Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1927 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
MODERNIZING THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION BY DEFINING ITS POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS, FURTHER PROFESSIONALIZING ITS ORGANIZATION, 
UPGRADING THE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS OF ITS OFFICIALS AND 
EMPLOYEES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 has long been the backbone of our immigration 
policy. 1 Despite the issuance of numerous department orders, circulars, and administrative policies 
over the decades to keep up with evolving immigration needs, the resulting patchwork of rules has 
generated inconsistencies, legal ambiguities, and operational confusion within the Bureau of 
Immigration (BI).  
The absence of a modern, coherent framework has fostered regulatory confusion, 
inconsistent enforcement not only hindered service delivery but has also opened the doors to 
systemic abuse, inefficiency, and corruption, 2 as documented in multiple incidents over the past 
years. 3 In 2022 alone, 86 immigration personnel were charged in an Ombudsman-led crackdown 
on bribery and visa irregularities. 4 These governance failures are compounded by the notorious 
overcrowding and human rights lapses at BI–Bicutan detention center, where detainees may spend 
years awaiting deportation with little oversight 
This proposed measure seeks to address these challenges by providing for the complete 
restructuring and modernization of the Bureau of Immigration. Importantly, this bill aims to right 
those structural and personnel deficiencies by establishing a clear organizational hierarchy led by 
a Board of Commissioners with consolidated administrative and quasi-judicial authority. It seeks 
1 https://immigration.gov.ph/duties-and-responsibilities 
2 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1251733 
3 https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1940/en/18148 
4 https://asianews.network/cracking-down-on-corruption-at-the-bureau-of-immigration-philippine-daily-inquirer/ 
July 15, 2025
4:45 am


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to raise salary levels for fundamental positions, enabling the recruitment and retention of skilled, 
ethical officers.  
By professionalizing its workforce, clarifying its organizational structure, and 
institutionalizing reliable funding, the Bureau can fulfill its vital mission—protecting national 
security, enforcing immigration laws, and safeguarding public welfare—without drawback. 
Ultimately, this reform will help restore internal integrity, enhance public confidence, and deliver 
a modern, effective immigration service aligned with 21st-century demands. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


3 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1927 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
MODERNIZING THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION BY DEFINING ITS POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS, FURTHER PROFESSIONALIZING ITS ORGANIZATION, 
UPGRADING THE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS OF ITS OFFICIALS AND 
EMPLOYEES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
TITLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Immigration Modernization Act”. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — In the conduct of its relations with other States, the Philippines shall 
give paramount consideration to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security, national 
interest, the right to self-determination, the enhancement of economic diplomacy, and the protection of 
overseas Filipinos in destination countries as it adheres to the policy of peace, cooperation, and amity with 
all nations. To this end, Philippine immigration policies, rules and regulations under this Act shall be 
applied and administered as instruments for the promotion of domestic and external interests of the 
Philippines, in recognition of: 
(a)
the necessity for encouraging and enhancing capital investments, trade and commerce, cultural
exchanges and other forms of friendly relations and cooperation;
(b)
the need to support technological and scientific development in the country;
(c)
the goal to promote the conditions for social welfare and economic security of the people;
(d)
the fulfillment of obligations and compliance with standards set by international law in the
admission and exclusion of foreign nationals;
(e)
the modernization of structures and mechanisms necessary for the administration of
immigration laws in keeping with the changing demands of the country’s role in the global


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community; and 
 
(f) 
the professionalization of the immigration service by instituting a rigid system of screening and 
selection of immigration officials and employees and promoting their development. 
 
SEC. 3.  Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act: 
 
(a) 
Admission refers to the process by which a foreign national arriving at a port of entry in the 
Philippines is allowed into the country whereby a status or entry category is granted by the 
immigration authorities; 
(b) 
Border Control Officer refers to any person authorized to man the Border Control Checkpoints 
as provided in this Act; 
 
(c) 
Captain refers to the master of a vessel or pilot of an aircraft; 
 
(d) 
Child or children refers to a person or persons below eighteen (18) years of age; 
 
(e) 
Citizen refers to any person who is a citizen of the Philippines under Section 1, Article IV of 
the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines; 
 
(f) 
Commissioner refers to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration; 
 
(g) 
Commitment Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under this Act that directs 
the taking into custody of a foreign national after it has been determined that probable cause 
exists that a foreign national committed acts or omissions in violation of Philippine 
immigration laws, rules and regulations, or during the pendency of deportation proceedings 
against such foreign national: Provided, That such custody shall not exceed three (3) months, 
unless there exists other legal grounds for continued custody; 
 
(h) 
Consular Officer refers to any consular, diplomatic, or other officer of the Department of 
Foreign Affairs (DFA) who has been duly granted a consular commission for the purpose of 
issuing visas under this Act; 
 
(i) 
Derogatory Information refers to details about persons and travel documents relating to 
immigration consisting of the following: 
 
(1) 
Blacklist Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner that prevents a foreign 
national from entering the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines; 
 
(2) 
Hold Departure Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner preventing a 
foreign national from leaving the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines in cases 
where bail or recognizance is granted pending implementation of a Deportation Order, 
or a directive implementing an order issued by the appropriate court preventing a 
person from leaving the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines;  
 
(3) 
Monitor Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under this Act that 
requires immigration personnel to monitor the travel of any person for a period of thirty 
(30) days, and to notify the concerned government agencies of the Philippines; and 
 
(4) 
Alert Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner pursuant to a validly issued 
warrant of arrest; 


5 
 
 
(j) 
Entry refers to the arrival of a foreign national into any designated port of entry in the 
Philippines from a place outside the Philippine territorial jurisdiction; 
 
(k) 
Exclusion refers to the act of Immigration Officers denying admission of a foreign national into 
the country on grounds provided in this Act; 
 
(l) 
Foreign national or alien refers to any person who is not a citizen of the Philippines; 
 
(m) 
Immigrant refers to any foreign national, other than a non-immigrant, granted resident status 
in the Philippines under the provisions of this Act and other laws granting immigrant status; 
 
(n) 
Immigration laws refer to this Act and other laws presently existing or which may hereafter be 
enacted relating to the movement of natural persons to and from the Philippines; 
 
(o) 
Immigration Officer refers to any person appointed under Title II, Chapter 8 of this Act or any 
employee designated by the Commissioner to perform the powers, duties and functions of an 
Immigration Officer as specified under       this Act; 
 
(p) 
Non-immigrant refers to any foreign national who is allowed entry and admission into the 
Philippines for a temporary or limited period of stay; 
 
(q) 
Non-refoulement refers to a principle of international law which prohibits the forced or 
involuntary return of refugees or those seeking asylum in the Philippines to a state or territory 
where there are valid reasons to believe that the life or freedom of such refugee or asylum 
seeker would be threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular 
social group, or political opinion; 
 
(r) 
Passport refers to a document issued by a government to its citizens requesting other 
governments to allow such citizens to pass through or enter into a territory of other states safely 
and freely, and in case of need to give them all lawful aid and protection; 
 
(s) 
Person refers to a natural person or a juridical person such as a partnership, corporation, 
company, or association; 
 
(t) 
Port of entry refers to any port designated by the Commissioner through which a foreign 
national may enter or exit the Philippines; 
 
(u) 
Refugee refers to a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons 
of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is 
outside such person’s country of nationality, and is unable or, owing to such fear, unwilling to 
avail of the protection of that country; or a person who, not having a nationality and being 
outside such person’s country of former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, 
unwilling to return to it; 
 
(v) 
Seaman, Seafarer or Crewmember refers to a person actually employed in the operation or 
service in any capacity on board a vessel; 
 
(w) 
Stateless person refers to a person who is not considered a national by any state under the 
operation of its laws; 
 


6 
 
(x) 
Travel document refers to 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 
of Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the “Philippine Passport Act of 1996”, as 
amended; 
 
(y) 
Vessel refers to all means of conveyances, whether aircraft or sea craft; and 
 
(z) 
Visa refers to an endorsement on a passport or any travel document issued by a Consular Officer 
abroad authorizing the holder thereof to proceed to a designated port of entry in the Philippines 
and there, to apply for entry and admission under the status specified therein; or an endorsement 
on a passport or any travel document, or any equivalent digital or electronic endorsement, 
granted by the Bureau under this Act, or by any other person authorized by existing laws. 
 
 
TITLE II 
THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION 
 
CHAPTER 1 
THE BUREAU 
 
SEC. 4. Overview. — The Bureau of Immigration, hereinafter referred to as the “Bureau”, shall be 
under the control and supervision of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The Bureau shall be principally 
responsible for the administration and enforcement of this Act, and the implementation of all laws, rules 
and regulations, or orders of any competent authority concerning the entry and admission into, stay in and 
the departure from the Philippines of all persons. The Bureau may seek the assistance of other government 
entities in the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations relating to immigration, border control, and anti-
trafficking in persons.  
 
CHAPTER 2 
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 
 
SEC. 5. Composition and Qualifications. — The Bureau shall be administered by the Board of 
Commissioners, hereinafter referred to as the “Board”, headed by the Commissioner as Chairperson, and 
two (2) Deputy Commissioners as members, all of whom shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines, 
holders of a college degree, with proven capacity for administration and, at the time of their appointment, 
at least thirty-five (35) years of age: Provided, That at least one of the members shall be a member of the 
Philippine Bar in good standing for at least five (5) years prior to the appointment: Provided, further, That 
at least one (1) member of the Board shall come from the ranks of the Bureau. 
 
SEC. 6. Powers and Functions. — The Board shall have the following powers and functions: 
 
(a) Decide on applications or cases relative to: 
 
(1) 
Deportation; 
 
(2) 
Issuance of all visas; and 
 
(3) 
Legalization of residence in accordance with law;  
 


7 
 
(b) Cite and punish for contempt in relation to the discharge of its quasi-judicial functions, in 
accordance with the Rules of Court; 
 
(c) Prescribe and promulgate rules of procedure for proceedings before it; 
 
(d) Prepare and publish operations manuals, including schedules of fees for all transactions 
entered into by the Bureau with the public; and 
 
(e) Such other powers and functions as provided in this Act and other existing laws, rules and 
regulations not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 7. Decisions. — All cases or proceedings before the Board shall be decided  with the concurrence 
of the majority of the members of the Board. A decision of the Board or a resolution on a motion for 
reconsideration shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days from notice thereof by the concerned 
party, unless before the expiry of such period, a motion for reconsideration or an appeal is filed before the 
Office of the Secretary of Justice or the Office of the President.  
 
SEC. 8. Appeals. — The decision of the Board or a resolution on a motion for reconsideration may be 
appealed to the Secretary of Justice or the Office of the President within fifteen (15) days from notice 
thereof by the concerned party. Unless otherwise ordered by the Secretary of Justice or the President, the 
filing of an appeal shall not stay the execution of the decision or resolution appealed from. 
 
SEC. 9. Meetings. — In all cases, the Board of Commissioners shall convene and act as a collegial 
body in all matters referred to in Section 6 of this Act. The Board shall meet at least once a week. Members 
of the Board shall be notified accordingly, and the presence of the Chairperson and one (1) member shall 
constitute a quorum. 
 
CHAPTER 3 
THE COMMISSIONER AND THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS 
 
SEC. 10. Appointment of the Commissioner. — The Commissioner shall be appointed by the President 
and shall have the same rank, salary, and privileges of an Undersecretary of a Department. 
 
