisms for coordination that have been specifically
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approved for a particular operation by the NDRRMC.
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Sec. 15. Limited Exemption from Privacy ofPersonai Data. - Pubiic authorities
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and 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 heaith or safety, or for facilitating family reunification.
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CHAPTER IV
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTING ACTORS
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Sec. 16. Principies of Internationai Disaster Assistance. -
a. Assisting actors shail compiy with the principies of humanity and 
impartiality in providing internationai disaster assistance. In particuiar, 
they shall establish their aid priorities on the basis of need alone and 
they shall not:
(i) 
engage in any adverse distinctions, exclusions, or preferences 
based on statuses, such as nationality, race, ethnicity, religious 
beliefs, class, gender, sexual orientation, disabiiity, age, or 
poiitical opinion;
(ii) 
seek to further a particular political or religious standpoint or 
interfere in internal matters irrelevant to disaster response;
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seek to obtain commercial gain from their assistance;(iv) gather 
sensitive information of a poiiticai, economic, or miiitary nature
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that is irrelevant to International Disaster Relief or Initial
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Recovery Assistance.
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b. In addition, non-governmental organizations shall comply with the
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principle of independence. They shall not act as instruments of the
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foreign policy of any government.
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Sec. 17. Respect for the Dignity of Persons Affected by Disaster. - Assisting
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actors providing international disaster assistance shall respect the dignity of persons
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affected by a disaster. They shall consult with the beneficiaries of their assistance in
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the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the disaster relief and initial
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recovery assistance they provide.
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Sec. 18. Quaiity 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
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Waste. - Assisting actors shall ensure that any goods or equipment they import for
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the 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 products 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, environmentally sensitive, and effective manner in
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compliance with Philippine laws.
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CHAPTER V
ELIGIBILITY FOR LEGAL FACILITIES
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Sec. 20. Provision of Legal Facilities to Eligible Actors. -
a. The legal facilities described in Chapter are available only to eligible 
actors as described in this chapter and are effective only during the 
international disaster relief and initial recovery periods. Unless
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Otherwise stated in Chapter VI, the iegai faciiities are equaiiy effective 
during both of those periods.
b. Aii iegai faciiities described in Chapter VI shali be avaiiabie to assist 
internationai actors deemed eiigibie pursuant to Section 21 or approved 
as eiigibie pursuant to Section 22.
c. The iegai faciiities described in Parts 1 to 5 in Chapter VI shaii oniy be 
avaiiabie to assist domestic actors deemed eiigibie pursuant to Section 
21 or approved as eiigibie 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 Eligibility 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 Eligibility 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.
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7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
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.
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.
15


1 
b. Applications from assisting actors with significant experience will be
2 
accepted unless the documentation provided or external information
3 
raises doubts as to their capacities, in which case, additional opinions,
4 
and information may be gathered prior to making a determination.
5 
c. Upon approval of an application pursuant to Section 22 or upon the
6 
request of an assisting actor deemed eligible pursuant to Section 21,
7 
the NDRRMC shall issue a certificate indicating that the assisting actor
8 
is eligible for the relevant Chapter VI legal facilities. In the case of a
9 
domestic assisting actor, the certificate shall state that the eligibility
10 
extends to the legal facilities in Parts 1 to 5 of Chapter VI.
11 
d. A certificate issued in accordance with this Section shall be valid for a
12 
period of 1 year from the date of issue and may be renewed through a
13 
new decision under Section 20 or Section 22.
14 
Sec. 24. Termination of Eiigibiiity for Legai Facilities. - Eligibility of assisting
15 
actors for the relevant Chapter VI legal facilities may be terminated upon the request
16 
of the eligible actor concerned or upon the termination of the legal facilities for failure
17 
to comply with this Act, pursuant to Section 56 of this Act.
18
19
20 
21
CHAPTER VI
LEGAL FACILITIES FOR ELIGIBLE ACTORS 
PART 1
INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL
22 
Sec. 25. Disaster Visa. - The international personnel of eligible actors shall be
23 
entitled to waiver of entry visa requirements, including any associated fees or charges.
24 
International personnel who enter the Philippines under this Disaster Personnel visa
25 
waiver shall be allowed to undertake disaster relief and initial recovery work for their
26 
sponsoring entities without the requirement to seek a separate residence or work
27 
permit. As long as they continue as international personnel of their sponsoring entities,
28 
they shall be entitled to remain in or re-enter the territory as often as necessary
29 
throughout the international disaster relief and international initial recovery periods.
30 
After that time, they may apply for a relevant visa from within the country.
16


