NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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SENATE
s. No. 1185
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*22 AUG 16 P2 :32
RECEIVED BV:
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
MODERNIZING THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION. DEFINING ITS POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS. EXPANDING. RATIONALIZING AND FURTHER 
PROFESSIONALIZING ITS ORGANIZATION. UPGRADING THE 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS OF ITS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Bureau of Immigration acts as the primary enforcement arm of the 
government in ensuring that all foreigners within the Philippines' territorial 
jurisdiction comply with existing laws. It is principally responsible for the 
administration and enforcement of immigration, citizenship, alien admission, and 
other laws In accordance with the provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 
1940
The Commonwealth Act of 1940 which provided the mandate of the Bureau 
of Immigration Is an outdated law passed during the American regime. While 
amendments have been introduced over the years, the immigration system needs to 
be updated to reflect present challenges of the modern times.
Furthermore, outdated mechanisms affect the functions and efficiency of the 
agency to provide quality service to the people. Therefore, there is a pressing need 
to modernize the Bureau of Immigration.


This proposed measure intends to upgrade the existing positions of the 
officials and employees of the agency to adequately meet the country's rapidly 
increasing immigration services. The creation of new positions under this bill could 
boost productivity and efficiency of the Bureau of Immigration. This bill also seeks to 
improve the salary grade, emoluments, and other benefits received by the officials 
and employees to properly compensate their hard work and to address the apparent 
disparity among agencies performing comparable functions.
This bill also addresses the present challenges that confront the antiquated 
immigration system in the country by considering new and emerging forms of 
threats, such as child sexual abuse, and cross-border terrorism.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
)
)
SENATE
S. No. 1185
of tijp fe.’crernrj.'
*22 AUG 16 P2 32
RECEIVED BV;
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
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AN ACT
MODERNIZING THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION, DEFINING ITS POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS, EXPANDING, RATIONALIZING AND FURTHER 
PROFESSIONALIZING ITS ORGANIZATION, UPGRADING THE 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS OF ITS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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 Bureau of Immigration 
Modernization Act of 2022"
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — In the conduct of its relation 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. Towards 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:


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instruments for the promotion of domestic and external interests of the Philippines, 
in recognition of:
a. The admission of foreign nationals for the purpose of encouraging and 
enhancing capital investments, trade and commerce, cultural exchanges 
and other forms of friendly relations and cooperation:
b. The need to support the country's technological and scientific 
development:
c. The promotion of 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 or 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 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 by the 
immigration authorities:
b. Border Control Officer - refers to any person tasked to man the Border 
Station authorized as provided under Sec. 35 of this Act:


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c. Captain - refers to the master of a vessel or pilot of an aircraft:
d. Child- refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age;
e. Citizen - refers to any person who is a citizen of the Philippines under Sec. 
1, Article IV of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines:
f. 
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:
g. 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 Summary Deportation Order, or a directive 
implementing an order from the Regional Trial Courts, the 
Sandiganbayan, or the appellate courts to prevent a person from 
leaving the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines: and
3. Watchlist 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 sixty (60) days, extendible for another sixty


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(60) days and to notify the concerned government agencies of the 
Philippines:
h. 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. A foreign national having a lawful permanent residence In the 
Philippines shall not be regarded as making an entry for the purpose of 
this Act if such foreign national proves that the departure to a place 
outside the Philippines was for a temporary or limited period, or the 
continued absence from the Philippines was occasioned by deportation 
proceedings, extradition, or other legal process;
I. Exclusion - refers to the act of Immigration Personnel denying admission 
of a foreign national Into the country on grounds provided under Sec. 77, 
Chapter IV of this Act;
j. 
Foreign National - refers to any person who is not a citizen of the 
Philippines:
k. immigrant - refers to any foreign national, other than a non-immigrant, 
departing from any place outside the Philippines destined for the 
Philippines:
l. 
Immigration laws - refer to this Act and any other law presently existing 
or which may hereafter be enacted relating to the movement of natural 
persons to and from the Philippines:
m. immigration Officer - refers to any person appointed under Sec. 25 this 
Act or any employee designated by the Commissioner to perform the 
powers, duties and functions of an Immigration Personnel as specified 
under this Act;


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n. Non-immigrant - refers to any foreign national departing from any place 
outside the Philippines who is allowed entry and admission into the 
Philippines for a temporary or limited period of stay:
0. Non-refoulement - refers to a principle of international law which prohibits 
the forced return of refugees to the state or territory where their lives or 
liberty would be threatened:
p. Passport - refers to a document issued by the Philippine government to its 
citizens pursuant to Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as "The 
Philippine Passport Act of 1996", as amended:
q. Person - refers to a natural or juridical person such as but not limited to 
partnerships, corporations, companies, and associations:
r. Port of entry - refers to any port designated by the Commissioner through 
which a foreign national may enter or exit the Philippines:
s. 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 the country of 
nationality, and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail of the 
protection of that country: or who, not having a nationality and being 
outside the country of former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to 
such fear, is unwilling to return to it:
t. Seaman, Seafarer or Crewmember - refers to a person actually employed 
in the operation or service in any capacity on board a vessel:
u. Stateless Person - refers to a person who is not considered a national by 
any State under the operation of its laws:


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V. 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 Sec. 
13 of Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as "The Philippine Passport 
Act of 1996;"
w. Vessel - refers to all means of conveyances, whether aircraft or sea craft: 
and
X. Visa - refers to an endorsement on a passport or any travel document 
issued by an Immigration Attache 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 immigration 
status granted and/or issued to foreign nationals by the Commissioner or 
the Board under this Act.
TITLE II
THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION
CHAPTER 1 
THE BUREAU
Sec. 4. Creation. — 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 regulations or 
orders of any competent authority concerning the entry and admission into, stay in


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and the departure from the Philippines of all persons. Its personnel shall be 
considered as the gatekeepers and border control officers of the country.
Sec. 5. Composition and Qualification. — 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 
and with proven capacity for administration and, at the time of their appointment, at 
least thirty-five (35) years of age: Provided further, That at least one of the 
members shall be member of the Philippine Bar in good standing for at least five (5) 
years as of the date of appointment.
CHAPTER 2
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the 
following powers and functions:
a. Quasi-judicial:
1. Decide on applications or cases relative to:
i. Deportation:
ii. Revocation of immigration status:
iii. Reacquisition and retention of Philippine citizenship under Republic 
Act No. 9225, otherwise known as the "Citizenship Retention and 
Reacquisition Act of 2003:"
iv. Issuance and Revocation of all visas and permits:


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V. Declaration of Indigence: and
vi. Legalization of residence in accordance with law.
2. Cite and punish for contempt in relation to the discharge of its quasi­
judicial functions In accordance with the Rules of Court.
b. Rule-making:
1. Prescribe and promulgate rules of procedure for proceedings before it;
2. Prepare and publish operations manual and rules of procedure, 
Including schedule of fees, for all transactions entered into by the 
Bureau with the public: and
3. Formulate policies, directives, programs and projects of the Bureau.
The Board shall also perform 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 of the Board. - All cases or proceedings before the Board 
shall be decided with the concurrence of the majority of the members of the board. 
Decisions of the Board shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days from 
receipt thereof by the concerned parties. Only one (1) Motion for Reconsideration 
shall be allowed.
Decisions in deportation cases may be appealed to the Secretary of the DOJ 
within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof by the concerned parties. The decision 
of the Secretary of the DOJ shall be final and Immediately executory unless stayed


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by an order of the Court of Appeals.
Sec. 8. Period for Decision by the Board. - The Board of Commissioners shall 
decide deportation cases within (30) days from the date they are submitted for 
resolution.