SEC. 11. Powers and Duties of the Commissioner. — In addition to the duties as Chairperson of the 
Board, the Commissioner shall also undertake the following: 
 
(a) Supervise, direct and coordinate the overall operations of the Bureau; 
 
(b) Exercise control and supervision over the officers and personnel of the Bureau, including the 
power to appoint, designate, and reassign personnel, and recommend to the Secretary of Justice 
appointments and promotions to senior positions, subject to civil service laws, rules and 
regulations;  
 
(c) Issue the following: 
 
(1) Mission Orders, after determination of the existence of probable cause for the purpose of 
deportation;  
 
(2) Commitment or Release Orders;  
 
(3) Warrants of Deportation;  


8 
 
 
(4) Orders to inspect the documents, premises, and records of persons covered by this Act; and  
 
(5) Derogatory information orders defined in Section 3(i) of this Act; 
 
(d) Delegate authority to subordinate immigration personnel and employees of the Bureau, except the 
powers and functions enumerated in paragraph (c) of this section, which may be delegated only to 
a Deputy Commissioner; 
 
(e) Control the opening and closure of posts, landing places, airports or ports classified as points of 
entry or exit, whether limited or unlimited; 
 
(f) Increase, reduce, or waive immigration fines, penalties, and other charges; 
 
(g) Issue Certificates of Naturalization to foreign nationals who have been granted Philippine 
citizenship; 
 
(h) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary or proper for the effective discharge of the 
duties and responsibilities of the officials and personnel of the Bureau, and for the effective 
exercise of the powers and functions of the Bureau; 
 
(i) 
Deputize any official or employee of the national government and local government units, 
including uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National 
Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard to assist immigration personnel in the performance of their 
duties and functions; 
 
(j) 
Seek the assistance of relevant government agencies for intelligence data gathering and sharing; 
 
(k) Authorize and prescribe, with the concurrence of the Board, the form and the amount of cash 
bonds for the provisional release of respondents in deportation proceedings; 
 
(l) 
Impose reasonable fines and penalties for violations of immigration and alien registration laws in 
accordance with this Act and the guidelines adopted by          the Board; 
 
(m) Accept donations of materials, equipment or technical services from any foreign government, 
international or domestic organization, to upgrade the efficiency and operations of the Bureau; 
(n) Provide an express lane system for the rendition of services performed for individuals and entities 
upon payment of fees that may be prescribed, and deposit in an authorized government depository 
bank such fees received under a trust fund subject to auditing and accounting rules, fifty percent 
(50%) of which shall be made available for the augmentation of the salaries of the employees of          
the Bureau, and fifty percent (50%) of which shall be remitted to the           national treasury; 
 
(o) Submit to the President and to Congress, annually or as may be directed, a report on:  
 
(1) the number and status of foreign nationals in the Philippines;  
 
(2) foreign nationals admitted or granted change of status as permanent residents;  
 
(3) foreign nationals who have been excluded or deported from the Philippines;  
 
(4) the estimated number of illegal foreign nationals in the Philippines in each calendar year and 


9 
 
actions taken to arrest them, grouped by nationality, for each region in the Philippines; and  
 
(5) such other transactions of the Bureau; 
 
(p) Determine the manning levels of Immigration Officers of the Bureau nationwide in accordance 
with the number of arrivals in each port of entry;  
 
(q) Exercise disciplinary authority over personnel of the Bureau charged with less grave and light 
administrative offenses, in accordance with civil service rules: Provided, That the disciplinary 
authority over those charged with grave administrative offenses under civil service rules shall 
belong to the Secretary        of Justice; 
 
(r) Prescribe, with the concurrence of the Board, the appropriate forms, bonds, reports, entries and 
other papers in accordance with this Act;  
 
(s) Require all vessel operators to submit advance passenger information and prescribe penalties for 
the violation hereof;  
(t) 
Engage foreign counterparts pertaining to border control; 
 
(u) Designate Senior Immigration Officers who will oversee and supervise immigration operations in 
all international airports and seaports; and 
 
(v) Perform such other functions inherent to the Bureau. 
 
SEC. 12. Appointment and Rank of Deputy Commissioners. — There shall be two (2) Deputy 
Commissioners who shall be appointed by the President. They shall have the rank, salary and privileges of 
an Assistant Secretary of a Department. 
 
SEC. 13. Duties of Deputy Commissioners. — In addition to their duties as members of the Board, the 
Deputy Commissioners shall perform such duties as may be required by law or regulation, or as may be 
specified by the Commissioner not otherwise inconsistent with law. 
 
CHAPTER 4 
THE BOARDS OF SPECIAL INQUIRY 
 
SEC. 14. Creation of the Boards of Special Inquiry. — There shall be created up to five (5) Boards of 
Special Inquiry (BSI) as required in the exigency of service as determined by the Board. Each BSI shall be 
composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members. The BSI shall be designated according to their areas of 
specialization to be determined by the Board. 
 
SEC. 15. Appointment and Qualifications of the Chairpersons and Members of the BSI. — The 
Chairpersons and members of the BSI shall be appointed by the Commissioner, shall be natural-born 
citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty (30) years of age, members 
of the Philippine Bar in good standing and have been engaged in the practice of law for at least three (3) 
years prior to appointment.  
 
SEC. 16. Powers and Functions. — The BSI shall: 
 
(a) Recommend to the Board for final resolution cases and applications relative to:  
 
(1) 
Deportation; 


10 
 
 
(2) 
Revocation of immigration status; and 
 
(3) 
Legalization of residence in accordance with law; 
 
(b) Recommend to the Commissioner for appropriate action cases and applications relative to: 
 
(1) 
Citizenship matters; and 
 
(2) 
Issuance of alien certificates of registration to asylum seekers, refugees and stateless 
persons;  
 
(c)  Issue subpoena in cases being heard by the BSI; 
 
 
(d) In the exercise of its quasi-judicial power, cite and punish persons for contempt in accordance 
with the Rules of Court; 
 
(e) Recommend to the Commissioner the imposition, waiver, or reduction of fines, penalties and other 
charges, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; 
 
(f) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of their duties, as may be authorized by the 
Commissioner; 
 
(g) Promulgate rules and regulations governing matters within its assigned mandate, subject to the 
approval of the Commissioner; and 
 
(h) Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 17. Proceedings. — The proceedings before the BSI shall be public and recorded. In all cases, 
the BSI shall meet and act as a collegial body. Only members of the Philippine Bar in good standing may 
appear for and in behalf of any party before     the BSI. 
 
SEC. 18. Creation of Positions. —  The positions created under the BSI shall have the following 
classification and salary grades: 
 
DESIGNATION 
POSITION 
SALARY GRADE 
Chairperson  
Attorney V 
25 
Members 
Attorney IV 
23 
 
 
CHAPTER 5 
DIVISIONS AND OTHER OPERATING OFFICES OF THE BUREAU 
 
SEC. 19. Divisions and Other Operating Offices of the Bureau. — The Bureau shall have the 
following Divisions and other operating offices, namely:  
 
(a) 
Divisions: 
 
(1) 
Administrative; 
(2) 
Alien Registration; 


11 
 
(3) 
Finance and Logistics; 
(4) 
Human Resource Management and Development; 
(5) 
Immigration Regulation; 
(6) 
Information and Communications Technology; 
(7) 
Immigration Intelligence; 
(8) 
Immigration Law Enforcement; 
(9) 
Legal Affairs; and 
(10) Planning and Research; 
 
(b) 
Regional Offices that shall be proposed by the Board according to political or administrative 
regions, and created pursuant to authorization by Congress; and 
 
(c) 
District and Field Offices. 
 
SEC. 20.  Heads of the Divisions and Other Operating Units. — Each Division shall be headed by a 
Division Chief with a Salary Grade (SG) of SG-24, except the Legal Affairs Division, which shall be headed 
by an Attorney V, SG-25: Provided, That the Chief for Legal Affairs shall be a member of the Philippine 
Bar in good standing and must have been engaged in the practice of law for at least three (3) years prior to 
appointment, and that the Chief for Finance and Logistics must be a Certified Public Accountant in good 
standing for at least three (3) years prior to appointment.  
 
No person shall be appointed as Chief of any of the Divisions enumerated in Section 19 (a) of this Act 
unless such person meets the qualification standards set by the Bureau and approved by the Civil Service 
Commission (CSC). 
 
SEC. 21. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern of the Bureau. — The Board shall determine 
the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the Bureau in accordance with the revised compensation 
and position classification system, subject to the review and approval of the Department of Budget and 
Management. 
 
SEC. 22. Administrative Division. — The Administrative Division shall have the following functions:  
 
(a) 
Develop and implement an administrative support strategy for the Bureau; 
 
(b) 
Coordinate all administrative functions of the Bureau;  
 
(c) 
Monitor and evaluate all policies and programs of the Bureau, and recommend to the Board 
such policies, programs and measures for the effective and efficient administration of the 
Bureau; and 
 
(d) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 23. Alien Registration Division. — The Alien Registration Division shall have the following 
functions:  
 
(a) 
Formulate plans and policies for the implementation of the Alien Registration Program; 
 
(b) 
Establish and implement measures for the effective registration, monitoring and accounting 
of aliens, including the collection and safekeeping of biometric data of all aliens pursuant 
to this Act and other laws, rules and regulations;  
 


12 
 
(c) 
Monitor and evaluate all policies, programs and measures relative to alien registration, and 
recommend to the Commissioner such measures to improve the system of alien 
registration; and  
 
(d) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 24. Finance and Logistics Division. — The Finance and Logistics Division shall have the 
following functions:  
 
(a) 
Formulate and supervise the implementation of policies pertaining to procurement, fiscal 
management, auditing and accounting in support of the overall plan and strategic direction 
of the Bureau; 
(b) 
Direct and manage all the procurement activities of the Bureau; 
 
(c) 
Implement sound fiscal policy; 
 
(d) 
Supervise the preparation of the Annual Procurement Plan; 
 
(e) 
Initiate projects in the furtherance of the improvement of the Bureau; 
 
(f) 
Set performance targets for the Bureau in order to meet its objectives, plans and programs; 
and 
 
(g) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 25. Human Resource Management and Development Division. — The Human Resource 
Management and Development Division shall have the following functions:  
 
(a) 
Develop and execute human resource strategies in support of the overall plan and strategic 
direction of the Bureau especially in the areas of selection, hiring and promotion; 
(b) 
Design employee training modules; 
(c) 
Develop comprehensive strategic recruitment and retention plans to meet      human capital 
strategy goals;  
(d) 
Set qualification standards and implement competency-based hiring and promotion 
policies; 
(e) 
Oversee the recruitment, selection and promotion of employees of              the Bureau; 
(f) 
Set performance standards for the employees of the Bureau in order to meet its objectives, 
plans and programs;  
(g) 
Prepare and implement schemes to strengthen the relationship between management and 
employees; and 
(h) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 26. Immigration Regulation Division. — The Immigration Regulation  Division shall have the 
following functions:  
 
(a) 
Formulate plans and programs for the effective enforcement of immigration laws relating 
to the admission, sojourn, and exit of aliens; 


13 
 
 
(b) 
Enforce immigration laws relating to the admission of aliens on primary inspection, as well 
as their exclusion, deportation and repatriation, and those relating to administrative 
penalties against sea vessels; 
 
(c) 
Establish policies for the effective surveillance, monitoring and supervision of all bay 
service operations of all vessels while in Philippine territory; 
 
(d) 
Oversee and supervise all Regional, District, and Field Offices, and Border Crossing 
Checkpoints; 
 
(e) 
Maintain administrative control over aliens admitted for limited periods by enforcing and 
implementing policies for temporary visitors’ visa extension and permits; 
 
(f) 
Assist the Commissioner in administering issuances of student visas, permits and other 
orders related thereto; 
 
(g) 
Assist the Commissioner in the preparation of all orders pertaining to downgrading of 
visas, transfer, amendment and correction of admission; 
 
(h) 
Represent the Bureau in the enforcement of the RP-Indonesian Agreement, the RP-
Malaysian Anti-Smuggling Agreement, and other subsequent similar agreements; and 
 
(i) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 27. Information and Communications Technology Division. — The Information and 
Communications Technology Division shall have the following functions:  
  