1 
Sec. 26. Reception of Foreign Professionai Quaiifications -
2 
a. Eligible assisting actors wishing to deploy international personnel for
3 
tasks requiring legal recognition of their foreign professional
4 
qualifications shall certify the validity of those qualifications and the
5 
competence of their personnel for the tasks envisaged.
6 
b. Within six months of the entry into force of this Act, the Department of
7 
Foreign Affairs shall establish lists of countries and/or educational
8 
institutions whose health professionals, architectural, engineering, and
9 
other relevant professionals may be given automatic recognition of their
10 
foreign qualifications when certified by an eligible assisting actor
11 
pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section. The lists shall be reviewed at
12 
least once per year and published electronically.
13 
c. The Department of Foreign Affairs shall also establish expedited
14 
procedures to be applied for the assessment and recognition of the
15 
foreign qualifications of the international personnel originating from
16 
countries or institutions not included on the above-mentioned lists when
17 
certified by their sponsoring eligible assisting actor pursuant to
18 
subsection (a) of this Section.
19 
d. Recognition of qualifications under this Section shall exempt
20 
international personnel of eligible actors from any obligations for
21 
compulsory membership of professional associations or other
22 
professional registration processes within the Philippines until the end
23 
of the international initial recovery period.
24 
e. Recognition of qualifications under this Section shall remain valid until
25 
the end of the international initial recovery period, absent individual
26 
criminal conduct, or other professional misconduct sufficient to bar the
27 
individual from professional practice in the Philippines.
28 
Sec. 27. Recognition of Foreign Driving Licenses. - The Land Transportation
29 
Office (LTO) and other relevant authorities shall accord temporary recognition of the
30 
foreign driving licenses of the international personnel of eligible actors, during the
31 
international disaster response and initial recovery periods.
17


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2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
Sec. 28. Freedom of Access. -
a. The international personnel of eligible actors under this Act shall be 
provided freedom of access to disaster-affected areas and persons 
requiring disaster relief or initial recovery assistance, subject only to 
limitations based on national security, public order, or public health, 
weighed in the context of the urgency of the disaster needs. They shall 
be permitted to provide their goods and services directly to affected 
persons.
b. In situations where the relevant authorities have decided to restrict 
public access to affected areas out of concern for the safety of those 
persons seeking to enter, they shall warn the international personnel of 
eligible actors, but allow them to enter, if they may do so without 
endangering others and if the international personnel assume the risk.
14
15
PART 2
ENTRY OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER GOODS AND EQUIPMENT
16 
Sec. 29. Customs Facilitation and Priority Treatment - As further described in
17 
this Part, the Bureau of Customs shall facilitate the rapid importation of consignments
18 
of goods and equipment by eligible actors and shall accord them priority treatment in
19 
handling.
20 
Sec. 30. Duty of Compliance of Eligible Actors. - In order to benefit from the
21 
legal facilities in this part, eligible actors shall:
22 
a. declare that all the goods and equipment they seek to import under this
23 
Part are exclusively for disaster relief or initial recovery assistance and
24 
that they comply with any relevant standards under national law,
25 
including as provided in this Act or its regulations; and
26 
b. pack, classify and mark their consignments in accordance with the
27 
requirements described in this part and as directed by the Bureau of
28 
Customs.
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7
8 
9
10
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Sec. 31. Representation to Customs - Eligible actors may make representations 
directly to the Bureau of Customs with respect to their international disaster assistance 
consignments or through a designated third party acting on their behalf.
Sec. 32. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes, and Restrictions. - 
Consignments of goods and equipment by or on behalf of eligible actors shall benefit 
from:
a. exemption from all duties and taxes;
b. waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories 
of special goods and equipment as provided in Part 3 of this Act; and
c. clearance without regard to the country of origin or the country from 
which the goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of 
public health and security.
Sec. 33. Simpiification of Document Requirements. -The Bureau of Customs
shall:
a. clear or release consignments of goods and equipment sent by or on 
behalf of eligible actors on the basis of a simplified/provisional goods 
declaration providing the minimum information necessary for the 
Bureau of Customs to identify the goods and equipment: Provided, that 
eligible actors are subject to completion of a more complete declaration 
within a specified period;
b. allow a single goods declaration for all imports of goods or equipment 
by or on behalf of eligible actors;
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
19