Sec. 9. Meetings of the Board. - In all cases, the Board of Commissioners 
shall convene and act as a collegial body in all matters referred to in Sec. 6 of this 
Act. The Board shall meet at least once a week or, if necessary, twice 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 Functions of the Commissioner. - In addition to the 
duties as Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners, the Commissioner shall 
exercise the following powers and functions:
a. Supervise, direct and coordinate the overall operations of the Office:
b. Exercise control and supervision over the officers and personnel of the 
Bureau, including the power to appoint, promote, and reassign personnel, 
subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations: Provided that 
promotions and appointments to positions of Division Chiefs and above 
shall be made by the Secretary of the DOJ upon the recommendation of 
the Commissioner;


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c. Issue (1) letter orders after determination of the existence of probable 
cause for the purpose of deportation: (2) commitment or release orders; 
(3) warrant of deportation: (4) order to inspect the documents, premises 
and records of persons covered by this Act; and (5) derogatory 
information orders defined in Sec. 3(h) of this Act:
d. Delegate authority to subordinate immigration personnel and employees, 
except the powers and functions enumerated in the immediately 
preceding paragraph, which may be delegated only to a Deputy 
Commissioner;
e. Act on applications for extension of visas;
f. Control the opening and closure of posts, landing places, airports or ports 
classified as points of entry or exit, whether limited or unlimited;
g. Increase, reduce or waive immigration fees, fines, penalties and other 
charges:
h. Issue Certificates of Naturalization and Identification to foreign nationals 
who have been granted Philippine citizenship:
i. 
Deputize, subject to the concurrence of the Board, 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 duties and functions:
j. Authorize and prescribe, with the concurrence of the Board, the form and 
the amount of cash bonds for the provisional release of respondents in
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deportation proceedings;
k. 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;
l. 
Accept donation of materials, equipment or technical services from any 
foreign government, international or domestic organization, to upgrade 
the efficiency and operations of the Bureau;
m. Submit to the President and 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 actions taken to 
arrest them, grouped by nationality, for each region in the Philippines; and 
(5) such other transactions of the PIBCIS;
n. Determine the manning levels of immigration officers of the Bureau 
nationwide in accordance with the number of arrivals in each port of entry 
as determined by the Board: Provided, that for every three hundred (300) 
passengers there shall be one (1) immigration personnel In an eight-hour 
shift:
0. Exercise disciplinary authority over personnel of the Bureau charged with 
less grave and light administrative offenses, in accordance with the 
Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RRACS): 
Provided, That the disciplinary authority over those charged with grave 
administrative offenses under RRACS shall belong to the Secretary of the 
DOJ;
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p. Prepare and submit a supplemental budget for the consideration of the 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM);
q. Prescribe, with the concurrence of the Board, the appropriate forms, 
bonds, reports, entries and other papers in accordance with this Act; and
r. Perform such other functions as are 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 supervise a minimum of two 
(2) Directorates and one (1) regional office each as determined by the 
Commissioner.
Sec. 14. Creation of Positions and Compensation for Co-Terminus Officials 
and Employees. - The following co-terminus positions are hereby created for the 
Office of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, except for Executive Officer 
Ill/Board Secretary which shall be assigned only to the Office of the Commissioner. 
The basic monthly compensation of the following co-terminus officials and 
employees shall be as follows:
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
Head Executive Assistant
27
Executive Assistant VI
25
Executive Assistant V
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Executive Assistant IV
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CHAPTER 4
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THE BOARD SECRETARY
Sec. 15. Qualifications of the Board Secretary. - There shall be a Board 
Secretary of the Board of Commissioners who must be a natural-born citizen of the 
Philippines, at least thirty (30) years of age and a member of the Philippine Bar in 
good standing at least five (5) years prior to the appointment.
Sec. 16. Powers and Duties. - The Board Secretary shall:
a. Attend in and take minutes of all meetings of the Board;
b. Prepare the agenda for the deliberations of the Board on Visa application;
c. Prepare the agenda for the deliberations of the Board on deportation 
cases as endorsed by a Member of the Board after initial review;
d. Implement the decision of the Board approving visa applications, including 
revalidation;
e. Keep and manage all records of the deliberation of the Board;
f. Advise the members of the Board on all matters relative to compliance 
with relevant laws and requirements of regulatory authorities; and
g. All other functions as may be directed by the Board.
CHAPTER 5
THE BOARDS OF SPECIAL INQUIRY
Sec. 17. Constitution of the Boards of Special inquiry. - There shall be 
constituted as many Boards of Special Inquiry (BSI) as required in the exigency of
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service but not more than twelve (12). Each Board shall be composed of a 
Chairperson and two (2) members. The Overall Chairperson of the BSI shall sit as 
the Chairperson of the First Board of the BSI. The BSI shall be designated according 
to their areas of specialization to be determined by the Board.
Sec. 18. Appointment and Qualification of the Chairpersons and Members of 
the BSI. - The Chairpersons and members of the BSI shall be appointed by the 
Commissioner, all of whom 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 engaged in the practice of law for at least three 
(3) years.
Sec. 19. Powers and Functions of the BSI. - The BSI shall:
a. Recommend to the Board for final resolution cases and applications
relative to:
1. Deportation:
2. Revocation of immigration status:
3. Recognition of Philippine citizenship by reason of birth, or marriage:
4. Legalization of residence in accordance with law: and
5. Issuance of visa for stateless person.
b. Issue subpoena in cases being heard by the BSI:
c. In the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions, cite and punish persons for
contempt in accordance with the Rules of Court:
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d. Recommend to the Board the imposition, waiver or reduction of fees, 
fines, penalties and other charges subject to existing laws, rules and 
regulations:
e. Administer oaths:
f. Promulgate rules and regulations governing matters within its assigned 
mandate subject to the approval of the Board: and
g. Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the 
Commissioner and the Board.
Sec. 20. Proceedings Before the BSI. - 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 shall appear for and in behalf 
of any party before the BSI.
Sec. 21. Creation of Positions under the BSI. - The following positions with 
the corresponding salary grades are hereby created under the BSI:
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
Special Inquiry Officer II
25
Special Inquiry Officer 1
24
CHAPTER 6
DIRECTORATES AND OTHER OPERATING OFFICES OF THE BUREAU
Sec. 22. Directorates and Other Operating Offices of the Bureau. — The
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Bureau shall have the following directorates and other operating offices, namely:
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a. Directorates:
1. Administration:
2. Finance and Logistics:
3. Information and Communications Technology:
4. Planning and Research:
5. Alien Registration:
6. Immigration Regulation:
7. Intelligence:
8. Law Enforcement:
9. Operations:
10. Legal Affairs: and
11. Human Resource Management and Development.
b. Regional Offices that shall be created by the Board according to political or 
administrative regions.
c. Districts:
1. Major Airports: and
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2. Seaports
Sec. 23. Heads of the Directorates and Other Operating Units. — Each 
Directorate shall be headed by a Director with a Salary Grade of 28: Provided, That 
the Director 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, and that the Director for Finance and Logistics shall be a Certified Public 
Accountant in good standing for at least three (3) years. The Regional Offices shall 
be headed by a Regional Director with a Salary Grade of 27, while the District 
Offices shall be headed by a District Supervisor with a Salary Grade of 26.
Sec. 24. Duties and Functions of the Directorates, Regional Offices, Districts, 
Field Offices and Other Operating Offices. - The different directorates and other 
operating offices of the Bureau shall have such number of officers and as may be 
defined by the Board to ensure the effective performance of their respective 
mandates.