(a) 
Formulate policies, plans and programs on management information systems, network, 
cybersecurity, and information and communications technology (ICT) resources of the 
Bureau; 
 
(b) 
Supervise the implementation of all the information and communications technology 
projects of the Bureau; 
 
(c) 
Review, evaluate, and recommend for approval by the Commissioner the integration of all 
existing ICT systems of the Bureau; 
 
(d) 
Initiate the conduct of ICT research, development, and standardization; and 
 
(e) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 28. Immigration Intelligence Division. — The Immigration Intelligence Division shall have the 
following functions:  
 
(a) 
Develop plans and programs for the gathering and collating of intelligence through 
effective management of all intelligence and counter-intelligence activities of the Bureau; 
 
(b) 
Manage the conduct of intelligence and counter-intelligence activities of the Bureau; 
 
(c) 
Serve as the linkage between the Bureau and foreign counterparts or embassies; 


14 
 
 
(d) 
Initiate development of intelligence training modules; and 
 
(e) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 29. Immigration Law Enforcement Division. — The Immigration Law Enforcement Division 
shall have the following functions:  
 
(a) 
Develop plans and programs for effective law enforcement actions against foreign 
nationals who violate immigration laws, rules and regulations; 
 
(b) 
Exercise command, control, direction, coordination, and supervision of all law 
enforcement activities of the Bureau, such as the deployment of personnel, subject to the 
power of the Commissioner under Section 11(b) of this Act; 
 
(c) 
Develop and implement law enforcement training modules; 
 
(d) 
Establish an effective monitoring tool for fugitives and undesirable       foreign nationals;  
 
(e) 
Direct operations regarding the control, security and administration of staff, persons 
deprived of liberty, and equipment at the immigration detention facility; and 
 
(f) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 30. Legal Affairs Division. — The Legal Affairs Division shall have the following functions:  
 
(a) 
Serve as the legal office of the Bureau, in coordination with the Office of the Solicitor 
General; 
 
(b) 
Develop guidelines for the summary deportation of foreign nationals who are fugitives, 
overstaying, undocumented, or convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or crimes 
where the penalty of deportation is imposed; 
 
(c) 
Assign lawyers in the division as Special Prosecutors for regular deportation proceedings; 
 
(d) 
Implement deportation orders; 
 
(e) 
Review contracts affecting the Bureau and submit recommendations to the Board relative 
thereto; 
 
(f) 
Render legal opinions on matters arising from the administration and operation of the 
Bureau; and 
 
(g) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 31. Planning and Research Division. — The Planning and Research Division shall have the 
following functions:  
 
(a) 
Formulate and implement the Bureau’s programs, projects and processes for planning and 
research; 
 


15 
 
(b) 
Facilitate and organize strategic planning sessions for the entire Bureau; 
 
(c) 
Conduct workload assessment and forecasting; 
 
(d) 
Assist the Board in the implementation and establishment of a risk management process; 
 
(e) 
Implement a monitoring feedback measurement and evaluation system for the 
implementation of all Bureau policies, projects, and programs;  
 
(f) 
Represent the Board in meetings relating to planning and research; and 
 
(g) 
Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
CHAPTER 6 
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS 
 
SEC. 32. Qualifications of Immigration Officers.  —  No person shall be appointed to the position of 
Immigration Officer unless such person meets the qualification standards set by the Bureau and approved 
by the CSC.  
 
SEC. 33. Powers and Duties. — The Immigration Officers shall have the following powers and 
functions:  
 
(a) Examine, with the assistance and advice of medical authorities in appropriate cases, foreign 
nationals at the port of entry concerning their admissibility to enter and their qualifications to 
remain in the Philippines; 
(b) Exclude foreign nationals not properly documented, and to admit foreign nationals complying 
with the applicable provisions of immigration and related laws; 
(c) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of their duties, as may be authorized by 
law; 
(d) Search for foreign nationals on any vessel believed to be used to illegally transport foreign 
nationals into the Philippines, and to take into custody without warrant any foreign national 
who, in the presence or view of the Immigration Officer, is entering or is about to enter the 
Philippines in violation of immigration and related laws, rules and regulations; 
(e) Act as control personnel with authority to prevent the departure of passengers who do not 
comply with duly published departure requirements; 
(f) Detect and report violations of the immigration and alien registration laws and, in appropriate 
cases, take necessary actions upon the instructions of the Commissioner, including follow-up 
on the stay of non-immigrants to prevent overstaying; 
(g) Detect and report subversive activities of aliens in the interest of national security; 
(h) Investigate any case at the instance of the Commissioner and submit the required reports; 
(i) Report on the activities of aliens inimical to national interest with a view to taking appropriate 
action in accordance with law; 
(j) Locate and conduct surveillance against foreign nationals in violation of immigration laws, 
rules and regulations; 
(k) Provide actionable operational, tactical and strategic intelligence to the operating units; 


16 
 
(l) Conduct case build up, analysis and other in-depth research, as well as provide analytical 
reports on foreign nationals who violate or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and 
regulations; 
(m) Coordinate with other local and international law enforcement agencies in the gathering of 
intelligence information related to immigration law violations; 
(n) Conduct counter-intelligence operations;  
(o) Enforce lawful orders relating to the exclusion, deportation and repatriation      of aliens; 
(p) Take charge of the physical detention of aliens pending their exclusion, deportation or 
repatriation; 
(q) Attend to the deportation of aliens; 
(r) Monitor all arriving and departing suspected terrorists, drug couriers or members of crime 
syndicates; 
(s) Assist and escort deportees, excluded passengers and transiting restricted passengers until 
finally boarded; 
(t) Investigate and escort from ports of entry intercepted passengers who are found in possession 
of spurious travel documents; 
(u) Implement Warrants of Deportation and Mission Orders involving foreign nationals who 
violate or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and regulations; and 
(v) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commissioner from time to time. 
Qualified Immigration Officers and Immigration Agents with the requisite training and experience may 
be assigned to the Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Alien Registration, or Immigration Regulation Divisions 
depending on the exigencies of the Bureau.  
 
CHAPTER 7 
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PATTERN 
 
SEC. 34. Career Development. — The Bureau shall: 
 
(a) Establish and strengthen the Philippine Immigration Academy which shall be under the control 
and supervision of the Commissioner; 
 
(b) Create a continuing program to enhance the knowledge, skills and competence of all personnel 
through a career advancement training and education prior to their promotion; and 
 
(c) Formulate training requirements to implement the provisions under this Title. 
 
CHAPTER 8 
OTHER OFFICES 
 
SEC. 35. Changes in the Composition, Distribution and Assignment of Personnel. — The 
Commissioner may make changes in the composition, distribution and assignment of regional, district and 
field offices as well as its personnel, based on the demographics of foreign nationals and as the exigency of 
the service requires, subject to civil service rules and regulations.  
SEC. 36.  Border Control Checkpoints. — In addition to international airports and seaports, there shall 
be established Border Control Checkpoints which shall be manned by Immigration Officers appointed as 


17 
 
Border Control Officers by the Commissioner. The Border Control Checkpoints shall be placed in specific 
areas. Border Control Officers shall perform the following duties: 
 
(a) Conduct immigration formalities to foreign nationals passing through their areas of 
responsibility; 
 
(b) Enforce immigration laws, rules and regulations; 
 
(c) Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of immigration laws, rules, 
and regulations; 
 
(d) Apprehend and take into custody illegal entrants; and 
 
(e) Perform such other functions as may be directed by the Commissioner. 
 
 
TITLE III 
IMMIGRATION 
 
CHAPTER 1 
NON-IMMIGRANTS 
 
SEC. 37.  Categories of Non-immigrants and Types of Visa Issued. — Foreign nationals departing 
from any place outside the Philippines who are otherwise      admissible and qualify under any one of the 
following categories may be admitted as non-immigrants: 
 
(a) 
Temporary visitors (A Visas): Visitors coming to the Philippines for a temporary period for 
reasons of business, pleasure or health: 
 
(1) 
Business (A-1 Visa): Temporary visitors engaged in activities of a commercial or 
professional nature for a foreign employer or for themselves that will not result in 
gainful employment in the Philippines. As used herein, the term “business” refers to 
conventions, conferences, consultations and other legitimate activities of a commercial 
or a professional nature, but does not include local employment or labor        for hire; 
 
(2) 
Pleasure (A-2 Visa): Temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines for holiday, 
including sightseeing, recreation or visiting relatives; and 
 
(3) 
Health (A-3 Visa): Temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines to avail of medical 
treatment; 
 
(b) 
Transit Persons (B Visa): Persons in transit through the Philippines solely for a layover and 
who have a confirmed connecting flight to another country, or passengers in immediate and continuous 
transit to a destination outside the Philippines; 
 
(c) Crewmembers (C Visa): Persons required for the normal operation and servicing of vessels that 
come to the Philippines on a temporary basis, either arriving with a vessel or intending to depart the 
Philippines on the same vessel or any other vessel; 
 
(d) Treaty Traders (D-1 Visa) and Treaty Investors (D-2 Visa): Citizens of a country that has a trade 
treaty with the Philippines, including their family members, and who come to work in the Philippines for 


18 
 
either a company they own or one that is at least fifty percent (50%) owned by nationals of their home 
country and which company is engaged in substantial trade between the Philippines and their home country, 
shall be granted a D-1 visa; 
 
 
Citizens from a country that has an investor treaty with the Philippines, including their family 
members, and who come to work in the Philippines for a business they own or one that is at least fifty 
percent (50%) owned by nationals of their home country, which business is supported by a substantial 
investment from nationals of their home country, shall be granted a D-2 visa; 
 
(e) 
Accredited Foreign Government Officials, Their Families and Household Member (E Visas): 
Foreign government officials, their families and household members coming to the country for official 
purpose, pursuant to international conventions and bilateral agreements, shall be granted E Visas, in 
accordance with the following categories: 
 
(1) 
Persons eligible for E-1 Visa: The E-1 Visa shall be issued to the following classes of 
foreign nationals: 
 
(i) Heads of State and Heads of Government and their personal representatives; 
(ii) Members of reigning royal families from countries recognized by the Philippine 
Government; 
(iii) Governors-General, Governors, and High Commissioners of dependent 
territories and their personal representatives; 
(iv) Cabinet ministers and their deputies, and officials with cabinet rank of ministers; 
(v) Presiding officers of national legislative bodies; 
(vi) Justices or judges of the highest national judicial bodies; 
(vii) Diplomats and career consular officials on foreign assignment in the Philippines; 
(viii) Military, naval, air and other attaches assigned to a diplomatic mission; and 
(ix) Accompanying spouses and unmarried dependents of foreign nationals within 
the abovementioned categories; 
 
(2) 
Persons eligible for E-2 Visa: The E-2 visa shall be issued to an official of a foreign 
government recognized by the Philippines and who is a national of the country whose 
government he represents, and is proceeding to the Philippines on a long-term basis in 
connection with official business for such foreign official’s government. 
 
 This category includes, inter alia, the following classes of foreign nationals: 
 
(i) 
Administrative and technical members of the staff of a diplomatic or consular 
mission; 
(ii) 
Officials participating in programs under the auspices of the Philippine 
Government or recognized international institutions; and 
(iii) 
Accompanying spouses and unmarried dependents of foreign nationals within 
the abovementioned categories; 
 
(3) 
Persons eligible for E-3 Visa: The E-3 visa shall be issued to an official of a foreign 
government recognized by the Philippines, is a national of the country whose 
government he represents, and is proceeding to the Philippines on a short-term basis in 
connection with official business for such foreign official’s government. 
 