1 
actors unless it is absoiutely necessary for the purposes of reiease or
2 
dearance.
3 
Sec. 34. Extended Hours for Customs. - During the internationai disaster relief
4 
period only, the Bureau of Customs shall:
5 
a. upon request, and without additional charges, carry out the functions
6 
necessary for the release or clearance of consignments of goods or
7 
equipment imported by or on behalf of eligible actors outside their
8 
designated hours of business and/or away from customs offices when
9 
necessary; and
10 
b. coordinate with the business hours and competencies of any other
11 
relevant departments involved in the approval of incoming
12 
consignments and, whenever possible, carry out joint operations, such
13 
as joint customs controls, including participation in SWIFTs, if
14 
established under Section 13 of this Act.
15 
Sec. 35. Inspections and Customs Security. - During the international disaster
16 
relief period only, the Bureau of Customs shall:
17 
a. on the basis of risk analysis, take only such action as it deems essential
18 
to ensure compliance with customs and related laws for the purpose of
19 
checking the goods declaration of a consignment sent by or on behalf
20 
of eligible actors; and
21 
b. waive, as feasible, any customs security that would normally be required
22 
in respect of consignments of goods and equipment imported on or
23 
behalf eligible actors.
24 
PART 3
25 
EXPEDITED ENTRY AND USE RESTRICTIONS FOR SPECIFIC INTERNATIONAL
26 
DISASTER GOODS AND EQUIPMENT
27
28 
29
Sec. 36. Teiecommunications Equipment-
a. Eligible actors shall be permitted to import telecommunications 
equipment for the purpose of disaster relief or initial recovery assistance
20


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4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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18
19
20 
21 
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23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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 telecommunications 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, ambulance services, and other 
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. -
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);
21


1 
(ii) transported and maintained by the eligible actor in appropriate
2 
conditions to ensure their quality until they reach their intended
3 
domestic recipients; and
4 
(iii) appropriately labeled in a language understood in the affected
5 
State with the international non-proprietary name or generic
6 
name, batch number, dosage form, strength, name of the
7 
manufacturer, quantity in the container, storage conditions, and
8 
expiry date.
9 
Sec. 38. Food. - Food imported by eligible actors shall be pursuant to expedited
10 
procedures set out by regulations to be developed within 6 months from the effectivity
11 
of this Act by the DOH and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
12 
Sec. 39. Imported Vehicles. - The LTO shall grant temporary recognition to
13 
foreign registration and plates to vehicles imported by eligible actors during the
14 
international disaster relief period and the international initial recovery period.
15 
Sec. 40. Search Dogs. - Search dogs imported temporarily by eligible actors
16 
shall be admitted without the need for quarantine so long as they meet the conditions
17 
and requirements of special regulations to be developed within 6 months from the
18 
effectivity of this Act by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
19
20
PART 4
PERMITTED DISPOSITION OF EQUIPMENT AND UNUSED GOODS
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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;
22


1 
(ii) 
re-exported pursuant to Section 42;
2 
(Hi) 
donated pursuant to Section 43; or
3 
(iv) 
disposed of pursuant to Section 19.
4 
c. Additionally, such goods and equipment may be sold, but only:
5 
(i) 
after the termination of the initial recovery period; and
6 
(ii) 
with payment of all fees, duties, taxes, or charges that were
7 
previously waived or exempted for these items under this
8 
Chapter.
9 
Sec. 42. Re-Export of Goods and Equipment - Eligible actors that import
10 
equipment or goods benefitting from the legal facilities in this chapter are permitted
11 
to re-export any equipment or unused goods and to do so without the imposition of
12 
any taxes, export duties, or similar charges, provided that:
13 
a. re-export is commenced no later than 2 months after the termination of
14 
the international initial recovery period; and
15 
b. they provide documentation that the equipment and goods in question
16 
were originally imported for the purpose of disaster relief or initial
17 
recovery assistance pursuant to this Chapter.
18 
Sec. 43. Donation of Unused Goods and Equipment - When they are no longer
19 
needed for their disaster relief or initial recovery assistance, eligible actors are
20 
permitted to donate any imported or locally purchased goods and equipment without
21 
the imposition of any taxes, fees, duties, or similar charges on either the donor or the
22 
beneficiary, provided that:
23 
a. the donation is made no iater than two months after the termination of
24 
the international initial recovery period;
25 
b. the eligible assisting international actor provides documentation to the
26 
BOC and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the identity of the
27 
importer or purchaser, the date of import or purchase, and the fact that
28 
the item or group of items was imported or purchased pursuant to the
29 
legal facilities in this Chapter;
30 
c. the beneficiary of the donation is the Philippine Red Cross, a domestic
31 
NGO, or other non-profit charitable or humanitarian organization
32 
established in the Philippines; and
23