CHAPTER 7
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS
Sec. 25. Immigration Officers, Immigration Inspectors and Immigration 
Agents. - The Bureau shall employ an elite group of Immigration Officers who shall 
be assisted by Immigration Inspectors and Immigration Agents in the performance 
of their duties and functions. No person shall be appointed to the position of 
Immigration Officer, Immigration Inspector or Immigration Agent unless such 
person meets the qualification standards set by the Bureau, which shall Include the 
following determinative factors in setting said qualification standards for each 
position:
a. Educational Attainment
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b. Civil Service Eligibility
c. Relevant Experience
d. Training
1. Basic
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2. Advanced
3. Executive
e. Ability
Sec. 26. Powers and Functions of Immigration Officers. - The Immigration 
Personnel 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:
d. Within lawful bounds, search for foreign nationals on any vessel 
reasonably believed to be used to illegally bring foreign nationals into the 
Philippines, and to take into custody any foreign national who in one's
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presence or view 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 registration laws and, 
In appropriate cases, take the required 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:
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:
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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:
0. Enforce the Immigration laws 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 and 
members of crime syndicates:
s. Assist and escort deportees, excluded passengers and transiting restricted 
passengers until finally boarded:
t. Assist in the queuing of passengers at the arrival and departure areas:
u. Investigate and escort from ports of entry intercepted passengers who are 
found in possession of spurious travel documents:
V. Warrants of Deportation (WOD) and Mission Orders involving foreign 
nationals who violate or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and 
regulations: and
w. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commissioner 
from time to time.
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Qualified Immigration Officers, Immigration Inspectors and Immigration 
Agents with the requisite training and experience may be assigned to the 
Intelligence, Law Enforcement, or Operations Directorates depending on the 
exigencies of the Bureau. The Board may, in the exigencies of service, designate 
certain duties and responsibilities listed in this Section to other officers and 
employees in the Intelligence, Law Enforcement or Operations Directorates in an 
acting capacity: Provided, That such designation shall not exceed a period of one (1) 
year.
Sec. 27. Deployment of Immigration Personnel Abroad. - Within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Bureau shall promulgate the Implementing 
rules and regulations on the assignment and deployment of immigration personnel 
to select consular posts abroad who shall, subject to the pertinent provisions of 
Republic Act No. 7157 or the "Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991," perform 
immigration duties, except diplomatic and consular functions.
CHAPTER 8
PLANNING AND RESEARCH
Sec. 28. Immigration Research Specialist - No person shall be appointed to 
the position of Immigration Research Specialist unless such person meets the 
qualification standards set by the Bureau. The Immigration Research Specialists shall 
perform the following duties:
a. Formulate and implement the planning programs, projects and processes;
b. Facilitate and organize a strategic planning:
c. Conduct workload assessment and forecasting;
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d. Provide assistance to 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 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.
Sec. 29. Creation of Positions: Directorate for Planning and Research. - The
12 following positions with corresponding salary grades are hereby created:
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
Chief Immigration Research Specialist
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Supervising Immigration Research Specialist
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Immigration Research Officer III
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Immigration Research Officer II
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Immigration Research Officer 1
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Immigration Research Assistant
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CHAPTER 9
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 30. Human Resource Management Officer. - No person shall be
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appointed to the position of Human Resource Management Officer unless such
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person meets the qualification standards set by the Commission. The Human
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Resource Management Officers shall perform the following duties:
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a. Develop and execute human resource strategies in support of the overall 
plan and strategic direction of the Commission especially in the areas of 
selection, hiring and promotion:
b. Design employee training modules:
c. Develop comprehensive strategic recruiting and retention plans to meet 
the human capital of strategic goals:
d. Oversee the recruitment, selection and promotion of employees:
e. Prepare schemes to strengthen the relationship between management and 
employees:
f. Set qualification standards and Implement competency-based hiring and 
promotion policies:
g. Set performance standards for the employees of the Commission in order 
to meet the objectives, plans and programs of the Commission: and
h. Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
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Sec. 31. Creation of Positions: Directorate for Human Resources Management
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and Development - The following positions with the corresponding salary grades
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are hereby created under the Directorate for Human Resources Management and
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Development:
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
Chief Human Resource Management Officer
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Supervising Human Resource Management Officer
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Human Resource Management Officer III
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Human Resource Management Officer II
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Human Resource Management Officer 1
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HR Management Assistant
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CHAPTER 10
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PATTERN
Sec. 32. Career Development - The Bureau shall:
a. Establish and strengthen the Philippine Immigration Academy which shall 
be under the control and supervision of the Commissioner:
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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 in this Title.
CHAPTER 11 
OTHER OFFICES
Sec. 33. Field Offices of the Bureau. - The Bureau shall operate and maintain
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a field office in each of the administrative or political regions, including the National
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Capital Region.
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Sec. 34. Changes in the Composition, Distribution of Assignment of Field
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Offices. - The Commissioner may make changes in the composition, distribution and
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assignment of field offices, as well as its personnel, based on the demographics of
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Sec. 35. Border Control Stations. - There shall be established Border Control 
Stations which shall be manned by Border Control Personnel appointed by the 
Commissioner. The Border Control Stations shall be placed in specific areas in the 
Philippines which shall be determined by the Board.
TITLE III 
IMMIGRATION
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CHAPTER 1 
NON-IMMIGRANTS
Sec. 36. Categories of Non-immigrants and Types of Visa Issued. - Foreign 
nationals departing from any place outside the Philippines who are otherwise 
admissible and who 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
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3. Health (A-3 Visa): Temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines to 
avail of medical treatment.
b. Transit Persons (B Visa): Persons passing through the Philippines solely 
for a "stop over" who have a confirmed connecting flight to another 
country or passengers in immediate and continuous transit to a 
destination outside the Philippines:
c. Crew members (C Visa): Members of the crew of vessels required for the 
normal operation and servicing of the vessels who come to the Philippines 
temporarily as part of their jobs either arriving with or coming to join the 
vessels:
d. Treaty Traders (D-1 Visa) and Treaty Investors (D-2 Visa): Citizens from a 
country that has a trade treaty with the Philippines, including their family 
members, and who come to work in the Philippines for 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 and 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
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to international conventions and bilateral agreements, shall be granted E 
Visas divided into four (4) types, namely:
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/or Heads of Government and their personal 
representatives:
ii. 
Members of reigning royal families from countries recognized by 
the Philippine Government:
Hi. 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 foreigners 
within the abovementioned categories:
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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 foreigners 
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:
i. 
Diplomatic couriers regularly and professionally employed as such:
ii. 
All members of official special missions of a diplomatic character:
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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 under enumerated in Sec. 36(e) of this Act shall be exclusively 
issued and renewed by the 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 Fligher Education in 
coordination with the Bureau:
g. Prearranged 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:
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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 divided into four 
(4) types, namely:
1. Persons eligible for 1-1 Visa: The 1-1 Visa shall be issued to the 
principal officials of international organizations, as well as their 
accompanying wives and dependents:
2. Persons eligible for 1-2 Visa: The 1-2 visa shall be issued to the other 
officials and staff of international organizations, as well as their 
accompanying spouses and dependents:
3. Persons eligible for 1-3 Visa: The 1-3 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
4. Persons eligible for 1-4 Visa: The 1-4 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.
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Accredited international organization include 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 under Sec. 36(i) of this Act 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 who 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 or following to join 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:
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l. 
Refugees (L-1 Visa) and Stateless Persons (L-2 Visa): Refugees as defined 
in Sec. 3 (y) hereof shall be issued L-1 Visa. Stateless persons, whose 
admission for humanitarian reasons and not inimical to public interest has 
been approved by the Commissioner or the President in such cases and 
under such conditions as he may prescribe, shall be issued L-2 Visa;
m. Bridging Visa (M Visa): A temporary visa which allows a foreign national to 
stay in the Philippines after the expiration of the current visa, other than 
temporary visitor visa under Sec. 43(a), while an application for 
adjustment of status is being processed: and
n. Special Non-Immigrants (N Visas): Such other foreign nationals including 
their family members who may be admitted as non-immigrants under 
special laws or foreign nationals not otherwise provided for by 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 may be 
prescribed.
CHAPTER 2 
IMMIGRANTS
Sec. 37. Quota Immigrants. — Subject to the conditions set forth in this Act, 
there may be admitted into the Philippines, immigrants, otherwise known as "quota 
immigrants," not to exceed two hundred (200) of any one nationality for any one 
calendar year and upon allotment by the Commissioner of the corresponding quota 
number. In the allotment of quota numbers, the following order of preference shall 
be observed:
a. First Preference: Those whose service and qualifications show high 
educational attainment, technical training, specialized experience, or
32


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;
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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. 38. 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 each year: Provided, That if the fifty percent (50%) 
is not utilized by the first preference, the balance thereof shall be given to the 
second, third, and fourth preferences in accordance with Sec. 37 of this Act shall be 
that of the country of which the immigrant is a national or a citizen. Any unused 
quota allotment for a calendar year shall not be carried over and utilized for the 
ensuing calendar year.