This category includes, inter alia, the following classes of foreign nationals: 
 


19 
 
(i) 
Diplomatic couriers regularly and professionally employed as such; 
(ii) 
All members of official special missions of a diplomatic character; 
(iii) 
Members of delegations proceeding to or from an international conference of a 
diplomatic or official nature; and 
(iv) 
Such other officials going to the Philippines on diplomatic or official missions; 
 
(4) Persons eligible for E-4 Visa: The E-4 Visa shall be issued to the private employees and 
household members of persons to whom E-1 and E-2 visas have been granted, as well 
as their immediate dependents. 
 
All visas described in this subsection (e) shall be exclusively issued and renewed by the Department 
of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which shall also determine the type of E-Visa of Foreign Government Officials 
not identified in the foregoing lists. The grant of immunities and privileges shall be subject to applicable 
domestic and international law and international agreements to which the Philippines is a party, as well as 
in consideration of the principle of reciprocity; 
 
(f) 
Students (F Visa): Foreign students having means sufficient for their support and education in 
the Philippines who seek to enter the Philippines temporarily for the sole purpose of taking up a course of 
study higher than high school at a university, seminary, academy or college accredited to admit such foreign 
students by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in coordination with the Bureau; 
 
(g) 
Employment (G Visa): Foreign nationals coming to the Philippines on prearranged 
employment, including their family members accompanying or following to join them within the period of 
their employment. This category includes intra-company transferees, professionals, performing artists, 
athletes, and cultural exchange workers under a work exchange program; 
 
(h) 
Religious Workers (H Visa): Duly ordained or professional missionaries and religious 
ministers, including members of their family, coming to the Philippines to join a religious congregation or 
denomination duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon invitation, sponsorship 
or guarantee of such religious congregation or denomination, solely for the purpose of propagating, teaching 
and disseminating their faith or religion; 
 
(i) 
Representatives of Accredited International Organizations and Government Agencies (I Visa): 
Foreign officials and staff of accredited international organizations, including their dependent family 
members, staff, and household members shall be granted I Visas in accordance with the following 
categories: 
 
(1) 
Persons eligible for I-1 Visa: The I-1 Visa shall be issued to the principal officials of 
accredited international organizations, as well as their accompanying spouses and 
dependents; 
 
(2) Persons eligible for I-2 Visa: The I-2 visa shall be issued to the other officials and staff of 
accredited international organizations, as well as their accompanying spouses and 
dependents; 
 
(3) Persons eligible for I-3 Visa: The I-3 visa shall be issued to officials and staff of international 
organizations who will perform short-term official work with the international organization 
upon its invitation; and 
 


20 
 
(4) Persons eligible for I-4 Visa: The I-4 Visa shall be issued to the private employees and 
household members of persons to whom I-1 and I-2 visas have been granted, as well as their 
immediate dependents. 
 
 
Accredited international organization includes any public international organization engaged in 
activities of which the Philippines participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any act of 
the Congress of the Philippines authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such 
participation and such other international organizations, institutions, agencies, programs, foundations and 
entities which are recognized by the government of the Republic of the Philippines, including those existing 
and already recognized as such at the time of the effectivity of this Act.  
 
All types of visas described in this subsection (i) shall be exclusively issued and renewed by the 
DFA, which shall also determine the type of I Visa of officials and staff of international organizations that 
are not identified in the foregoing list. The grant of immunities and privileges shall be subject to applicable 
domestic and international law, relevant Headquarters Agreements, and international agreements to which 
the Philippines is a party; 
 
(j) Media Workers (J Visa): Foreign media personnel or correspondents, duly accredited by the 
government agency concerned, who are bona fide representatives of a foreign press, radio, satellite, 
television, film, or other information media, and are coming to the Philippines solely to engage in gathering 
information principally for dissemination abroad, including their family members accompanying them or 
subsequently joining them during the period of the assignment in the Philippines; 
 
(k) 
Exchange Visitors (K Visa): Foreign nationals entering the Philippines to teach, study, observe, 
conduct research or receive training in a specific Exchange Visitor Program duly approved by the Philippine 
Government; 
 
(l) 
Refugees (L-1 Visa) and Stateless Persons (L-2 Visa): Refugees as defined in this Act and in 
the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol shall be issued L-1 Visas.  
Stateless persons as described in this Act shall be issued L-2 Visas. The President or the Secretary of Justice, 
for humanitarian reasons not inimical to public interest, shall have the exclusive authority to admit refugees 
and stateless persons in such classes of cases and under such conditions as they may prescribe. The President 
or the Secretary of Justice shall likewise have the exclusive authority to cancel, revoke, or cease the refugee 
or stateless status of an individual; and 
 
(m) 
Special Non-Immigrant Visa (M Visa): Such other foreign nationals including their family 
members who may be admitted as non-immigrants under special laws, or foreign nationals not otherwise 
described in this Act who are coming for temporary periods only, and whose admission is authorized by 
the Board or the President in the interest of the public or for humanitarian considerations and under such 
conditions as they may prescribe. 
 
All other visas issued by other agencies and offices authorized to issue visas in accordance with 
existing laws, except the DFA, shall be implemented by the Bureau subject to requirements prescribed by 
the Commissioner. 
 
CHAPTER 2 
IMMIGRANTS 
 
SEC. 38. Quota Immigrants. — Subject to the conditions set forth in this Act, there may be admitted 
into the Philippines, based upon immigration reciprocity and upon allotment by the Commissioner, “quota 


21 
 
immigrants”, not to exceed two hundred (200)  of any one nationality for any one calendar year. The 
following order of preference shall be observed in the allotment of quota immigrants: 
 
(a) 
First Preference: Those whose service and qualifications show high educational attainment, 
technical training, specialized experience, or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, professions, or 
business as would reasonably enhance and contribute substantial benefits prospectively to the national 
economy, or cultural or educational interests or welfare of the Philippines, including their family members, 
accompanying or following to join them, who shall likewise be allotted individual quota numbers; 
 
(b) 
Second Preference: Parents of a naturalized Philippine citizen; 
 
(c) 
Third Preference: Spouses or minor children of foreign nationals who are lawful permanent 
residents of the Philippines; and 
 
(d) 
Fourth Preference: Parents of foreign nationals who are lawful permanent residents of the 
Philippines. 
 
 
SEC. 39. Allotment of Quota. — The Commissioner shall, with respect to the first preference, allot 
not more than fifty percent (50%) of the annual quota allotment up to the end of June of each year: Provided, 
That if the fifty percent (50%) allotment for the first preference by any nationality is not utilized, the balance 
thereof shall be given to the second, third, and fourth preferences for the same nationality in accordance 
with the preceding section. Any unused quota allotment for a calendar year shall not be carried over and 
utilized for the ensuing calendar year. 
 
 
SEC. 40. Basis in Determination of Quota Allotment. — The numerical limitation imposed under 
Section 38 of this Act shall be on the country of which the immigrant is a national or a citizen. 
 
 
SEC. 41. Non-Quota Immigrants. — The following immigrants, known as         “non-quota 
immigrants”, may be admitted without regard to numerical limitation and immigration reciprocity: 
 
(a) The spouse of a Philippine citizen: Provided, That abandonment by the foreign spouse, the 
failure to give support by the foreign spouse to the Filipino spouse and family, and the legal separation or 
termination of the marital status by annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage or divorce where the cause 
is attributable to the foreign spouse, shall constitute grounds for cancellation of the immigrant visa issued 
to the foreign spouse; 
 
(b) A person of Filipino descent regardless of generation; 
 
(c) A child born to a mother during her temporary visit abroad, the mother being a foreign national 
and lawful permanent resident of the Philippines, if accompanied by or coming to join the mother who 
applies for admission within five (5) years from the birth of the child; 
 
(d) A child born subsequent to the issuance of an immigrant visa to the accompanying parent, the 
visa not having expired or revoked; 
 
(e) A foreign national who had been previously lawfully admitted into the Philippines for permanent 
residence who is returning from a temporary visit abroad to an unrelinquished residence in the Philippines;  
 


22 
 
(f) A natural-born citizen who becomes a naturalized citizen of a foreign country and is returning 
to the Philippines for permanent residence therein, including the spouse and minor children accompanying 
or following to join such person; and 
 
(g) Spouse, parent, children, legitimate siblings of a foreign national who is gainfully employed and 
holder of a permanent resident status for a period of  seven (7) years. 
 
CHAPTER 3 
NATIVE-BORN FOREIGN NATIONAL 
 
SEC. 42. Status of Children Born to Immigrants. — A child born in the Philippines to a parent who 
is a foreign national and a lawful resident of the Philippines shall be deemed a native-born permanent 
resident. 
 
 
SEC. 43.  Status of Children Born to Non-immigrants. — A child born to parents who are both non-
immigrants shall be deemed a native-born non-immigrant or temporary resident and may remain in the 
Philippines only during the period of authorized stay of the parents, unless the child reaches the age of 
eighteen (18) years while continuously residing in the Philippines, in which case such child may apply for 
naturalization under existing laws or for an appropriate visa. 
 
 
CHAPTER 4 
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS 
 
SEC. 44. Conditions for Adjustment of Status of Foreign Nationals. — The status of a foreign 
national admitted into the Philippines as non-immigrant may be adjusted by the Board to that of a foreign 
national lawfully admitted as a permanent resident if:  
 
(a) the foreign national makes an application for such adjustment;  
 
(b) the foreign national is eligible to receive a quota or non-quota immigrant visa and is admissible 
to the Philippines as a permanent resident; and  
 
(c)  a quota immigrant visa is immediately available to the foreign national at the time of application, 
without the need of first departing from the Philippines.  
 
 
In all such cases, the personal appearance of the foreign national shall be required during the 
consideration of the application. 
 
 
SEC. 45. Effect of Approval on Application for Adjustment. — Upon the approval of an 
application for adjustment of status under the preceding section, the Commissioner shall record the foreign 
national’s lawful admission as a permanent resident as of the date of the approval of the application. 
 
SEC. 46. Adjustment of Status, When Not Allowed. — Adjustment of status under this Act shall 
not be applicable to:  
 


23 
 
(a) 
foreign nationals who have violated or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and 
regulations, unless the violation is for purely technical reasons or without the fault of the foreign 
national; and  
 
(b) 
transients. 
 
SEC. 47. Loss of Status. — A registered foreign national, except a temporary visitor, who fails to 
return to the Philippines within a period of one (1) year from departure shall lose the status granted under 
this Act. Such foreign national may apply for an extension of the period within which to return prior to its 
expiration and pay the prescribed fees and charges in order to maintain the status or type of visa granted. 
 
 
CHAPTER 5 
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF NON-IMMIGRANTS 
 
SEC. 48. Documentary Requirements of Non-immigrants. — Non-immigrants must present for 
admission into the Philippines valid passports issued by the governments of the countries to which they 
owe allegiance or other travel documents showing their nationality and identity as prescribed by regulations, 
a valid visa granted by the Consular Officer, if required, and such other relevant documents as may be 
required under existing laws, rules, regulations, or multilateral or bilateral agreements. 
 
SEC. 49. Conditions and Period of Authorized Stay of Temporary Visitors. — The initial period 
of authorized stay of a foreign national admitted as a temporary visitor under Section 37(a) of this Act shall 
not exceed fifty-nine (59) calendar days from the date of arrival, subject to bilateral, regional and 
multilateral visa agreements entered into by the Philippines: Provided, That the conditions for extensions 
and total period of authorized stay shall be prescribed by the Commissioner:  Provided, further, That during 
the foreign national’s authorized stay, such foreign national shall not:  
 
(a) take any employment, whether paid or unpaid;  
 
(b) establish or join in any business; or  
 
(c) enroll or become a student at a school, college, university, academy, or other educational 
institution, unless granted, upon proper application, a conversion to another immigration status 
provided under this Act. 
 