1
2
3
d. any items thus donated may not be sold unless fees, duties, taxes, or 
charges that were previously waived or exempted for these items under 
this Chapter are paid.
4
5
PARTS
TRANSPORT
6 
Sec. 44. Facilitation of Means of Transport. - Ground, air, and water transport
7 
vehicies operated by or on behalf of eligible assisting actors to transport international
8 
and locally engaged personnel, goods, or equipment for the purposes of disaster relief
9 
or initial recovery assistance shall:
10 
a. Be priority in air traffic routing and landing permissions subject to
11 
existing laws, rules, and regulations of the proper authorities.
12 
b. Be exempt from any applicable taxes, levies, duties, fees, or charges
13 
normally imposed by governmentai entities of the Philippines, including,
14 
but not limited to:
15 
(i) over flight, landing, parking, taking off and navigation service
16 
fees;
17 
(ii) 
demurrage and docking fees; and
18 
(iii) 
road tolls.
19 
c. Be exempt from any prohibitions, limitations, or restrictions in respect
20 
of their arrival, overflight, landing, stay and departure, other than those
21 
necessary to guarantee national security, public safety, or public health.
22 
Sec. 45. Entry of Transport Operators. -The appropriate authorities shall
23 
endeavor to reduce and expedite any procedures for the entry of drivers, pilots and
24 
crew of transport vehicles operated by on or behalf of eligible actors.
25 
Sec. 46. Notice of Transport. -To facilitate the provision of the legal facilities
26 
in this part, eligible assisting actors or their carriers shall:
27 
a. inform the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines CAAP) in advance
28 
of the intended route of flights, type and call signs of the
29 
aircraft, number of crew members, the character of the cargo, time-
30 
tabie of flights, and the list of all passengers, and shall comply with
24


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
any directions from the CAAP as to air traffic control and landing 
procedures.
b. inform the reievant 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, fadiities and other materials on board 
each vessel, and shall comply with any directions from the reievant 
authority as to the control of incoming vesseis or docking procedures.
9
10
PART 6
LEGAL CAPAGTY AND EMPLOYMENT
11 
Sec. 47. Legal Capacity of Assisting International Actors. - The status of
12 
eligibiiity for iegai facilities of an assisting international actor includes such legal
13 
capacity as may be relevant for the exercise of its functions and the fulfilment of its
14 
purposes in providing international disaster relief or initial recovery assistance
15 
accordance with the laws of the Philippines during the international disaster relief and
16 
initial recovery periods, in particuiar the capacity to:
17 
a. open bank accounts;
18 
b. enter into contracts, including leases;
19 
c. acquire and dispose of movabie property;
20 
d. receive and disburse private funds;
21 
e. initiate legal proceedings; or
22 
f. engage and terminate locally engaged personnel, as set out in Section
23 
49 this Act.
24 
Sec. 48. Engagement and Termination of Locally Engaged Personnel. -
25 
a. Subject to Section 4 of this Act, and except as provided this Section, all
26 
eligible assisting internationai actors shall comply with the applicabie
27 
law in the Philippines with regard to the employment of locally engaged
28 
personnel;
29 
b. Eligible assisting international actors shall not be required to make any
30 
separate registration as employers, including 
for the purposes 
of
25


1 
taxation, social security, and social insurance registration requirements
2 
relating to the employment of locally engaged personnel.
3 
c. Notwithstanding any provisions of labor and employment laws to the
4 
contrary, eligible assisting international actors may:
5 
(i) recruit any individual legally entitled to perform the work
6 
envisaged in Philippines through a non-discriminatory
7 
process; and
8 
(ii) engage local personnel pursuant to fixed-term contracts,
9 
which may be of short duration, and may be renewed as
10 
required without creating an open-ended obligation.
11 
Sec. 49. Jurisdiction over International Personnel. - Jurisdiction concerning
12 
contracts between eligible assisting international actors and international personnel
13 
engaged by them shall be determined based on the application of Philippine laws on
14 
jurisdiction.
15
16
PART?
TAXATION OF ELIGIBLE ASSISTING INTERNATIONAL ACTORS
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Sec. 50. Value-Added Tax (VA). -
a. The supply of disaster relief and initial recovery assistance by an eligible 
assisting international actor shall be exempt from all vat, service taxes 
and similar taxes, duties, levies, and governmental fees where such 
supply takes place during the international disaster relief or initial 
recovery periods. Eligible assisting international actors shall also be 
exempt from registration for vat during the same periods.
b. In providing this legal facility the BIR shall take all practical steps to 
ensure that local suppliers suffer no negative financial or administrative 
impact in providing goods or services to eligible assisting international 
actors.
Sec. 51. Income Tax. -
a. The activities of an eligible assisting international actor carried on for 
the purpose of providing disaster reliefer initial recovery assistance shall
26