Sec. 39. Basis in Determination of Quota Allotment — The nationality of 
immigrants whose admission is subject to the numerical limitation Imposed by Sec. 
37 of this Act shall be that of the country of which the immigrant is a national or a 
citizen. The nationality of immigrants possessing dual nationality may be that of 
either of the two countries regarding them as a national or citizen if they apply for a 
visa in a third country. If such immigrants apply for a visa within one of the two 
countries regarding them as a national or citizen, their nationality shall be that of the 
country in which they filed their application for a visa to enter the Philippines.
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Sec. 40. 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 foreigner mother during her temporary visit abroad, the 
mother being a 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:
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
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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. 41. Status of Children Born to Immigrants. — A child born in the
Philippines to parents who are foreign nationals and lawful residents of the
Philippines shall be deemed a native-born permanent resident.
Sec. 42. 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 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. 43. 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 foreigner lawfully admitted as a permanent 
resident if:
a. The foreigner makes an application for such adjustment:
b. The foreigner is eligible to receive a quota or non-quota immigrant visa 
and is admissible to the Philippines as a permanent resident; and
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c. A quota immigrant visa, if such is the case, 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 foreigner shall be required 
during the consideration of the application.
Sec. 44. Effect of Approval on Application for Adjustment — Upon the 
approval of an application for adjustment of status under the preceding Sec., the 
Commissioner shall record the foreign national's lawful admission as a permanent 
resident as of the date of the approval of the application and shall be included as 
part of the quota for the calendar year in accordance with Sec. 37 of this Act.
Sec. 45. Adjustment of Status, When Not Allowed. — Adjustment of status 
under this Act shall not be applicable to:
a. A foreign national who has violated or is in violation of immigration laws, 
rules and regulations unless the violation is without the fault of the foreign 
national or for purely technical reasons: and
b. Transients.
Sec. 46. 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 Title III of 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.
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CHAPTER 5
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF NON-IMMIGRANTS
Sec. 47. 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
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valid visa granted by the Philippine Immigration Attache, if required, and such other
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relevant documents as may be required under existing laws, rules, regulations, or
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multilateral or bilateral agreements.
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Sec. 48. Conditions and Period of Authorized Stay of Temporary Visitors. —
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The initial period of authorized stay of a foreign national admitted as a temporary
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visitor under Sec. 37(a) of this Act shall not exceed fifty-nine (59) calendar days
15 
from the date of arrival, subject to bilateral, regional and multilateral visa
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agreements entered into by the Philippines: Provided, That the 
conditions for
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extensions and total period of authorized stay shall be prescribed by the
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Commissioner: Provided, further, That during the foreign national's authorized stay,
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such foreign national: (a) shall not take any employment, whether paid or unpaid:
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(b) shall not establish or join in any business: and (c) shall not enroll or become a
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student at a school, college, university, academy, or other educational institution,
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unless granted, upon proper application, a conversion to another immigration status
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provided under this Act.
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Sec. 49. Conditions for Issuance of Pre-Arranged Empioyment Visas. — A
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foreign national who is coming to the Philippines for prearranged employment shall
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not be issued a non-immigrant visa referred to in Sec. 36(g) until the Immigration
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Attache shall have received authorization for the issuance of the same. Such
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authorization shall be given only upon the filing of a petition with the Board
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establishing, among others, that no person can be found in the Philippines willing
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and competent to perform the work or service for which the foreigner is desired and
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that the admission would be beneficial to the public interest. The petition shall be
2 
under oath by the prospective employer or the latter's representative in the form 
and manner prescribed by the Board.
If the Board finds that the petition complies with the requirements of the 
preceding paragraph and of other regulations, it shall grant the petition and shall 
promptly transmit the authorization to the DFA.
Sec. 50. Submission of Crew List and Passenger Manifest - Simultaneous to
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the vessel's departure from the port of origin, the master, captain, agent, owner or
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consignee of any commercial vessel arriving to the Philippines shall submit to the
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Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such arrival, the crew lists, passenger
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manifests and such other information concerning the persons arriving on such a
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vessel. In the same manner and condition, the master, captain, agent, owner or
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consignee of any commercial vessel departing from any port in the Philippines shall
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submit to the Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such departure, the crew list,
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passenger manifest and such other information concerning the persons departing on
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granted by the Consular Officer.
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Sec. 51. Inspection of Crewmembers. - It shall be the duty of the master,
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captain, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving in the Philippines to have
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available on board, for inspection by the Immigration Personnel, any foreign
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crewmember employed on such vessel and, when required by the immigration
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authorities, to detain such crewmember on board after inspection or to remove such
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crewmember. No crewmember on board such vessel shall be discharged while the
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vessel is in port without the permission of the Commissioner.
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Sec. 52. Permission for Temporary Landing of a Foreign Crewmember. — A
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foreign crewmember on a vessel arriving in the Philippines may be permitted to land
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temporarily under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. All
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expenses incurred by the Office 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. — Nothing In this Act shall be construed to 
automatically entitle any foreign national to whom a visa or other travel document
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has been issued to enter the Philippines if, upon arrival at a port of entry, he/she is
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found to be inadmissible under this Act or any other law.
Sec. 55. Visa Policy. - The policies governing the issuance, extension, renewal 
and conversion of visas referred to in this Act shall be formulated by the Bureau and 
the DFA, when appropriate, in consultation with concerned government agencies
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manner:
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a. Upon approval by the Commissioner and recommendation by a Consular 
Officer, a quota immigrant visa may only be issued to a foreign national 
who has made a proper application therefor, which shall specify the 
nationality to which the quota number is assigned, the immigrant's 
particular status in such country, the preference to which the foreign 
national is classified, the date on which the validity of the visa shall expire, 
and such additional information as may be required: and
b. The DFA, through its Consular Office abroad or the Office of the Visa 
Director, shall approve the issuance of non-quota Immigrant and non­
immigrant visas to a foreign national who has made a proper application 
therefor.
The issuance of special non-immigrant visas falling under the jurisdiction of a
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particular government office or agency can only be done in coordination with and
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upon recommendation of the government agency or office concerned.
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Sec. 57. Requirements for Physical and Mental Examination Prior to Issuance
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of Immigrant Visa. - Prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa to any foreign
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national, the Consular Officer shall require such person to submit to a physical and 
mental examination in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by 
the Commissioner.
Sec. 58. Visa Validity Period. — A single-entry non-immigrant or immigrant 
visa issued by a Consular Officer abroad pursuant to Sec. 56 of this Act shall be valid 
for a period not exceeding three (3) months: Provided, That in prescribing the 
validity period of a single-entry non-immigrant visa, the Consular Officer may allow a 
longer validity period based on reciprocity as accorded by the foreign country to 
citizens of the Philippines who are within a similar class.
An immigrant visa may be replaced under the original number during the 
calendar year in which the original visa was issued to a foreign national who 
establishes to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer that the original immigrant visa 
was not used during the period of its validity for reasons beyond the visa holder's 
control: Provided, That the foreign national is found by the Consular Officer to be 
eligible for another immigrant visa and has paid all the fees.
Sec. 59. Denial of Visa; Grounds. — The Consular Officer may deny the 
application for visa (a) if it appears from the statements in the application or in the 
documents submitted the applicant is not eligible for a visa under this Act; or (b) if 
the applicant fails to comply with the requirements of the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 60. Revocation of Visa Issued by Consular Officer. — The Commissioner 
may, for valid cause and upon confirmation by the DFA, revoke a visa Issued by any 
Consular Officer. If the notice of revocation is not received and the visa holder 
applies for admission into the Philippines, the admission or entry of the foreign 
national shall be determined by the Immigration Personnel upon arrival at the port 
of entry.