 
 SEC. 50. Submission of Crew List and Passenger Manifest. — Simultaneous to the vessel’s 
departure from the port of origin, the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving in 
the Philippines shall submit to the Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such arrival, the crew lists, 
passenger manifests and such other information concerning the persons arriving on such a vessel. In the 
same manner and condition, the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel departing from 
any port in the Philippines shall submit to the Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such departure, the 
crew list, passenger manifest and such other information concerning the persons departing on such vessel. 
The crew list of an incoming sea craft shall contain the appropriate visa granted by the Consular Officer. 
 
SEC. 51. Inspection of Crewmembers. — It shall be the duty of the master, captain, agent, owner 
or consignee of any vessel arriving in the Philippines to have available on board, for inspection by 
Immigration Officers, any foreign crewmember employed on such vessel and, when required by the 
immigration authorities, to detain such crewmember on board after inspection or to remove such 
crewmember. No crewmember on board such vessel shall be discharged while the vessel is in port without 
the permission of the Commissioner. 


24 
 
 
SEC. 52. Permission for Temporary Landing of a Foreign Crewmember. — A foreign 
crewmember on a vessel arriving in the Philippines may be permitted to land temporarily under such 
conditions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. All expenses incurred by the Bureau while the 
crewmember is on land shall be borne by the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of the carrying 
vessel. 
 
CHAPTER 6 
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF IMMIGRANTS 
 
SEC. 53. Documentary Requirements of Immigrants; Instances When Not Required. — 
Immigrants must present for admission into the Philippines valid passports or travel documents issued by 
the government of the country to which they owe allegiance, showing their nationality and identity and 
valid immigrant visas indicating the date of issue and the period of validity thereof. Immigrant visas shall 
not be required of the following:  
(a)  A child born subsequent to the issuance of a valid immigrant visa to the accompanying parent;  
 
(b)  A child born during the temporary visit abroad of the mother who is a lawful permanent 
resident of the Philippines and a holder of a valid re-entry permit, if the child is accompanied by 
either parent within five (5) years from the date of the child’s birth; and  
 
(c)  A foreign national who is returning to an unrelinquished lawful permanent residence in the 
Philippines after a temporary residence abroad and presents for admission a valid re-entry permit. 
CHAPTER 7 
VISA ISSUANCE 
 
SEC. 54. Nature of Visa. — A visa by itself does not authorize or guarantee entry into the 
Philippines. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to automatically entitle any foreign national, to whom a 
visa or other travel document has been issued, to enter the Philippines if, upon arrival at a port of entry, 
such foreign national is found to be inadmissible under this Act or any other law. 
 
SEC. 55. Visa Policy. — The procedure for the application and issuance of visas referred to in this 
Act shall be formulated by the Bureau, in consultation with the DFA and other concerned government 
agencies and offices when appropriate. 
 
 
CHAPTER 8 
RE-ENTRY AND EMIGRATION CLEARANCE 
 
 
 SEC. 56.  Re-entry. — In all instances when a registered foreign national, except a temporary 
visitor, departs or is about to depart temporarily from the Philippines with the intention to return within one 
(1) year from departure, the foreign national must secure a re-entry permit or, if the authorized stay is less 
than one (1) year, a Special Return Certificate, and pay the corresponding fees and charges therefor. 
 
SEC. 57. Emigration Clearance. — A registered foreign national who departs permanently from 
the Philippines shall surrender all Philippine immigration documents and apply for and be issued an 
Emigration Clearance Certificate, subject to the following conditions: 
 
(a) The immigrant has no pending obligation with the government or any of its agencies or 
instrumentalities;  


25 
 
 
(b) The immigrant has no pending criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding which requires 
continued presence in the country; and 
 
(c) There is no ongoing legislative inquiry where the immigrant is called upon to testify as a 
witness.  
 
 
A temporary visitor departing from the Philippines shall, after the expiration of the initial authorized 
stay, apply for emigration clearance and pay the prescribed fees and charges therefor. 
 
CHAPTER 9 
PRESIDENTIAL PREROGATIVES 
 
SEC. 58. Presidential Prerogatives. — Any provision of this Act to the contrary notwithstanding, 
the President may: 
 
(a) 
Deny the entry and admission into the Philippines of, or impose such restrictions as may be 
deemed appropriate on, any foreign national or a class of foreign nationals, whenever the President 
finds that such entry would be detrimental to the interest of the Philippines; 
 
(b) 
Waive passport or documentary requirements for non-immigrants and immigrants under such 
terms and conditions as may be prescribed; 
 
(c) 
Change the status of non-immigrants by allowing them to acquire permanent residence status 
without necessity of a visa; 
 
(d) 
Deport any foreign national, subject to the requirement of due process; 
 
(e) 
Admit non-immigrants not otherwise provided for in this Act for humanitarian considerations 
and when not detrimental to public interest, under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed; 
and 
 
(f) 
Exercise, with respect to foreign nationals in the Philippines, such powers as are recognized 
by the generally accepted principles of international law. 
 
 
TITLE IV 
PROVISIONS RELATING TO ENTRY 
 
CHAPTER 1 
CLASSIFICATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY 
 
 
 SEC. 59. Authority to Classify Ports. — The Commissioner shall classify and designate, from 
among the ports of entry established by law for immigration purposes, limited or unlimited ports of entry 
through which foreign nationals may be admitted into the Philippines. Only such classes of foreign nationals 
as provided under the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner may be admitted at limited 
ports of entry. The Commissioner may, after due notice to the public, close designated ports of entry in the 
interest of national security or public safety.  
 


26 
 
 
CHAPTER 2 
PROCEDURES ON ARRIVAL 
 
 
 SEC. 60. Arrival Formalities. — A foreign national seeking admission or readmission shall present 
a valid passport and visa, if required, to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry and shall be subject to 
primary inspection. The decision of the Immigration Officer to admit any foreign national may be 
challenged by another Immigration Officer on any ground provided in this Act. The final determination on 
the admissibility of such foreign national shall be determined by the Commissioner or    his/her authorized 
representative. The resolution shall be reflected in the system of       the Bureau. 
 
 
 SEC. 61. Arrival Notice Requirements of Vessel. — The immigration authorities shall be given 
prior notice of the arrival of any vessel before such vessel comes into any area in the Philippines from any 
place outside thereof.   
 
 
 If, upon arrival in any area other than the designated port and there is no available Immigration 
Officer therein, the master, pilot, captain, agent or consignee shall not allow the passengers and crew 
members to disembark or leave the primary inspection area until the Immigration Officer shall have 
conducted the primary inspection formalities. 
 
 
CHAPTER 3 
FOREIGN CREWMEMBER 
 
 
 SEC. 62. Conditional Permit to Disembark. — A foreign crewmember of a vessel under Section 
37(c) of this Act may be granted a conditional permit, in a form prescribed by regulations, to disembark 
temporarily from the vessel on which such crewmember arrived while the vessel remains in port under such 
terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. 
 
 
 SEC. 63. Confiscation and Cancellation of Permit; Deportation from the Philippines. — Upon 
the determination that the foreign national is not a bona fide crewmember or does not intend to depart on 
the vessel that brought him, the Commissioner shall cancel and confiscate the conditional permit already 
issued, take such foreign national into custody, and require the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent 
or consignee of the vessel on which the foreign national arrived to receive and detain the foreign national 
on board. The expenses for removal of the foreign national, including the cost of detention and other 
expenses incidental thereto, shall be borne by the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee 
of such vessel. 
 
 
 SEC. 64. Liability for Overstaying Foreign Crewmember. — A foreign crewmember who remains 
in the Philippines in excess of the period allowed in the conditional permit issued shall be solidarily liable 
with the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel for the payment of the 
penalties prescribed in Section 109 of this Act. 
 
 
SEC. 65. Liability for Unauthorized Discharge of Foreign Crewmember. — It shall be unlawful 
for any person, including the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of any vessel, to 
discharge any alien employed as a crewmember on a vessel arriving in the Philippines without first 
obtaining the prior permission of the Commissioner or his/her authorized representative. Otherwise, such 
person or owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel shall pay such fines as 
may be prescribed under this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance from any port in the Philippines 
while such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided, That a clearance 


27 
 
may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such 
fines as approved by the Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 66. Duty to Report Desertion or Illegal Landing of Foreign Crewmember. — The owner, 
operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of any vessel shall immediately report, in writing, to the 
Immigration Officer all cases of desertion or illegal disembarkation in the Philippines from the vessel, 
together with a description of such foreign nationals and any information that shall facilitate their 
apprehension. 
 
SEC. 67. Requirement for Submission of List of Newly Employed, Discharged and Illegally 
Landed Foreign Crewmembers. — Prior to the departure of any vessel from the last port in the Philippines 
destined to any place outside thereof, the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee thereof 
shall deliver to the Immigration Officer at that port a list containing:  
 
(a)  The names of crewmembers who were not employed thereon at the time of the vessel’s arrival on 
such port but will depart thereat on the same vessel;  
 
(b) The names of those who have been discharged, if any;  
 
(c)  The names of those who have deserted or illegally landed at that port, if any; and  
 
(d) Such other additional information as the Commissioner deems necessary. 
 
 
 
SEC. 68. Liability for Failure to Submit Complete, True and Correct Report. — The owner, 
operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee who fails to submit a true and complete list or report of 
foreign nationals or to report cases of desertion or illegal landing shall pay such sum as may be prescribed 
under Chapter 6, Title VI of this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance to depart from any port in the 
Philippines while such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided, that 
clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover 
such fines as approved by the Commissioner. 
 
 
CHAPTER 4 
EXCLUSIONS 
 
SEC. 69. Exclusion Grounds. — The following classes of foreign nationals shall not be allowed 
entry and shall be excluded from the Philippines on the following grounds: 
 
(a) 
Health-Related Grounds  
 
(1) Those who are found to be suffering from a communicable, dangerous or contagious 
disease, unless excepted under existing laws, rules and regulations; 
 
(2) Those who are found to be suffering from psychiatric disorder that may pose a threat 
to persons or danger to property; and 
 
(3) Those who are found to be suffering from addiction to prohibited or regulated 
substance; 
(b) 
Economic Grounds  
 


28 
 
(1) Those likely to become a public charge; and 
 
(2) Those seeking entry for the purpose of unskilled manual labor; 
 
(c) 
Moral Grounds  
 
(1) Those coming to the Philippines to practice polygamy or who advocate the practice 
of polygamy unless the person’s religion allows such practices; 
 
(2) Those who are pedophiles, sexual perverts or those coming to the Philippines for 
immoral purposes;  
 
(3) Those who are engaged or who seek to engage in prostitution or to procure or attempt 
to procure prostitutes, or who receives in whole or in part the proceeds of prostitution; 
and 
 
(4) Those who, at the time of primary inspection by the Immigration Officer, exhibit any 
contemptuous or disrespectful behavior towards the said officer, any employee of the 
Bureau, or any government official; 
 
(d) 
National Security, Public Order and Public Safety Grounds 
 
(1) Those who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or who admit to 
the Immigration Officer of having committed such crime, or who attempt and conspire 
to commit the crime; 
 
(2) Those who have been convicted of, or who admit having committed, or are 
committing, acts which constitute the elements of a violation or conspiracy to violate 
any law or regulation of the Philippines or a foreign country relating to a controlled, 
regulated or prohibited substance, or who admit having attempted or conspired to 
commit such acts; 
 
(3) Those that the Philippine Government knows or has reason to believe are or have been 
traffickers of any controlled, regulated or prohibited substance, or accomplices, 
accessories, abettors, or co-conspirators in the illicit trafficking of any controlled, 
regulated or prohibited substance; 
 
(4) Those who are fugitives from justice; 
 
(5) Those who seek to enter the Philippines to engage in: 
 
(i) espionage or sabotage, or a violation or evasion of laws prohibiting export of 
goods, technology or sensitive information; 
 
(ii) any activity aimed to promote membership in an organization of syndicated 
criminal activities; 
 
(iii) any activity, the purpose of which is to overthrow the Philippine government by 
force, violence, or other unlawful means; and 
 
(iv) any other unlawful activity; 


29 
 
 
(6) Those who are engaged or believed to be engaged or likely to engage in, aid, abet or 
finance, any terrorist activity and members or representatives of a foreign terrorist 
organization; 
 
(7)  Those who have been identified by competent authorities, local or foreign, as having 
engaged or are engaging in human trafficking and smuggling; 
 
(8)  Those who have been identified by competent authorities, local and foreign, as having 
engaged or are engaging in importation of contrabands and other prohibited articles 
into the country; and 
 
(9)  Those who are under fifteen (15) years of age and unaccompanied by or not coming 
to join a parent, except if otherwise admissible and with a written consent to travel 
from either parent and affirmed by a Consular Officer, citing the purpose thereof. 
SEC. 70. Temporary Custody of Excludable Foreign Nationals. — For the purpose of ascertaining 
whether a foreign national arriving in the Philippines belongs to any of the excludable classes of foreign 
national provided in this Act or related laws, the Immigration Officer, for a period not exceeding seventy-
two (72) hours, may temporarily take into custody for investigation such foreign national either on board 
the vessel or at a place designated for the purpose at the expense of the owner, operator, master, captain, 
pilot, agent or consignee of the carrying vessel. 
 
