TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
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'■ J i li.
• 
of tf^c :•
25 JUL29 Pl:ll
SENATE
S.B. No. 7^5
Ri;CEI‘'tD = ■e-
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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 1987 Constitution provides that the prime duty of the government is to serve 
and protect the people. It further provides that the maintenance of peace and order, 
the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare, 
are essential for a democratic government.
This bill seeks to modernize Commonwealth Act No. 613 otherwise known as the 
"Philippine Immigration Act of 1940" is now seventy-nine (79) years old. While several 
laws have been enacted to address more recent national concerns, such as: R.A. No. 
9165 otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002" R.A. 9208 
otherwise known as the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003," R.A. 9372 otherwise 
known as the "Human Security Act of 2007" and R.A. 10168 otherwise known as the 
"Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012," a thorough and 
substantial revamp of the Philippine immigration law has not been undertaken yet.
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's war against illegal drugs launched in 
2016 is challenged by drug syndicates, operating international courier and smuggling 
networks, largely unabated through national airports, ports, and other points of entry. 
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) admitted that at least four 
international drug cartels freely trade within Philippine territory, including the notorious 
Golden Triangle syndicate, which is owned by both the massive Batangas and Malabon 
laboratories. Obviously, modern syndicated crime, utilizing transnational organizations 
and digital technologies, is hardly contemplated by the antiquated Commonwealth Act 
No. 613 that governs the Philippine immigration.


On 05 November 2024, President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74, 
prohibiting Philippine Offshore Gaming, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming 
operations in the Philippines. On 04 March 2025, it was determined that the Bureau of 
Immigration allowed deported POGO "bosses" to book their own flights, resulting in 
their possible escape. Further, on May 2025, reports and complaints have surfaced 
from foreign nationals and other stakeholders alleging corrupt practices, inefficiencies, 
and irregularities committed by BI personnel, specifically in the processing of tourist 
visa extensions, wherein allegedly the BI has a "price menu" of the fees depending on 
the applicant's circumstances.
In a letter, dated 02 June 2025, written by some of the Bureau of Immigration 
employees to President Marcos, the said employees accused the commissioner of 
corruption and misconduct, particularly for allegedly colluding with now-banned 
Philippine offshore gaming operators in the entry and/or deportation of illegal foreign 
workers.
Given therefore the critical role of the Bureau of Immigration and the issues 
which threaten the institution as the nation's main gatekeeper, it is vital that 
Commonwealth Act No. 613 and the Bureau of Immigration be finally modernized and 
be brought up to the challenges of the present age.
Hence, some of the salient points of this proposed bill are the following:
(a) The reorganization of the structure of the Bureau of Immigration and the 
upgrading of the existing positions of its operations and administrative personnel 
to adequately meet the country's rapidly Increasing immigration services;
(b) the expansion of the functions of the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioners 
and the Board of Commissioners;
(c) the prohibition of the conversion of "A Visa" to employment visa;
(d) the strengthening of the Bureau's role in border control; and
(e) the provision of sanctions for failure to provide advanced passenger information 
to the Bureau.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is sought.
.MARCOS


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
■O.'.'.-tr Oi I,
25 JUL29 Pl:li
SENATE
S.B. No.__755
RECE.V;t.£'
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Bureau of 
Immigration Modernization Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - In the conduct of its relations with other States, 
the Philippines shall give paramount consideration to national sovereignty, territorial 
integrity, national security, national interest, the right to self-determination, the 
enhancement of economic dipiomacy, and the protection of overseas Filipinos in 
destination countries as it adheres to the policy of peace, cooperation and amity with 
all nations.
To this end, Philippine immigration policies, rules and regulations under this Act 
shall be applied and administered as instruments for the promotion of domestic and 
external interests of the Philippines, in recognition of;
(a) the 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 technologicai and scientific development in the country;