CHAPTER 8
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RE-ENTRY AND EMIGRATION CLEARANCE
Sec. 61. 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. 62. Emigration Ciearance, - 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;
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
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Sec. 63. Presidential Prerogatives. — Any provision of this Act to the contrary 
notwithstanding, the President may:
a. Deny the entry and admission into the Philippines, or impose such 
restrictions as may be deemed appropriate, 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:
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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:
f. Prohibit the departure from the Philippines of any person who is likely to 
disclose information affecting national security, or who is likely to organize 
a rebellion abroad against the Philippines, or whose presence in the 
country Is necessary to face, or be a witness in, criminal proceedings: and
g. 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
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CHAPTER 1
CLASSIFICATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY
Sec. 64. 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
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under the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner may be admitted at
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limited ports of entry. The Commissioner may, after due notice to the public, close
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designated ports of entry in the interest of national security or public safety.
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CHAPTER 2
PROCEDURES ON ARRIVAL
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Sec. 65. Inspection by Immigration Personnel. — A foreign national seeking
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admission or readmission shall present a valid passport and visa, if required, to the
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immigration Personnel at the port of entry and shall be subject to primary
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inspection. The decision of the examining Immigration Officer, if favorable to the
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admission of any foreigner, may be challenged by another Immigration Officer on
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any ground provided in this Act. The final determination on the admissibility of such
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foreign national shall be determined by the Commissioner within forty-eight (48)
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hours in case no resolution is reached between the Immigration Officer on the
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challenged admission. In case of admission, the Immigration Officer shall Indicate in
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the passport the date, the port of entry and the identity of the vessel boarded.
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Sec. 66. Detention or Quarantine for Examination. — For the purpose of
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determining whether a foreign national arriving at any port in the Philippines
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belongs to any of the classes excludable under this Act by reason of being afflicted
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with any of the contagious or communicable disease or mental disorder as set forth
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under Sec. 76(a) of this Act or whenever the Commissioner has received information
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showing that foreigners are coming from a country or a place where any of such
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diseases are prevalent or widespread, the foreigner shall be detained or quarantined 
for a reasonable period of time to enable the immigration and medical officers to 
subject such person to observation and examination.
Sec. 67. Medical Examination Requirement - Any arriving foreign national 
whom the examining Immigration Officer believes to belong under the class of 
excludable foreign nationals specified in Sec. 76(a) of this Act shall be referred to 
designated medical officers for physical and mental examination. Such medical 
officer shall certify the findings of the examination for the information of the 
Immigration Officer.
Sec. 68. Arrival Notice Requirements of Vessel. - The Immigration authorities 
shall be given prior notice of the arrival of any civilian vessel before such vessel 
comes into any area in the Philippines from any place outside thereof. Such prior 
notice shall not be required in the case of vessels with scheduled arrivals filed with 
the Immigration Officer in charge at the international port of entry.
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.
Sec. 69. Contents of Notice of Arrival. — The advance notice of arrival 
required in the preceding Sec. shall specify the following:
a. Type of vessel and registration marks;
b. Crew list, who have been duly issued visas;
c. Passenger manifest;
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d. Port of last departure:
e. International port of intended destination, or other place authorized by the 
Commissioner;
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Estimated time of arrival: and
g. Authorized agent or representative at the place of arrival.
CHAPTER 3
FOREIGN CREWMEMBER
Sec. 70. Conditional Permit to Disembark. — A foreign crewmember of a 
vessel under Sec. 36(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. 71. 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 foreigner arrived to receive and 
detain the foreigner 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. 72. Liability for Overstaying Foreign Crewmen. — A foreign crewmember 
who remains in the Philippines in excess of the period allowed in the conditional
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permit issued shall be solidarily liable with the owner, operator, captain, master,
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pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel to pay the penalties prescribed in Sec. 120 of 
this Act.
Sec. 73. 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 foreign crewmember
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employed by a vessel arriving in the Philippines and while in port, without first
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obtaining the prior permission of the Commissioner. Otherwise, such person or
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owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel shall pay
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such fines as may be prescribed under this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance
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from any port in the Philippines while such fines remain unpaid or while the validity
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thereof is being determined: Provided, That a clearance may be granted prior to
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such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such
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fines as approved by the Commissioner.
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Sec. 74. Duty to Report Desertion or Illegal Landing of Foreign Crewmember.
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—The owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of any vessel shall
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immediately report, in writing, to the Immigration Officer all cases of desertion or
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illegal disembarkation in the Philippines from the vessel, together with a description
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of such foreign nationals and any information that shall result In their apprehension.
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Sec. 75. Requirement for Submission of List of Newly Employed, Discharged
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and Illegally Landed Foreign Crewmember. — Prior to the departure of any vessel
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from the last port in the Philippines destined to any place outside thereof, the
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owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee thereof shall deliver to
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the Immigration Officer at that port a list containing:
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a. The names of crewmembers who were not employed thereon at the time
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of the vessel's arrival on such port but will depart thereat on the same
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vessel;
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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.
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Sec. 76. Liability for Failure to Submit Complete, True and Correct Report —
10 
The owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee who fails to submit
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a true and complete list or report of foreign nationals or to report cases of desertion
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or illegal landing shall pay such sum as may be prescribed under this Section 116 of
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this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance from any port in the Philippines while
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such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided,
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that clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or
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cash bond sufficient to cover such fines as approved by the Commissioner.
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CHAPTER 4 
EXCLUSIONS
Sec. 77. Exclusion Grounds. - The following classes of foreign national shall
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not be allowed entry and shall be excluded from the Philippines:
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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:
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2. Those who are found to be suffering from mental disorder or 
associated behavior that may pose a threat to persons or danger to 
property:
3. Those who are found to be suffering from addiction to prohibited or 
regulated substance:
b. Economic Grounds
1. Those likely to become a public charge:
2. Those seeking entry for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled 
labor, without a permit from the Secretary of the Department of Labor 
and Employment as required by law:
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:
4. Those who, at the time of primary inspection, by the Immigration 
Officer exhibit any obnoxious behavior, contempt or disrespect for the 
said officer or any government official or employee of the Bureau:
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d. Criminal and Security Grounds
1. Those who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or 
who admit to the Immigration Officer having committed such crime, or 
who attempt and conspire to commit the crime;
2. Those who have been convicted, 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 the 
crime:
3. Those that the Philippine Government knows or has reason to believe 
is a trafficker of any controlled, regulated or prohibited substance or 
knows or has reason to believe is or has been an accomplice, 
accessory, abettor, or co-conspirator 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:
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Espionage or sabotage, or a violation or evasion of any laws 
prohibiting export of goods, technology or sensitive information:
ii. 
Any activity aimed to promote membership In an organization of 
syndicated criminal activities:
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iii. 
Any activity, the purpose of which is to overthrow the Philippine 
government by force, violence or other unlawful means; and
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Any other unlawful activity.
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 are under fifteen (15) years of age and unaccompanied by 
or not coming to a parent, except that they may be admitted at the 
discretion of the Commissioner, if otherwise admissible: Provided, That 
they present a written consent to travel from either parent citing the 
purpose thereof and affirmed by a Consular Officer; and
9. 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.
Sec. 78. 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 for 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 
master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of the carrying vessel; Provided that
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nothing in this provision shall be construed to unlawfully deprive persons so taken 
into custody of any of their rights under international law or the Constitution.
Sec. 79. Finality of Exclusion Order. — An order by the Immigration Personnel 
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. 80. Authority to Waive Grounds for Exclusion. — Except for grounds of 
exclusion under Sec. 77(d), subparagraphs 1 to 7 and 9, the Commissioner may 
waive any of the grounds for exclusion mentioned in Sec. 77 of this Act.