SEC. 71. Finality of Exclusion Order. — An order by the Immigration Officer to exclude a foreign 
national who is excludable under this Act is final and executory unless revoked by the Commissioner upon 
a timely appeal prior to the implementation of the exclusion order. 
 
SEC. 72. Authority to Waive Grounds for Exclusion. — The Commissioner may waive any of the 
grounds for exclusion mentioned in Section 69 of this Act, except for the grounds of exclusion under Section 
69(d), subparagraphs 1 to 8. 
 
SEC. 73. Procedure of Removal and Cost Thereof. — Foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines 
who are ordered excluded shall be immediately removed to the country where they boarded the vessel on 
which they arrived, in accommodations of the same class, unless the Commissioner determines that 
immediate removal is not proper and practicable pursuant to applicable Conventions, laws, rules and 
regulations, in which case such excluded foreign nationals shall be ordered detained. The cost of removal, 
detention and other expenses incidental thereto shall be borne by the owner, operator, master, pilot, captain, 
agent, or consignee of the vessel on which such foreign nationals arrived.  
 
SEC. 74. Country Where Removal is to be Directed. — If the government of the country 
designated in the preceding section will not accept the foreign national into its territory, the removal of the 
foreign national shall be directed, at the Commissioner’s discretion to any of the following: 
 
(a) 
The country of which the excluded foreign national is a citizen or national; 
 
(b) 
The country of birth; 
 
(c) 
The country of the foreign national’s habitual residence; or 
 
(d) 
The country willing to accept the foreign national into its territory, if removal to any of the 
foregoing countries is impractical or impossible. 
 


30 
 
SEC. 75. Obligation of Owner, Operator, Master, Captain, Pilot, Agent or Consignee. — It shall 
be unlawful for an owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel to refuse or fail 
to: 
 
(a) 
Board a foreign national ordered excluded and removed in the same vessel or another vessel 
owned or operated by the same company; 
 
(b) 
Detain a foreign national on board any such vessel at the port of arrival when required by 
this Act or when so ordered by an Immigration Officer; 
 
(c) 
Deliver a foreign national for medical or other examinations when so ordered by an 
Immigration Officer; 
 
(d) 
Remove a foreign national from the Philippines to the country to which the individual’s 
removal has been directed; or 
 
(e) 
Pay the cost of detention and such other costs and expenses necessary or incidental to the 
removal of the excluded foreign national as provided in this Act. 
 
SEC. 76. Penalty for Non-compliance of Obligation. — The owner, operator, master, captain, 
pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel who violates Section 75 of this Act shall pay the fines prescribed in 
Chapter 6, Title VI of this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance from any port in the Philippines while 
such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided, That clearance may 
be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such fines as 
approved by the Commissioner. 
 
 
TITLE V 
DEPORTATION 
 
CHAPTER 1 
DEPORTABLE FOREIGN NATIONALS 
 
 
SEC. 77.  Classes of Deportable Foreign Nationals. — The following foreign nationals shall be 
taken into custody upon the order of the Commissioner and deported upon recommendation by the BSI and 
approval by the Board:  
 
(a) 
Those who entered the Philippines: (1) by means of misrepresentations or false or misleading 
statements or documents, or (2) without inspection and admission by the immigration authorities;  
 
(b) 
Those who were not lawfully admissible at the time of entry;  
 
(c) 
Those who abet or aid in the practice of prostitution, including the owner or manager of a 
prostitution den, or who are pedophiles; 
 
(d) 
Those who, at any time after the date of entry, have become a public charge;  
 
(e) 
Those who remain in the Philippines in violation of any period of limitation or condition 
under which they were admitted;  
 
(f) 
Those who believe in, advise, advocate, teach, or otherwise engage in any activity the 


31 
 
purpose of which is the opposition to, or the control or overthrow of, the Government of the 
Republic of the Philippines or any of its duly constituted authority by force, violence, or other 
unlawful means, or those who do not believe in or are opposed to organized governments, or those 
who advise, advocate or teach the assault or assassination of public officials, or those who advise, 
advocate or teach the unlawful destruction of property, or those who are members of or affiliated 
with any organization entertaining, advocating or teaching such doctrines, or those who in any 
manner whatsoever extend assistance, financial or otherwise, in the dissemination of such 
doctrines;  
 
(g) 
Those who engage in, abet, aid or finance any terrorist activity; 
 
 
(h) 
Those who, at any time after entry, are charged of a crime involving acts or omissions 
punishable under Philippine penal laws cognizable by the Regional Trial Courts and the 
Sandiganbayan; 
 
(i) 
Those who are convicted by final judgment of a crime involving moral turpitude punishable 
under Philippine penal laws; 
 
(j) 
Those who were admitted as non-immigrants and who obtained an adjustment of their 
admission status for convenience, or through fraud, falsification of documents, misrepresentations 
or concealment of material facts;  
 
(k) 
Those who violated Philippine labor and taxation laws, rules and regulations;  
 
(l) 
Those who are found to be undesirable and whose further stay in the Philippines is inimical 
to public welfare and interest, or the dignity of Filipinos or the Republic of the Philippines as a 
sovereign nation; 
 
(m) Those who forge, counterfeit, alter or falsely make any document; or use, attempt to use, 
possess, obtain, accept or receive, or provide any forged, counterfeit, altered or falsely made 
document; or use, attempt to use, provide, attempt to provide, accept or receive a genuine document, 
even of another person, without authority to do so for the purpose of satisfying or complying with 
the requirements of the Bureau;  
 
(n) Those whose presence or activities in the country may result in adverse consequences to 
Philippine foreign policies as determined by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
 
(o) Those who misrepresented themselves as Filipino citizens in all immigration matters; and 
 
(p) Those who violate any of the provisions of this Act, independent of any criminal action which 
may be brought against them: Provided, That in the case of a foreign national who, for any reason, 
is convicted and sentenced to suffer both imprisonment and deportation, said foreign national shall 
first serve the entire period of the sentence before being deported. 
 
 
     CHAPTER 2 
DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS 
 


32 
 
SEC. 78.  Nature of Deportation Proceedings. — Deportation proceedings shall be independent 
of any action that may be instituted against a foreign national: Provided, That no deportation order shall be 
issued against foreign nationals facing preliminary investigation, prosecution and trial before competent 
authorities. 
 
SEC. 79. Non-Prescription of Deportation Cases. — The right of the State to initiate deportation 
proceedings shall not prescribe. 
 
 
 
SEC. 80. Formal Charge of Deportation. — A formal charge for deportation shall be issued upon 
determination of the existence of a prima facie case against the foreign national. 
 
SEC. 81. Bail. — Pending final determination of the foreign national’s deportation case, the foreign 
national shall, upon the discretion of the Commissioner, remain under detention or be released on bail or 
recognizance.  The bail may be revoked and confiscated in favor of the government if there is sufficient 
evidence that the foreign national is evading the proceedings or is attempting to abscond, in which case 
such foreign national shall be taken into custody and placed under detention by order of         the 
Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 82. Custody of a Foreign National Convicted of a Felony or an Offense. — After service 
of the sentence or compliance with the conditions of parole or probation, as the case may be, the foreign 
national shall be taken into custody for immediate deportation by order of the Board. 
 
SEC. 83.  Voluntary Deportation, When Authorized. — The Commissioner may waive the 
deportation proceedings and order the departure of the foreign national within the period specified in the 
voluntary deportation order if the foreign national does not contest the formal charge and opts to voluntarily 
leave the country and pays for all expenses: Provided, That the foreign national has not committed any 
criminal offense or has no pending criminal investigation: Provided, further, That the said foreign national 
so deported shall be barred from re-entering the country without prior written authorization from the 
Commissioner. 
 
SEC. 84.  Period to Enforce Order of Deportation. — The order of deportation shall be enforced 
immediately but in no case shall exceed three (3) months from the date it has become final and executory. 
If deportation is not enforced within the prescribed period, the foreign national may be released on bail or 
recognizance. 
 
SEC. 85. Suspension of Deportation Order. — The Commissioner may  suspend the 
implementation of the deportation order and order the release of the foreign national on bail or 
recognizance, taking into account the following factors: 
 
(a) 
Age, health, family or conduct;  
(b) 
Period of detention; 
(c) 
Impact on national security and public welfare;  
(d) 
Unavailability of travel documents;  
(e) 
Existence of an application for refugee or statelessness status; or 
(f) 
Other humanitarian considerations. 
 
SEC. 86. Reinstatement of a Deportation Order. — A deportation order previously implemented 
against a foreign national who unlawfully re-entered the Philippines shall be deemed automatically 
reinstated and shall be implemented in accordance with this Act. This provision shall also apply to a foreign 
national who departed voluntarily under Section 83 of this Act and re-entered the Philippines unlawfully or 
without prior written authorization from the Commissioner. 


33 
 
 
SEC. 87.  Country of Destination of a Deportee. — Except as provided for under an existing treaty 
or international agreement, a foreign national shall be deported to the country of which the person is a 
citizen or national, or the foreign national’s country of birth, or the country of which the foreign national is 
a resident, or the country from which the foreign national embarked for the Philippines, subject to the 
acceptance by the receiving country. 
 
 
SEC. 88. Cost of Deportation. — The owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee 
of a vessel shall bear the cost of deportation of any of its foreign crewmembers deemed deportable under 
Section 77 of this Act. In all other cases, the cost of deportation shall be borne either by the deportee, by 
the concerned consular office, nongovernment organizations or people’s organizations with which the 
Bureau has an agreement on this matter, or shall be charged to the appropriations for the implementation 
of this Act. 
 
SEC. 89. Liability of Owner, Operator, Captain, Master, Pilot, Agent or Consignee of a Vessel. 
— Failure or refusal on the part of the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of a vessel 
to take on board, guard safely and transport the deportee to the foreign national’s country of destination, or 
to shoulder the cost of deportation of the foreign crew member as provided in the preceding Section, shall 
be subject to the administrative fines prescribed under Chapter 6, Title VI of this Act. 
 
SEC. 90. Designation of Accompanying Person. — The Commissioner may, for security reason or 
by reason of the mental or physical condition of the deportee, direct an employee of the Bureau to 
accompany such deportee to the country of the deportee’s destination, subject to the provisions of Section 
88 of this Act. 
 