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(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 whereby a status or 
entry category is granted by the immigration authorities;
(b) Border Control Officer refers to any person tasked to man the Border Control 
Checkpoints authorized as provided in this Act,
(c) Captain refers to the master of a vessei or pilot of an aircraft;
(d) Child refers to a person or persons below eighteen (18) years of age;
(e) Citizen refers to any person who is a citizen of the Philippines under the 
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines;
(f) Commissioner refers to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration;
(g) Commitment Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under this 
Act that directs the taking into custody of a foreign national after it has been 
determined that probable cause exists that the foreign national committed 
acts or omissions in violation of Philippine immigration laws, rules and 
regulations, or during the pendency of deportation proceedings against such 
foreign national: Provided, That such custody shall not exceed three (3) 
months, unless there exists other legal grounds for continued custody;
(h) Consular Officer refers to any consular, diplomatic, or other officer of the 
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) who has been duly granted a consular 
commission for the purpose of issuing visas under this Act;
(i) Derogatory Information refers to details about persons and travel 
documents relating to Immigration consisting of the following:
(1) Blacklist Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner that 
prevents a foreign national from entering the territorial jurisdiction of the 
Philippines;
(2) Flold Departure Order (FIDO) refers to an order issued by the 
Commissioner preventing a foreign national from leaving the territorial


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jurisdiction of the Philippines in cases where bail or recognizance is 
granted pending implementation of a Deportation Order, or a directive 
implementing an order issued by the appropriate court preventing a 
person from leaving the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines; and
(3) Monitor Order refers to an order issued by the Commissioner under this 
Act that requires immigration personnel to monitor the travel of any 
person for a period of thirty (30) days, and to notify the concerned 
government agencies of the Philippines;
(4) Temporary Travel Restriction Order (TTRO) refers to a document issued 
by the Secretary of Justice, or his authorized representative, against a 
respondent in a case subject of preliminary investigation when the 
minimum imposable penalty is six (6) months and one (1) day or when 
the offender is a foreigner regardless of the imposable penalty, directing 
the Bureau of Immigration to prevent the subject thereof from leaving 
the Philippines for a period of sixty (60) days from issuance of the order, 
unless the handling prosecutor recommends the filing of the appropriate 
case before the Regional Trial Court, which has the authority to issue 
HDOs.
(j) Entry refers to the arrival of a foreign national into any designated port of 
entry in the Philippines from a place outside the Philippine territorial 
jurisdiction. 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 any other legal process;
(k) Exclusion refers to the act of Immigration Officers denying admission of a 
foreign national into the country on grounds provided in this Act;
(l) Foreign national or alien refers to any person who is not a citizen of the 
Philippines;
(m) Immigrant refers to any foreign national, other than a non-immigrant,- 
granted resident status in the Philippines under the provisions of this Act 
and other laws granting immigrant status;
(n) Immigration laws refer to this Act and any other laws presently existing or 
which may hereafter be enacted relating to the movement of natural persons 
to and from the Philippines;
(o) Immigration Officer refers to any person appointed under Title II, Chapter 
18 of this Act or any employee designated by the Commissioner to perform 
the powers, duties and functions of an Immigration Officer as specified 
under this Act;


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(p) Non-immigrant refers to any foreign national who is allowed entry and 
admission into the Philippines for a temporary or limited period of stay;
(q) Non-refoulement refers to a principle of international law which prohibits the 
forced or involuntary return of refugees or those seeking asylum in the 
Philippines to the state or territory where their lives or liberty are threatened;
(r) Passport refers to a document issued by a government to its citizens 
requesting other governments to allow such citizens to pass through or enter 
into a territory of other states safely and freely, subject to pertinent rules 
and regulations;
(s) Person refers to a natural person or a juridical person such as, but not limited 
to, partnerships, corporations, companies, and associations;
(t) Port of entry refers to any port designated by the Commissioner through 
which a foreign national may enter or exit the Philippines;
(u) Refugee refers to a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being 
persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion, is outside such person's country 
of nationality, and is unable or, owing to such fear, unwilling to avail of the 
protection of that country; or a person who, not having a nationality and 
being outside such person's country of former habitual residence, is unable 
or, owing to such fear, unwilling to return to it;
(v) Seaman, Seafarer, or Crewmember refers to a person actually employed in 
the operation or service in any capacity on board a vessel;
(w) Stateless person refers to a person who is not considered a national by any 
state under the operation of its laws;
(x) Travel document refers to a certification or identifying document containing 
the description and other personal circumstances of its bearer issued by a 
government to Individuals for travel purposes;
(y) Vessel refers to all means of conveyances, whether aircraft or sea craft; and
(z) Visa refers to an endorsement on a passport or any travel document issued 
by a Consular Officer abroad authorizing the holder thereof to proceed to a 
designated port of entry In the Philippines and there to apply for entry and 
admission under the status specified therein; or an endorsement on a 
passport or any travel document granted by the Commissioner or the Board 
under this Act, or by any other person authorized by existing laws.
TITLE II
THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION
CHAPTER 1 
THE BUREAU