Sec. 81. Procedure of Removal and Cost Thereof - Foreign nationals arriving 
in the Philippines who are ordered excluded shall be immediately removed in the 
same accommodation to the country where they boarded the vessel on which they 
arrived, unless the Commissioner determines that immediate removal is not proper 
and practicable, in which case such excluded foreign nationals shall be ordered 
detained. The cost of 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 foreigners arrived.
Sec. 82. Country Where Removal is to be Directed. — If the government of 
the country designated in the preceding Sec. 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 which the excluded foreigner is a citizen or national:
b. The country of birth;
c. The country of the foreign national's habitual residence: or
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d. The country willing to accept the foreign national into its territory, if 
removal to any of the foregoing countries is impractical or impossible.
Sec. 83. 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 other expenses incidental thereto incurred 
while the excluded foreign national is being detained as required by Sec. 
82 of this Act or other costs necessary or incidental to his removal as 
provided in this Act.
Sec. 84. Penalty for Non-compliance of Obligation. — The owner, operator, 
master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel who violates Sec. 83 of this 
Act shall pay the fines prescribed in Sec. 117 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
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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. 85. 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 entered the Philippines 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 or teach the overthrowing by force 
and violence the Government of the Republic of the Philippines or any
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duly constituted authority, 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, at any time after entry, 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:
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Those who, at any time after entry, are convicted by final judgment of a 
crime involving moral turpitude punishable under Philippine penal laws:
]. 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 the 
Filipinos, or the Republic of the Philippines as a sovereign nation:
m. Those who forge, counterfeit, alter or falsely make any document: or use,
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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:
0. Those who misrepresented themselves as Filipino citizens in all immigration 
matters: and
p. Those who commit any violation of the provisions of this Act, independent 
of any criminal action which may be brought against them: Provided, That 
in 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.
Sec. 86. Non-Prescription of Deportation Cases. - The right of the State to 
initiate at any time deportation proceedings shall not prescribe.
Sec. 87. Nature of Deportation Proceedings. - Deportation proceedings shall 
be Independent of any action that may be instituted against a foreign national: 
Provided, That no deportation orders shall be implemented against foreign nationals 
facing preliminary investigation, prosecution and trial before competent authorities.
CHAPTER 2
DEPORTATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS
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Sec. 88. 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. 89. Bail. - Pending final determination of the foreign national's 
deportation case, the foreign national shall, upon the discretion of the 
Commissioner: (a) remain under detention: or (b) 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
10 
is attempting to abscond, in which case such foreign national shall be taken into
11 
custody and placed under detention by order of the Commissioner.
12
13 
Sec. 90. Custody of a Foreign National Convicted of a Felony or an Offense. -
14 
After service of the sentence or compliance with the conditions of parole or
15 
probation, as the case may be, the foreign national shall be taken into custody for
16 
immediate deportation by order of the Board.
17
18 
Sec. 91. Voluntary Deportation, When Authorized. -The Commissioner may
19 
waive the deportation proceedings and order the departure of the foreign national
20 
within the period specified in the voluntary deportation order if the foreign national
21 
does not contest the formal charge and opts to voluntarily leave the country and
22 
pays for all expenses: Provided, That the foreign national has not committed any
23 
criminal offense or has no pending criminal investigation: Provided, further, That the
24 
said foreign national so deported shall be barred from re-entering the country
25 
without prior written authorization from the Commissioner.
26
27 
Sec. 92. Period to Enforce Order of Deportation. - The order of deportation
28 
shall be enforced immediately but in no case shall exceed three (3) months from the
29 
date it has become final and executory. If deportation is not enforced within the
30 
prescribed period, the foreign national may be released on bail or recognizance.
31
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Sec. 93. 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. 94. 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 Sec. 92 and re-entered the Philippines unlawfully or 
without prior written authorization from the Commissioner.
Sec. 95. 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 foreign 
national's country of birth, or the country of which the individual is a resident, or the 
country from which the individual embarked for the Philippines, subject to the 
acceptance by the receiving country.
Sec. 96. Cost of Deportation. - The cost of deportation shall be borne by the
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owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of a vessel in case its
2 
foreign crewmember is to be deported under Sec. 85 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 from the appropriations for the 
enforcement of this Act.
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Sec. 97. 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
11 
and transport the deportee to the foreign national's country of destination, or to
12 
shoulder the cost of deportation of the foreign crew member as provided in the
13 
preceding Sec., shall be subject to the administrative fines prescribed under Sec.
14 
117 of this Act.
15
16 
Sec. 98. Expenses of Accompanying Person. - The Commissioner may, for
17 
security reason or by reason of the mental or physical condition of the deportee,
18 
direct an employee of the Bureau to accompany such deportee to the country of the
19 
deportee's destination, subject to the provisions of Sec. 96.
20
CHAPTER 3
INDIGENT FOREIGN NATIONAL
21
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24
Sec. 99. Removal of indigent Foreign National. - At any time after entry, the
25 
Commissioner may remove or otherwise deport indigent foreign nationals from the
26 
Philippines to the country of which they are citizens or nationals, their country of
27 
birth, or their country of residence, as the case may be. The cost of deportation may
28 
be charged against the available funds of the Office. Any foreign national removed
29 
under this Section shall be barred re-admission except upon written authorization of
30 
the Board of Commissioners.
31
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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
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Sec. 100. Requirement of Registration. — All foreign nationals shall register
14 
with the Bureau or any Immigration Office nearest to their place of residence on or
15 
before the sixtieth (60th) day of their latest arrival in the Philippines.
16
17 
Sec. 101. Registration Form and Oath. — Applications for registration shall be
18 
under oath and in such form as prescribed by the Bureau. Upon registration, a
19 
certificate of registration shall be issued to the registrant. In case of loss or
20 
destruction of the certificate, a replacement certificate may be issued by the Bureau
21 
upon proper application and payment of prescribed fees.
22
23 
Sec. 102. Amendment of Registration. — A registered foreign national shall
24 
notify the Bureau in writing of any change of information in the person's registration
25 
documents not later than seven (7) days from such change.
26
27 
Sec. 103. Presentation of Certificate of Registration. — Every foreign national
28 
required to register under this Act or the parent or guardian of such foreign national
29 
shall, upon demand by any personnel authorized by the Commissioner, present a
30 
certificate of registration of such individual, and failure to do so without justifiable
31 
cause shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 104. 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. 105. Failure to Comply with Requirements. — A foreign national, or the 
parent or guardian of the foreign national, who, without justifiable reason, fails to
10 
comply with all the requirements under this Act, or who files an application for
11 
registration containing statements known by the individual to be false, or who
12 
utilizes registration documents other than that of the Individual, shall be dealt with
13 
in accordance with the provisions of this Act and other existing laws.
14
15 
Sec. 106. Cancellation of Registration of Foreign National. — In case of death
16 
of a foreign national registered under the provisions of this Act, the legal heir,
17 
representative or administrator of the foreign national must inform the Office within
18 
sixty (60) days from such death, and the Bureau shall cancel the registration of the
19 
deceased foreign national. The Local Civil Registrar or other civil registry officer of
20 
the locality where said foreign national died shall furnish the Bureau with a copy of
21 
the Certificate of Death within thirty (30) days from issuance thereof. Failure on the
22 
part of the persons concerned to comply with the requirements specified in this
23 
Section shall be dealt with pursuant to the provisions of existing laws.
24
CHAPTER 2
BONDS AND DEPOSITS
Sec. 107. 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:
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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. 108. Requirement of Cash Deposits for Services Rendered. - The Bureau
11 
shall likewise have the authority to require cash deposits in such amounts as may be
12 
necessary from a vessel's owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or
13 
consignee or other persons served for services rendered as established by the
14 
implementing rules and regulations.
15
16 
Sec. 109. Canceiiation and Forfeiture of Bonds. - When the conditions of the
17 
bond are fulfilled, or in case the Commissioner determines that the likelihood that a
18 
foreign national shall become a public charge no longer exists, or in case of death of
19 
the foreign national in whose behalf the bond is posted, the bond shall be cancelled
20 
and released to the depositor or the legal representative of the foreign national. In
21 
case of violation of the conditions of the bond, the same shall be forfeited and
22 
deposited in a trust fund account which may be utilized for the purchase of passage
23 
tickets for the removal of indigent foreign nationals and to cover the costs of
24 
operations in locating deportees who jump bail.