CHAPTER 3 
INDIGENT FOREIGN NATIONALS 
 
SEC. 91. Removal of Indigent Foreign Nationals. — At any time after entry, the Commissioner 
may remove indigent foreign nationals from the Philippines to either the country of which they are citizens 
or nationals, their country of birth, or their country of residence, as the case may be. The cost of deportation 
may be charged against the available funds of the Bureau. Any foreign national removed under this section 
shall be barred re-admission except upon written authorization of the Board.  
This provision shall not apply to a foreign national declared as an indigent by any Philippine court 
for purposes of filing a case or to pursue an action which resulted in the individual’s indigency until such 
case or action is resolved with finality: Provided, That no other grounds for deportation exist during the 
pendency of such case or action. 
 
TITLE VI 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
CHAPTER 1 
REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS 
 
SEC. 92. Requirement of Registration. — All foreign nationals, regardless of any exemption 
provided by law, shall register with the Bureau or any Immigration Office nearest to their place of residence 
on or before the sixtieth (60th) day of their latest arrival in the Philippines.  
 
SEC. 93. Registration Form and Oath. — Applications for registration shall be under oath and in 
such form as prescribed by the Bureau. Upon registration, a certificate of registration shall be issued to the 


34 
 
registrant.  
 
SEC. 94. Amendment of Registration. — Registered foreign nationals shall notify the Bureau in 
writing of any change of information in their registration documents not later than seven (7) days from such 
change. 
 
SEC. 95. Presentation of Certificate of Registration. — Every foreign national required to register 
under this Act or the parent or guardian of such foreign national shall present, upon demand by any 
personnel authorized by the Commissioner, a certificate of registration of such individual, and failure to do 
so without justifiable cause shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 96. Reportorial Requirements. — Every foreign national registered under this Act shall, 
within the first sixty (60) days of every calendar year, report in person to the Bureau. The Commissioner 
may exempt personal appearance of foreign nationals registered under this Act subject to certain 
requirements and conditions as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations issued for the purpose. 
 
SEC. 97. Failure to Comply with Requirements. — A foreign national, or the parent or guardian 
of the foreign national, who, without justifiable reason, fails to comply with all the requirements under this 
Act, or who files an application for registration containing statements known by the individual to be false, 
or who utilizes registration documents other than that of the individual, shall be dealt with in accordance 
with the provisions of this Act and other existing laws. 
 
SEC. 98. Cancellation of Registration of Foreign National. — In case of death of a foreign 
national registered under the provisions of this Act, the legal heir, representative or administrator of the 
foreign national must inform the Bureau within sixty (60) days from such death, and the Bureau shall cancel 
the registration of the deceased foreign national. The Local Civil Registrar or other civil registry officer of 
the locality where said foreign national died shall furnish the Bureau with a copy of the Certificate of Death 
within thirty (30) days from issuance thereof. Failure on the part of the persons concerned to comply with 
the requirements specified in this Section shall be dealt with pursuant to the provisions of existing laws. 
 
CHAPTER 2 
BONDS AND DEPOSITS 
 
SEC. 99. Bonds, When Required. — The Bureau shall have the authority to require cash bonds in 
such amounts and under such conditions as it may prescribe in order to:  
 
(a) 
control and regulate the admission into, and departure from, the Philippines of foreign 
nationals applying for temporary admission;  
(b) 
insure against foreign passengers liable to be excluded as likely to become public charges; 
and  
(c) 
ensure the appearance of foreign nationals released from custody during the course of 
deportation proceedings instituted against them. 
 
SEC. 100. Requirement of Cash Deposits for Services Rendered. — The Bureau shall likewise 
have the authority to require cash deposits in such amounts as may be necessary from a vessel’s owner, 
operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee or other persons served for services rendered as 
established by the implementing rules and regulations. 
 
SEC. 101. Cancellation and Forfeiture of Bonds. — When the conditions of the bond are fulfilled, 
or in case the Commissioner determines that the likelihood that a foreign national shall become a public 
charge no longer exists, or in case of death of the foreign national in whose behalf the bond is posted, the 


35 
 
bond shall be cancelled and released to the depositor or the legal representative of the foreign national. In 
case of violation of the conditions of the bond, the same shall be forfeited and deposited in a trust fund 
account which may be utilized for the purchase of passage tickets for the removal of indigent foreign 
nationals and to cover the costs of operations in locating deportees who jump bail. 
 
 
CHAPTER 3 
RECOGNIZANCE 
 
SEC. 102. Petitions for Recognizance, Sanction for Breach of Conditions. — The Commissioner 
may order the release of a foreign national upon recognizance of the foreign national’s lawyer or a person 
who is of good standing in the community, under such terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe. 
Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the recognizance shall subject said lawyer or person to 
a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos 
(₱100,000.00), without prejudice to other administrative sanctions or proceedings against the erring party. 
 
 
CHAPTER 4 
COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER OFFICES 
 
SEC. 103. Interoperability. — The Bureau shall cooperate and coordinate with relevant 
government agencies and offices for purposes of the implementation of this Act. 
 
 
CHAPTER 5 
FEES AND CHARGES 
 
SEC. 104. Authority of the Board to Prescribe, Impose and Collect Fees and Charges. — The 
Board is authorized to prescribe, impose, and collect fees and charges for services rendered, pursuant to the 
provisions of this Act.  
 
 
CHAPTER 6 
ADMINISTRATIVE FINES 
 
SEC.  105. Fine for Failing to Submit Crew List or Passenger Manifest, or Failure to Account 
Every Passenger and Crew. — Any owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel 
arriving at any port in the Philippines from a place outside thereof who fails to submit to the immigration 
authorities a complete and accurate crew list or passenger manifest, or fails to produce or account every 
crewmember or passenger whose name appears in said list or manifest shall be subject to fines of One 
hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) and Fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) for each unaccounted 
crewmember or passenger, respectively. 
 
SEC. 106. Fine for Violation of Obligation on the Landing or Removal of Foreign Nationals. — 
Any owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of any vessel arriving at a port of the 
Philippines from a place outside thereof having a foreign national on board in violation of this Act shall be 
fined not less than Fifty Thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos 
(₱200,000.00) for each act or violation consisting of: 
 
(a) 
Failure to prevent the landing of such foreign national in the Philippines at any time or place 
other than as designated by the Immigration Officer; 


36 
 
 
(b) 
Refusal or failure to detain a foreign national on board any such vessel at the port of arrival 
when required by this Act or so ordered by an Immigration Officer; 
 
(c) 
Refusal or failure to deliver a foreign national for medical or other examinations when so 
ordered by an Immigration Personnel; 
 
(d) 
Refusal or failure to pay the cost of maintenance and other costs, as required by this Act, of 
such foreign national when temporarily removed from the vessels for examination by order of the 
Immigration Officer; 
 
(e) 
Refusal to receive such foreign national on board for removal from the Philippines if the 
foreign national is excluded, or to pay the cost of removal as required under this Act; 
 
(f) 
Refusal or failure to take on board, guard safely and transport the deportee to the foreign 
national’s country of destination, or to shoulder the cost of deportation of the foreign crew member; 
and 
 
(g) 
Making any charge against such foreign national for the cost referred to in item (d) above, or 
for the cost of the removal of the foreign national from the Philippines if the latter is excluded or 
taking any security from the foreign national for the payment of any such costs. 
 
SEC. 107. Fine for Bringing Undocumented Foreign National, or Foreign National Afflicted 
with Communicable or Contagious Disease, or Suffering from Mental Disorder. — The owner, operator, 
master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of the vessel arriving at a port in the Philippines from a place 
outside thereof bringing on board an undocumented foreign national shall be fined One hundred thousand 
pesos (₱100,000.00) for each foreign national. If the foreign national is afflicted with a communicable or 
contagious disease or is suffering from psychiatric disorder that may pose a threat to persons or danger to 
property as stated in Section 69 of this Act, the fine shall be not less than Two hundred thousand pesos 
(₱200,000.00) but not more than Three hundred thousand pesos (₱300,000.00) for each foreign national. 
 
SEC. 108. Fine for Bringing a Foreign National to Assist His Illegal Entry or Misrepresenting 
a Foreign National as a Member of the Crew. — The owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or 
consignee of the vessel arriving at any port in the Philippines from a place outside thereof bringing on board 
a foreign national bound for the Philippines to assist the illegal entry of the foreign national, or 
misrepresenting the foreign national to the Immigration Officer at the port of arrival as a bona fide member 
of the crew, shall be fined not less than One hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) but not more than Two 
hundred thousand pesos (₱200,000.00) for each foreign national. 
 
SEC. 109. Fine for an Overstaying Crewmember. — Any foreign crewmember who willfully 
remains in the Philippines beyond the period allowed for temporary landing shall be fined not less than 
Fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00). The 
owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of the vessel shall be solidarily liable for the 
fine imposed on such overstaying crewmember. 
 
SEC. 110. Fine for Assaulting Immigration Personnel. — Any form of assault directed to any 
personnel of the Bureau is an act of disrespect. In case the assault is committed by a foreign national at the 
ports of entry and exit, such foreign national shall be excluded or deported, as the case may be, and shall 
be fined Two hundred thousand pesos (₱200,000.00) without prejudice to the right of the aggrieved 
Immigration Personnel to file appropriate criminal, civil or administrative cases against such person. 
For purposes of this Act, an Immigration Officer shall be considered a person in authority while in 


37 
 
the performance of official duty. 
 
SEC. 111. Fine for Violation of Other Provisions of this Act. — The owner, operator, master, 
captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of any vessel arriving at any port of the Philippines from a place outside 
thereof who violates any other provision of this Act not specifically provided in this Chapter shall be fined 
not less than Fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos 
(₱200,000.00) for each violation. 
 
CHAPTER 7 
PENAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 112. Prohibited Acts and Penalties. — Any person who shall commit any of the acts 
specified hereunder shall, upon conviction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment for not less than five (5) 
years but not more than ten (10) years, or a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) 
but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (₱500,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine, at the 
discretion of the court: 
 
(a) Impersonating another individual, or falsely appearing in the name of a deceased individual, 
or evading immigration laws by using an assumed or fictitious name when applying for an 
immigration document;  
 
(b) Issuing or otherwise delivering an immigration document or an immigration accountable form 
to any person not authorized by law to receive such documents;  
 
(c) Obtaining, manufacturing, printing, accepting or using any immigration or travel document 
knowing it to be false, or using an immigration accountable form that is not legally issued;  
 
(d) Entering or leaving the Philippines without inspection and admission by the immigration 
authorities, or obtaining entry into or departure clearance from the Philippines through fraud, 
misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts; 
 
(e) Misrepresenting oneself to be a citizen of the Philippines;  
 
(f) Knowingly making any false statement under oath regarding any immigration matter; or 
 
(g) Bringing into, or landing in the Philippines, or concealing, harboring, employing, or giving 
comfort to, any person not duly admitted by an Immigration Personnel or not lawfully entitled to 
enter into or reside within the Philippines, or attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to 
commit any such acts. 
 
 
Where the offender of any act specified in paragraph (g) of this section is a corporation, partnership 
or other juridical entity, the president, general manager, managing partner, or chief executive officer thereof 
shall be held liable. Dismissal of the employee by the employer before or after apprehension shall not 
relieve such employer from any liability arising from the offense:  Provided, That if the offender is the 
owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee, or other person in charge of the vessel that 
brought the foreign national into the Philippines from any place outside thereof, the fine imposed under this 
section shall constitute a lien against the vessel which may be enforced in the same manner as fines are 
collected and enforced under existing laws. Such vessel shall not be allowed to depart without prior 
clearance issued by the Bureau. Where forfeiture is justified under the particular circumstances of the case, 
the forfeiture of the vessel in favor of the government in lieu of the fine shall           be decreed.  
 


38 
 
Conviction by final judgment of any offense punishable under this Act or other related laws shall 
result in the automatic revocation or cancellation of any immigration document issued to the offender, 
including that of the foreign national’s spouse and unmarried children, if applicable. 
 