1 
be subject to income tax on any actual or deemed income or gain arising
2 
from such activities.
3 
b. The international personnel of an eligible assisting international actor
4 
shall not be treated as a resident of the Philippines or as having any
5 
other connection with the Philippines relevant for taxation purposes by
6 
reason of their presence in the Philippines or activities undertaken there
7 
during the international disaster relief and initial recovery periods except
8 
in instances where any actual or deemed income or gain is realized.
9 
Sec. 52. Property, Assets, and Simitar Taxes. - During the international disaster
10 
relief or international initial recovery periods, no taxes, duties, levies, or governmental
11 
fees having similar effect shall accrue or be payable by eligible assisting international
12 
actors in connection with:
13 
a. land, a building, or any part of a building where such land, building, or
14 
part thereof is wholly or primarily used by an eligible assisting
15 
international actor for the purpose of disaster relief or initial recovery
16 
assistance; and
17 
b. the assets of an eligible assisting international actor.
18
19
PARTS
CURRENCY AND BANKING
20 
Sec. 53. Right to Bring Necessary Funds and Currencies into the Country. - The
21 
Department of Finance (DOF) shall facilitate the entry of such funds and currencies
22 
by eligible assisting international actors to provide disaster relief and initial recovery
23 
assistance.
24 
Sec. 54. Preferential Exchange Rates. - The DOF shall make available to
25 
eligible assisting international actors the best available legal exchange rates into the
26 
state currency for funds to be used for the purpose of providing disaster relief or initial
27 
recovery assistance.
28
29
CHAPTER VII
SUPERVISION, REPORTING AND SANCTIONS
27


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2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 55. Supervision of Assisting Actors. -
a. The NDRRMC shall be responsible for monitoring the compliance of 
assisting actors with their responsibilities under this Act, and in 
particular Chapter IV;
b. To facilitate the NDRRMC s oversight, it may require assisting actors 
to report to it, at reasonable intervals, about the disaster relief and 
initial recovery assistance they provide. These reports shall be made 
public through electronic means; and
c. Any reporting requirements imposed by the NDRRMC under this 
Section shall be designed to reduce any administrative burden on 
assisting actors to the minimum necessary.
Sec. 56. Non-Compiiance by Assisting Actors. -
a. If on the basis of credible information, the NDRRMC suspects that any 
assisting actor has failed to materially comply with its responsibilities 
under this Act, and in particular its responsibilities under Chapter IV, it 
shall immediately consult with the assisting actor and seek clarification 
or explanation If still unsatisfied, the NDRRMC shall provide written 
notice of non-compliance along with a decision either:
(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 VI;
(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
28


1 
independent of this Act to remain in the country, it may be required to
2 
depart, as of a date no sooner than 30 days from the date of the
3 
notice.
4 
c. Decisions to suspend or revoke legal facilities pursuant to subsections
5 
(a)(i) or a)(ii) of this Section may not be given retroactive effect,
6 
except in cases of fraud or criminal misconduct attributable to the
7 
assisting international actor.
8 
Sec. 57. Transparency as to Internationally Donated Funds. —
9 
a. Internationally donated funds received by the Government of the
10 
Philippines for the purposes of disaster relief and initial recovery
11 
assistance shall be subject to audit by the Commission on Audit
12 
(COA) no later than six months after the termination of the
13 
international disaster relief period or the international initial recovery
14 
period. The results of these audits shall be made publicly available.
15 
b. International donated funds received by assisting domestic actors shall
16 
be:
17 
(i) maintained in a dedicated account for disaster relief or initial
18 
recovery assistance;
19 
(ii) subjected to an external audit no later than six months after
20 
the termination of the international disaster relief period
21 
or the international initial recovery period, whichever is
22 
sooner. The results of these audits shall be reported to the
23 
appropriate authority and made publicly available.
24 
Sec. 58. Congressional Oversight Committee. - A Congressional Oversight
25 
Committee is hereby created to be composed of the 3 members each from the Senate
26 
and the House of Representatives who shall be designated by the Senate President
27 
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives: provided, that 1 of the 3 Senators
28 
and 1 of the 3 House members shail be nominated by the respective minority leaders
29 
of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
30 
The Oversight Committee is hereby mandated to oversee the implementation
31 
this act. For this purpose, the Oversight Committee shall set the guidelines and overall
29