CHAPTER 3 
RECOGNIZANCE
Sec. 110. Petitions for Recognizance, Sanction for Breach of Conditions. —
30 
The Commissioner may order the release of a foreign national upon recognizance of
31 
the foreigner's lawyer or a person who is of good standing in the community, under
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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 (PHP 50,000.00) but not more than One 
Flundred Thousand Pesos (PFIP 100,000.00), without prejudice to other 
administrative sanctions or proceedings against the erring party.
CHAPTER 4
COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER OFFICES
Sec. 111. Working Cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs. - For 
purposes of efficient implementation and administration of this Act, the Bureau shall 
maintain a working cooperation with the DFA.
Sec. 112. Working Cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education 
(CHED). - The Bureau shall maintain a working cooperation with the CHED with 
respect to the accreditation of schools and learning centers for enrollment of foreign 
students as authorized under this Act.
Sec. 113. Working Cooperation with the Civii Aviation Authority of the 
Phiiippines (CAAP). - The Bureau shall maintain a working cooperation with the 
CAAP with respect to accreditation of flying schools for the enrollment of foreign 
students.
Sec. 114. Coordination with Law Enforcement. Security and Other Offices. — 
The Commissioner shall have the authority to maintain coordination with the 
National Security Council, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law 
enforcement agencies of the government.
CHAPTER 5 
FEES AND CHARGES
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Sec. 115. 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
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Sec. 116. Fine for Failing to Submit Crew List or Passenger Manifest, or
9 Failure to Account Every Passenger and Crew. — Any owner, operator, master,
10 
captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel arriving at any port in the Philippines
11 
from a place outside thereof who fails to submit to the immigration authorities a
12 
complete and accurate crew list or passenger manifest, or fails to produce or
13 
account every crewmember or passenger whose name appears in said list or
14 
manifest shall be subject to fines of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 100,000.00)
15 
and Fifty Thousand Pesos (PHP 50,000.00) for each unaccounted person,
16 
respectively.
17
18 
Sec. 117. Fine for Violation of Obligation on the Landing or Removal of
19 
Foreign Nationals. — Any owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or
20 
consignee of any vessel arriving at a port of the Philippines from a place outside
21 
thereof having a foreign national on board in violation of this Act shall be fined not
22 
less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (PHP 50,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred
23 
Thousand Pesos (PHP 200,000.00) for each act or violation consisting of:
24
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;
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30
31
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;
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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 Sec. 81 and 96 of 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;
g. Making any charge against such foreign national for the cost referred to in 
(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. 118. 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 (PHP 100,000.00) for each foreign national. If the foreign national 
is afflicted with a communicable or contagious disease or is suffering from mental 
disorder, the fine shall be not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 
200,000.00) but not more than Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00) for 
each foreign national.
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Sec. 119. /7A7e 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 (PHP 100,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(PHP 200,000.00) for each foreign national.
Sec. 120. Fine for an Overstaying Crewmember. — Any foreign crewmember
12 
who wilfully remains in the Philippines beyond the period allowed for temporary
13 
landing shall be fined not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (PHP 50,000.00) but not
14 
more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 100,000.00). The owner, operator,
15 
master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of the vessel shall be solidarily liable for
16 
the fine imposed on such overstaying crewmember.
17
18 
Sec. 121. Fine for Assaulting an Immigration Personnel. — Any form of
19 
assault directed to any personnel of the Bureau is an act of disrespect. In case the
20 
assault is committed by a foreign national at the ports of entry and exit, such foreign
21 
national shall be excluded or deported, as the case may be, and shall be fined Two
22 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 200,000.00) without prejudice to the right of the
23 
aggrieved Immigration Personnel to file appropriate criminal, civil or administrative
24 
cases against such person.
25 
For purposes of this Act, an Immigration Officer shall be considered a person In
26 
authority while in the performance of official duty.
Sec. 122. 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
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Thousand Pesos (PHP 50,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(PHP 200,000.00) for each violation.
CHAPTER 7 
PENAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 123. 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 (PHP 100,000.00) but not more 
than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 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 the Philippines without inspection and admission by the 
immigration authorities, or obtaining entry into the Philippines through 
fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts:
e. Misrepresenting oneself to be a citizen of the Philippines:
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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 acts specified in paragraph (g) of this Section is a
11 
corporation, partnership or other juridical entity, the president, general manager,
12 
managing partner, or chief executive officer thereof shall be held liable. Dismissal of
13 
the employee by the employer before or after apprehension shall not relieve such
14 
employer from any liability arising from the offense; Provided, That if the offender is
15 
the owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee, or other person in
16 
charge of the vessel that brought the foreign national into the Philippines from any
17 
place outside thereof, the fine imposed under this Section shall constitute a lien
18 
against the vessel which may be enforced in the same manner as fines are collected
19 
and enforced under existing laws. Such vessel shall not be allowed to depart without
20 
prior clearance issued by the Bureau. Where forfeiture is justified under the
21 
particular circumstances of the case, the forfeiture of the vessel in favor of the
22 
government in lieu of the fine shall be decreed.
23
24 
Conviction by final judgment of any offense punishable under this Act or other
25 
related laws shall result in the automatic revocation or cancellation of any
26 
immigration document issued to the offender, including that of the foreign national's
27 
spouse and unmarried children, if applicable.
28
29 
Sec. 124. Penalty for Aiding the Escape of Detained Foreign National. — Any
30 
person who shall be found to have helped, assisted, supported, caused or ministered
31 
the escape, including harboring and concealing, of a foreign national shall, upon
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conviction, be imprisoned for not less than five (5) years but not more than ten (10)
2 
years and a fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 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. 125. Penalty for Non-compliance of Subpoena. — Any person who, 
having been duly served with a subpoena, fails to comply without valid and
10 
justifiable reasons shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not more than fifteen
11 
(15) days or a fine of not more than One Thousand Pesos (PHP 1,000.00), or both,
12 
at the discretion of the court.
13
14 
Sec. 126. Imposition of Maximum Penalty, When Applicable. - A person
15 
convicted under Republic Act No. 3019, as amended, otherwise known as the "Anti-
16 
Graft and Corrupt Practices Act," or other laws against corruption and bribery in
17 
relation to any violation or circumvention of any provision of this Act shall suffer the
18 
maximum penalty under the said Republic Act or other laws against corruption and
19 
bribery, as the case may be.