SEC. 113. Penalty for Aiding the Escape of Detained Foreign National. — Any person who shall be 
found to have helped, assisted, supported, caused or ministered the escape, including harboring and 
concealing, of a detained foreign national shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for not less than five (5) 
years but not more than ten (10) years and a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos 
(₱200,000.00): Provided, That if the person liable is a foreign national, such person shall be deported after 
service of sentence:  Provided, further, That any tools, equipment, implements or vehicles used in the escape 
of a detained foreign national shall be destroyed or forfeited in favor of the government. 
 
SEC. 114. Penalty for Failure to Comply with Subpoena. — Any person who, having been duly served 
with a subpoena, fails to comply without valid and justifiable reasons, shall suffer the penalty of 
imprisonment of not more than fifteen (15) days or a fine of not more than One thousand pesos (₱1,000.00), 
or both, at the discretion of the court. 
 
SEC. 115. Imposition of Maximum Penalty, When Applicable. — A person convicted under Republic 
Act No. 3019, as amended, otherwise known as the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”, or other laws 
against corruption and bribery, in relation to any violation or circumvention of any provision of this Act, 
shall suffer the maximum penalty under the said Republic Act or other laws against corruption and bribery, 
as the case may be. 
 
CHAPTER 8 
UPGRADING OF POSITIONS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 
 
SEC. 116. Creation of New Positions, Reclassification of Existing Positions and Upgrading of Salary 
Levels. — The following positions in the Bureau are hereby created, and the existing positions reclassified 
or upgraded, with the corresponding salary grade levels: 
 
EXISTING POSITION 
 
RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ 
NEWLY CREATED POSITION 
SALARY GRADE 
 
 
From 
To 
Commissioner 
Commissioner III 
30 
30 
Deputy Commissioner  
Deputy Commissioner III 
29 
29 
 
 
 
 
Attorney V (Board of Special Inquiry) 
Attorney V, Board of Special Inquiry 
25 
25 
Attorney IV (Board of Special Inquiry) 
Attorney IV, Board of Special Inquiry 
23 
23 
Attorney III (Board of Special Inquiry) 
Attorney III, Board of Special Inquiry 
21 
21 
 
 
 
 
Attorney V (Legal Division) 
Chief Legal Affairs Officer 
25 
25 
Attorney IV (Legal Division) 
Attorney IV, Legal Division 
23 
23 
Attorney III (Legal Division) 
Attorney III, Legal Division 
21 
21 
 
 
 
 
Chief Administrative Officer (Administrative 
Division) 
Chief Administrative Officer 
24 
24 
Supervising Administrative Officer 
(Administrative Division) 
Supervising Administrative Officer, Administrative 
Division 
 
22 
22 
Chief Immigration Officer 
(Alien Registration Division) 
Chief Immigration Officer 
(Chief Alien Registration Officer) 
24 
24 
Intelligence Officer V 
(Intelligence Division) 
Intelligence Officer V 
(Chief Immigration Intelligence Officer) 
24 
24 
Chief Immigration Officer 
(Law Enforcement Division) 
Chief Immigration Officer 
(Chief Immigration Law Enforcement Officer) 
 
24 


39 
 
EXISTING POSITION 
 
RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ 
NEWLY CREATED POSITION 
SALARY GRADE 
Chief Immigration Officer 
(Immigration Regulation Division) 
Chief Immigration Officer 
(Chief Immigration Regulation Officer) 
24 
24 
Chief Personnel Specialist 
Chief Personnel Specialist 
(Chief Human Resource Management Officer)  
 
24 
 
Supervising Human Resource Management Officer 
 
22 
 
 
 
 
Chief Administrative Officer  
(Finance and Management Division) 
Chief Administrative Officer 
(Chief Finance and Logistics Officer) 
24 
24 
Supervising Administrative Officer (Finance and 
Management Division) 
Supervising Administrative Officer, Finance and 
Logistics Division 
22 
22 
 
 
 
 
Planning Officer V  
(Planning and Policy Division) 
Chief Planning and Research Officer 
24 
24 
Planning Officer IV (PPD) 
Planning and Research Officer IV 
22 
22 
Planning Officer III (PPD) 
Planning and Research Officer III 
18 
18 
Planning Officer II (PPD) 
Planning and Research Officer II 
15 
15 
Planning Officer I (PPD) 
Planning and Research Officer I 
11 
11 
 
 
 
 
Information Technology Officer III 
(Management Information System Div) 
Information Technology Officer III 
(Chief Information and Communications 
Technology Officer) 
24 
24 
 
 
 
 
Supervising Immigration Officer 
(IRD, ARD, POD) 
Supervising Immigration Officer 
22 
22 
Intelligence Officer IV 
Senior Immigration Officer 
Senior Immigration Officer 
19 
20 
 
 
 
 
Immigration Officer III 
Immigration Officer III 
16 
18 
Intelligence Officer III 
 
 
 
 
Immigration Officer II 
Immigration Officer II 
13 
15 
Intelligence Officer II 
Special Investigator II 
 
 
 
 
 
Immigration Officer I 
Immigration Officer I 
11 
13 
Intelligence Officer I 
Special Investigator I 
 
 
 
 
Administrative Officer V  
(Administrative Officer III) 
Administrative Officer V  
 
 
18 
 
 
18 
 
Administrative Officer V  
(Cashier III) 
Administrative Officer V  
(HRMO III) 
Administrative Officer V  
(Records Officer III) 
Administrative Officer V  
(Supply Officer III) 
Administrative Officer V  
(Procurement) 
Administrative Officer V 
(Management and Audit Analyst III) 
Administrative Officer V 
(Budget Officer III) 
 
 
 
 
Computer Programmer II 
Information Technology Officer I 
15 
19 
Computer Maintenance Technologist II 


40 
 
EXISTING POSITION 
 
RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ 
NEWLY CREATED POSITION 
SALARY GRADE 
 
 
 
 
 
Regional Programs Coordinator 
 
22 
 
Training Specialist III 
 
18 
 
Psychologist III 
 
18 
 
Document Examiner III 
 
18 
 
Training Specialist II 
 
15 
 
Project Development Officer II 
 
15 
 
Psychologist II 
 
15 
 
Security Officer II 
 
15 
 
Computer Programmer I 
 
11 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, and subject to existing civil service rules and 
regulations, the Secretary of Justice shall reorganize, upgrade, or otherwise make adjustments in the offices 
of the Bureau as required by the implementation of this Act: Provided, That to the extent possible, the 
incumbent chiefs of sections and divisions whose offices are hereby affected may be upgraded to positions 
of comparable rank in the reorganization: Provided, further, That for the new positions created under this 
Act, the Board shall designate the personnel thereof. 
 
SEC. 117. Additional Grant of Benefits. — The Bureau shall provide its employees with the 
following benefits: 
 
(1) 
Night shift differential which shall be subject to Republic Act No. 11701; and 
 
(2) 
Overtime pay for actual work rendered in accordance with the existing rules and regulations. 
 
SEC. 118. Establishment of Immigration Trust Fund. — An Immigration  Trust Fund (ITF) is 
hereby created sourced from thirty percent (30%) of the immigration fees, fines and penalties, and other 
income that may be collected by the Bureau for the effective implementation of this Act: Provided, That 
the amount shall not exceed One billion two hundred million pesos (₱1,200,000,000.00) every year: 
Provided, further, That any excess in the collections under this paragraph shall accrue to the general fund 
of the national government.  
 
The ITF shall be managed by the Board in accordance with existing government auditing rules and 
regulations, and shall be used exclusively for the following:  
 
(a) 
50% for the modernization of equipment, facilities and offices used by employees of the 
Bureau, including capital outlay for the establishment of new buildings and field offices for 
the effective implementation of this Act;  
 
(b) 
30% for the payment of employee benefits provided in this Act, and as may be hereafter 
provided by the Board with the approval of the Secretary of Justice; and  
 
(c) 
20% for the further professionalization of the employees of the Bureau including trainings, 
seminars and other career advancement programs.  
 


41 
 
All interest income, dividends and earnings accrued from the ITF shall also form part of the fund. 
No portion of the ITF shall revert to the general fund of the national government, except when the ITF is 
no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was established.  
 
Collections from express lane fees under Section 11 (n) of this Act shall not form part of the ITF, 
and shall be used strictly in accordance with the said provision. 
 
 
CHAPTER 9 
ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS 
 
 
SEC. 119. Development and Implementation of Electronic Systems. — The Bureau shall develop 
and implement electronic systems to facilitate transactions through the use of digital and electronic 
technology, including the processing of admission, visa transactions, citizenship, and alien registration, as 
well as the submission of reports, notices and documents required under this Act. 
 
 
The Bureau shall develop and implement an infrastructure plan to facilitate the electronic 
transmission and conveyance of government services in order to: 
 
(a) 
Facilitate convenience in arrival and departure processes through e-systems; 
 
(b) 
Accept the creation, filing or retention of such documents in the form of electronic data 
messages or electronic documents; 
(c) 
Issue permits, visas, certification or approval in the form of electronic data messages or 
electronic documents; 
 
(d) 
Require or accept payments, and issue receipts acknowledging such payments, through 
systems using electronic data messages or electronic documents; and 
 
(e) 
Accept or issue any document in the form of electronic data messages or electronic 
documents upon the adoption, promulgation and publication of appropriate rules, 
regulations and guidelines. 
 
 
CHAPTER 10 
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 120.  Interim Period. — The incumbent Commissioner and the two Deputy Commissioners, 
if qualified under this Act, shall continue to discharge the functions of their position unless otherwise 
removed by the President. All personnel of the present Bureau of Immigration shall continue to discharge 
the functions of their positions pending the reorganization as provided in this Act. 
 
SEC. 121. Reorganization of the Bureau. —  Upon approval of this Act, all employees of the 
Bureau of Immigration covered by civil  service  rules and  regulations  shall continue  to  hold  their  present  
positions  pending the reorganization of the Bureau in accordance with the new staffing pattern: Provided, 
That the salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of incumbent officers and employees of the Bureau 
shall not be subject to diminution: Provided, further, That employees who have been dismissed for cause 
shall no longer qualify for any position in the Bureau. 
 
SEC. 122. Inventory and Transfer of Properties, Accounts, Assets, Liabilities and Obligations to 
the Commission. — All buildings, properties, equipment, facilities, accounts, other assets, liabilities and 


42 
 
other obligations as well as records of the Bureau of Immigration shall be properly inventoried and 
transferred to the Bureau. 
 
SEC. 123.  Force of Treaty or Agreement. — Any treaty or agreement entered into between the 
Philippines and any foreign state before the effectivity of this Act shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SEC. 124.  Pending Cases. — Any prosecution, suit, action, proceeding, or any act or matter, civil 
or criminal, pending at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall      not be affected by any of the provisions 
of this Act unless otherwise explicitly              stated herein. 
 
 
CHAPTER 11 
ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 
 
SEC. 125. Implementing Rules and Regulations.  — Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity 
of this Act, the Commissioner shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of Justice, Foreign Affairs and 
Budget and Management, promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 126. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall 
be charged against the current year’s appropriation         of the Bureau of Immigration. Thereafter, such 
sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
 
 
CHAPTER 12 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 127.  Separability Clause.  — Should any provision of this Act be declared invalid, the 
remaining provisions shall continue to be in force and effect. 
 
SEC. 128.  Repealing Clause.  — Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known as the 
“Philippines Immigration Act of 1940”, as amended, Republic Act No. 562 entitled “Alien Registration Act 
of 1950”, as amended, and Republic Act No. 750 entitled “An Act Designating as Special Agents of the 
Bureau of Immigration All Provincial, City and Municipal Treasurers, and Providing for the Allocations to 
the Provincial, City, and Municipal Governments of Ten Per Centum of Certain Fees Collected in Their 
Respective Territorial Limits”, are hereby repealed. All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, memorandum orders, instructions, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with 
this Act are hereby amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 129. Effectivity.  — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,