1 
framework for the monitoring of the implementation of this Act and shall adopt its
2 
internal rules of procedures.
3 
Sec. 59. Annual Reporting on Implementation. - The NDRRMC shall report
4 
annually to the Congressional Oversight Committee created by Section 58 of this Act
5 
on steps taken to implement this Act, including preparedness measures taken prior to
6 
a disaster.
7 
Sec. 60. Sanction for Non-Compliance by Officials. — Officials of the Philippines
8 
that fail to abide by their responsibilities under this Act shall be subject to
9 
administrative sanctions, without prejudice to any civil or criminal liability under other 
10 laws that might also attach to the official s actions or omissions.
11
12
CHAPTER VIII
TRANSIT OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
13 
Sec. 61. Facilitation for Transit - In the event a Disaster occurs in another
14 
country for which international disaster assistance is required the BOC and the Bureau
15 
of Immigration (Bl) shall facilitate the speedy transit or transshipment across the
16 
national territory of the Philippines of international disaster assistance by assisting
17 
international actors, including international personnel, goods, equipment, and
18 
transport, in order to reach the affected country.
19 
Sec. 62. Transit Facilities Period.—
20 
a. When, after seeking the views of relevant authorities of a disaster
21 
affected country, the BOC and the Bl are satisfied that international
22 
disaster relief or initial recovery assistance is likely to be required and
23 
that the transit or transshipment of international personnel, goods or
24 
equipment through its territory is likely to be helpful, the BOC and the
25 
Bl may declare the beginning of a Transit Facilities Period.
26 
b. The Transit Facilities Period shall continue until terminated by the BOC
27 
and the Bl, when they are satisfied that Transit Facilities are no longer
28 
required.
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1 
c. The termination of a Transit Facilities Period shall be announced to
2 
assisting international actors no later than 5 days prior to the proposed
3 
date.
4 
d. The transit facilities described in this Chapter shall be effective only
5 
during the Transit Facilities Period.
6 
Sec. 63. Entitlement to Transit Facilities. -
1 
a. Subject to subsection (b), all assisting international actors shall be
8 
entitled to the Transit Facilities provided in this Chapter upon
9 
declaration that the international personnel, equipment, and goods that
10 
they seek to send in transit through the Philippines are for the purpose
11 
of providing international disaster relief or initial recovery assistance to
12 
a disaster-affected country.
13 
b. The BOC and the Bl may deny transit facilities to any assisting
14 
international actor, case of actual or suspected fraud or if necessary to
15 
safeguard national security or public health.
16 
Sec. 64. Disaster Transit Visa. — International Personnel entering the
17 
Philippines for the purpose of transit to a disaster-affected country shall be entitled to
18 
waiver of entry visa requirements, including any associated fees or charges on the
19 
condition that they exit the territory of the Philippines within a period of 24 hours.
20 
Sec. 65. Goods and Equipment in Transit and Transshipment. -The provisions
21 
of Parts 2 and 3 of Chapter VI shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to consignments of goods
22 
and equipment by eligible actors, when placed under customs transit or transshipment
23 
to an affected country.
24 
Sec. 66. Transport for Transit and Transshipment. -The provisions of Part 5 of
25 
Chapter VI shall also apply mutatis mutandis, to the ground, air, and water vehicles
26 
of eligible actors in transit through the territorial lands, waters, or airspace of the
27 
Philippines to provide international disaster relief or initial recovery assistance to an
28 
affected country.
29 
CHAPTER IX
30 
IMPLEMENTATION, TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
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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 shail draft
3 
the rules and reguiations concerning aii matters which are required or permitted to be
4 
prescribed, or which are necessary to carry this Act into effect or to give effect to any
5 
power, function, duty, or authority under this Act.
6 
Sec. 68. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the
7 
appiication thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid or unconstitutionai,
8 
the remaining sections of this Act or the appiication of such provision or part hereof
9 
to other persons or circumstances shaii remain fuii 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. EifectivityAct 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,
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