20
21
22
23
CHAPTER 8
UPGRADING OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Sec. 127. Creation of New Positions, Reclassification of Existing Positions and
24 
Upgrading of Salary Levels. — The following positions in the Bureau are hereby
25 
created, and the existing positions reclassified, with the corresponding salary grade
26 
levels:
EXISITING POSITION
RECLASSIFIED POSITION
SALARY
GRADE
Commissioner
Commissioner III
30
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Deputy Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner III
29
Attorney V
(Board of Special Inquiry)
Chief Special Inquiry Officer
(Overall Chairperson, BSI)
28
Chief Administrative
Officer
(Administrative Division)
Chief Administrative Officer
(Director for Administration)
28
Chief Administrative
Officer (Finance and
Management Division)
Chief Finance and Logistics Officer
(Director for Finance and Logistics)
28
Information Technology
Officer 111
Chief Information and
Communications Technology Officer
(Director for ICT)
28
Immigration Officer
(Alien Registration
Division)
Chief Alien Registration Officer
(Director for Alien Registration)
28
Chief Immigration Officer
(Immigration Regulation
Division)
Chief Immigration Officer for
Immigration Regulation
(Director for Immigration
Regulation)
28
Chief Intelligence Officer
(Intelligence Division)
Chief Immigration Officer for
Intelligence (Director for
Intelligence)
28
Chief Immigration Officer
(Port Operations Division)
Chief Immigration Officer for
Operations (Director for
Operations)
28
Attorney V
Chief Immigration Officer for Legal
Affairs
(Director for Legal Affairs)
28
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Chief Immigration Officer for Law
Enforcement
(Director for Law Enforcement)
28
Chief Planning and Research
Specialist (Director for Planning and
Research)
28
Chief Human Resource and
Management Officer
(Director for Human Resource
Management and Development)
28
Regional Director
27
Attorney IV (BSI)
Special Inquiry Officer IV
(Chairperson, BSI)
27
Attorney IV (Legal
Division)
Immigration Prosecutor IV
27
Attorney 111 (BSI)
Special Inquiry Officer III
(Member, BSI)
26
Attorney III (Legal
Division)
Immigration Prosecutor III
26
Supervising Immigration
Officer
Supervising Immigration Officer
26
Supervising Administrative
Officer
Supervising Administrative Officer
26
Medical Officer 111
Immigration Physician
26
Supervising Human Resource
Management Officer
26
District Supervisor
26
Attorney II (Legal
Division)
Immigration Prosecutor II
25
Intelligence Officer IV
Senior Immigration Officer
25
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Accountant 111
Immigration Accountant V
25
Dentist II
Immigration Dental Officer
25
Supervising Immigration Research
Specialist
25
Attorney 1 (Legal Division)
Immigration Prosecutor 1
24
Senior Immigration Officer
Immigration Officer IV
24
Administrative Officer IV
Immigration Administrative Officer
IV
24
Information Technology
Officer 1
Information and Communications
Technology Officer 1
24
Nurse II
Immigration Healthcare Officer
23
Immigration Research Officer III
23
HR Management Officer III
23
Accountant 11
Immigration Accountant II
22
Information System
Analyst
Immigration Information System
Analyst
22
Immigration Officer III
Immigration Officer III
21
Immigration Research Officer II
21
HR Management Officer II
21
Accountant 1
Immigration Accountant 1
19
Computer Programmer 11
Immigration Computer Programmer
II
19
Computer Maintenance
Technologist II
Immigration Information
Technologist II
19
Immigration Officer M
Immigration Officer II
19
Intelligence Officer II
Special Investigator II
Immigration Officer 1
Immigration Officer 1
17
Intelligence Officer 1
Special Investigator 1
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Fingerprint Examiner IV
Alien Fingerprint Examiner IV
17
Immigration Research Officer 1
17
FIR Management Officer 1
17
Immigration Assistant
Immigration Inspector
15
Intelligence Agent II
Immigration Agent II
15
Administrative Officer 11
Immigration Administrative Officer
II
15
Immigration Research Assistant
15
FIR Management Assistant
15
Fingerprint Examiner III
Alien Fingerprint Examiner III
15
Administrative Aide VI
Immigration Aide VI
14
Administrative Assistant
III
Immigration Administrative
Assistant III
13
Administrative Aide V
Immigration Aide V
13
Fingerprint Examiner II
Alien Fingerprint Examiner II
13
Security Guard II
Civil Security Officer II
13
Intelligence Agent 1
Immigration Agent 1
13
Translator II
Immigration Translator II
12
Administrative Assistant II
Immigration Administrative
Assistant 11
12
Administrative Aide IV
Immigration Aide IV
12
Administrative Aide III
Immigration Aide III
11
Nursing Attendant
Immigration Healthcare Assistant
11
Fingerprint Examiner 1
Alien Fingerprint Examiner 1
11
Security Guard 1
Civil Security Officer 1
11
Seaman
Launch Patron
Marine Engineman
Quartermaster
Legal Aide
Immigration Legal Assistant
10
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Administrative Assistant 1
Immigration Administrative
Assistant IV
10
Administrative Aide 11
Immigration Administrative
Assistant 11
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Upon the recommendation of the Board, the Secretary of the DOJ 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 directorates and positions created under this Act, the 
Board shall designate the directors and officers thereof.
Sec. 128. Additional Grant of Benefits. —The Bureau shall provide its 
employees with the following benefits:
a. Health care services through an accredited Health Maintenance 
Organization for its regular employees;
b. Accident Insurance policies for all employees:
c. Night Shift differential and overtime pay for actual work rendered, in 
accordance with existing guidelines:
d. Longevity pay, subject to guidelines that shall be issued by the Board in 
accordance with existing laws and regulations and subject to the approval 
of the Secretary of the DBM;
e. Transportation benefits:
f. 
Dislocation allowance: and
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g. Hazard pay amounting to twenty-five percent (25%) of basic salary to 
qualified employees as may be determined by the Board.
Sec. 129. Retention and Use of Immigration Fees, Fines and Other Income; 
Immigration Trust Fund. — The Board is hereby authorized to retain and use every 
year thirty percent (30%) of its collections from immigration fees, fines and 
penalties, and other income that may be collected by the Bureau for the effective 
implementation of this Act.
There is hereby created an Immigration Trust Fund (ITF) sourced from the 
collections mentioned in this Section. The ITF shall be administered by the Board in 
accordance with existing government auditing rules and regulations, and shall be 
used exclusively as follows:
a. Forty percent (40%) 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. Thirty percent (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 the DOJ; and
c. Thirty percent (30%) for the further professionalization of the employees 
of the Bureau including trainings, seminars and other career advancement 
programs.
All interest income, dividends and earnings accrued from the ITF shall also 
form part of the Trust Fund. No portion of the ITF shall revert to the general fund of
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1 the National Government, except when the ITF is no longer necessary for the
purposes for which it was established.
CHAPTER 9
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Sec. 130. Interim Period. — The incumbent Commissioner and the two
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Deputy Commissioners, if qualified under this Act, shall continue to discharge the
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functions of their position unless otherwise removed by the President. All personnel
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of the present Bureau of Immigration shall continue to discharge the functions of
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their position pending the reorganization as provided in this Act.
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Sec. 131. Reorganization of the Bureau. — Upon approval of this Act, all
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employees of the Bureau of Immigration covered by the civil service law and
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regulations shall continue to hold their present positions pending the
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reorganization of the Bureau in accordance with the new staffing pattern: Provided,
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That the salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of incumbent officers and
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employees of the Bureau shall not be subject to diminution: Provided, further. That
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employees who have been dismissed for cause shall no longer qualify for any
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position in the Bureau.
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Sec. 132. Inventory and Transfer of Properties, Accounts, Assets, Liabilities
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and Obligations to the Commission. — All buildings, properties, equipment, facilities,
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accounts, other assets, liabilities and other obligations as well as records of the
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Bureau of Immigration shall be properly inventoried and transferred to the Bureau.
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Sec. 133. Treaty or Agreement. - Any treaty or agreement entered into
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between the Philippines and any foreign state before the effectivity of this Act shall
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remain in force and effect.
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Sec. 134. Pending Cases. - Any prosecution, suit, action, proceeding, or any
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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 10
ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
Sec. 135. Administration and Impiementation Abroad. - The administration 
and implementation of this Act abroad, including the rules and regulations, and 
specific visa policies or guidelines, shall be the responsibility of the DFA, with due 
notice to the Bureau and other concerned agencies and offices.
Sec. 136. Implementing Ruies and Reguiations. —Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the Bureau shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of 
the DBM, the DOJ, and the DFA, promulgate the rules and regulations for its 
effective implementation.
Sec. 137. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the following:
a. Current year's appropriation of the Bureau of Immigration: and
b. Immigration fees, fines and other income authorized under Sec. 129 this 
Act.
Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued implementation 
shall be included In the annual General Appropriations Act and from the immigration 
Trust Fund.
CHAPTER 11 
FINAL PROVISIONS
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Sec. 138. Separability Clause. - Should any provisions of this Act be declared 
invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in force and effect.
Sec. 139. Repealing Clause. - Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known 
as the "Philippine Immigration Act of 1940," as amended, and Republic Act No. 750 
are hereby repealed. All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, memorandum orders, instructions, rules and regulations or parts
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thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 140. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publications in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,