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SEC. 4. Overview. - The Bureau of Immigration, hereinafter referred to as the 
"Bureau", shali be under the control and supervision of the Department of Justice 
(DOJ). The Bureau shali be principaily responsible for the administration and 
enforcement of this Act, and the implementation of ali laws, rules and regulations, or 
orders of any competent authority concerning the entry and admission into, stay in 
and the departure from the Phiiippines of aii persons. The Bureau may seek the 
assistance of other government entities in the enforcement of iaws, rules and 
regulations reiating to immigration, border controi and anti-trafficking in persons.
CHAPTER 2
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEC. 5. Composition and Quaiifications of the Board of Commissioners. - The 
Bureau shaii 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, ail of whom shall be natural-born citizens of the 
Philippines, hoiders of a coilege degree, with proven capacity for administration and, 
at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five (35) years of age; Provided, That 
at ieast one of the members shali be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing 
for at least five (5) years prior to the appointment: Provided, further. That at ieast one 
(1) member of the Board shaii come from the ranks of the Commission.
SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shaii have the 
following powers and functions:
(a) Decide on applications or cases reiative to:
(1) Deportation;
(2) Revocation of immigration status;
(3) Reacquisition and retention of Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 
No. 9225, otherwise known as the "Citizenship Retention and 
Reacquisition Act of 2003";
(4) Issuance and revocation of all visas and permits;
(5) Deciaration of indigence; and
(6) Legaiization of residence in accordance with law.
(b) Cite and punish for contempt in reiation to the discharge of its quasi-judidai
functions in accordance with the Ruies of Court;
(c) Prescribe and promulgate rules of procedure for proceedings before it;
(d) Prepare and publish operations manuals, including schedules of fees for all
transactions entered into by the Bureau with the public;
(e) Formulate policies, directives, programs and projects of the Bureau; and


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(f) 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. Decision 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 Justice 
within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof by the concerned party. The decision of 
the Secretary of the DOJ may be appealed to the Office of the President within (15) 
days from receipt of Judgment. The decision of the Board shall become executory after 
thirty (30) days from promulgation, unless within such period the President shall order 
the contrary.
SEC. 8. Period for Decision by the Board. - The Board shall decide deportation 
cases within sixty (60) 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 ail matters referred to in Section 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 Bureau;
(b) Appoint, promote, and reassign personnel of the Bureau in accordance with civil 
service laws, rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the Secretary of 
Justice;
(c) Issue the following:


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(1) Mission Orders, after determination of the existence of probable cause for
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the purpose of deportation;
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(2) Commitment or Release Orders;
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(3) Warrants of Deportation;
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(4) Orders to inspect the documents, premises and records of persons covered
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by this Act; and
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(5) Derogatory information orders defined in Section 3(i) of this Act;
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(d) Delegate authority to subordinate immigration personnel and employees of the
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commission, except the powers and functions enumerated in paragraph (c) of
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this section, which may be delegated only to a Deputy Commissioner;
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(e) Act on applications for extension of visas with the concurrence of the Board;
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(f) Act on application for study and work permits;
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(g) Control the opening and closure of posts, landing places, airports or ports
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classified as points of entry or exit, whether limited or unlimited;
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(h) Increase, reduce or waive immigration fines, penalties and other charges;
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(i) Issue Certificates of Naturalization to foreign nationals who have been granted
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the Philippine citizenship;
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(j) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary or proper for the
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effective discharge of the duties and responsibilities of the officials and
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personnel of the Bureau, and for the effective exercise of the powers and
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functions of the Bureau;
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(k) Deputize, subject to the concurrence of the Board, any official or employee of
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the national government and local government units, including uniformed
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personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police,
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and the Philippine Coast Guard 
to assist immigration personnel in the
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performance of their duties and functions;
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(I) Seek the assistance of relevant government agencies for intelligence data
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gathering and sharing;
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(m) Authorize and prescribe, with the concurrence of the Board, the form and
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the amount of cash bonds for the provisional release of respondents in
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deportation proceedings;
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(n) Impose reasonable fines and penalties for violations of Immigration and alien
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registration laws in accordance with this Act and the guidelines adopted by the
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Board;
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(o) Accept donations of materials, equipment or technical services from any foreign
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government. International or domestic organization, to upgrade the efficiency
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and operations of the Bureau;
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(p) Provide an express lane system for the rendition of services performed for
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individuals and entities upon payment of fees that may be prescribed, and


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deposit in an authorized government depository bank such fees received under 
a trust fund subject to auditing and accounting rules, fifty percent (50%) of 
which shali be made available for the augmentation of the salaries of the 
employees of the Bureau and fifty percent (50%) of which shall be remitted to 
the national treasury;
(q) Submit to the President and to Congress, annually or as may be directed, a 
report on:
(1) the number and status of foreign nationals in the Phiiippines;
(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 Phiiippines; and
(5) such other transactions of the Bureau:
(r) 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 Officer in an eight-hour shift;
(s) Receive administrative complaints against BI personnel, gather evidence in 
relation thereto, conduct administrative investigation, and transmit complete 
records thereon to the Office of the Secretary through the Internal Affairs 
Service (IAS);
(t) Prepare and submit a supplemental budget, if necessary, for the consideration 
of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Congress;
(u) Prescribe, with the concurrence of the Beard, the appropriate forms, bonds, 
reports, entries and other papers in accordance with this Act;
(v) Require ail vessel operators to submit advance passenger information in the 
form prescribed by the Board, and prescribe penaity for the violation hereof;
(w) 
Engage foreign counterparts pertaining to border control; and
(x) Perform such other functions inherent to the Bureau.
SEC. 12. Appointment and Rank of Deputy Commissioners. - There shall be 
two (2) Deputy Commissioners who shall be appointed by the President. They shall 
have the rank, salary and privileges of an Assistant Secretary of a Department.
SEC. 13. Duties of Deputy Commissioners. - In addition to their duties as 
members of the Board, the Deputy Commissioners shall supervise a minimum of two 
(2) Divisions and one (1) regional office each as determined by the Commissioner.


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CHAPTER 4
THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE
SEC. 14. Qualifications of the Director, Internal Affairs Service (IAS). - An 
Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Bureau is hereby created directly under the Office 
of the Secretary of Justice, which shall be headed by a Director who must be a natural 
born citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty (35) years of age and a member of the 
Philippine Bar in good standing for at least five (5) years prior to the appointment.
SEC. 15. Powers and Functions of the IAS. - The IAS shall have the following 
powers and functions:
(a) Conduct inspections and audit over all personnel and units of the Bureau;
(b) Conduct summary hearings of administrative cases initiated against 
personnel appointed by the Commissioner. The Office of the Commissioner 
shall receive all administrative complaints and indorse the same to the Office 
of the Secretary together with Investigation reports and evidence gathered 
in relation to the complaint;
(c) File appropriate criminal cases against BI personnel before the court when 
warranted and assist in the prosecution thereof; and
(d) Provide assistance to the Office of the Ombudsman in cases involving the 
personnel of the Bureau.
CHAPTER 5
THE BOARD SECRETARY
SEC. 16. Qualifications of the Board Secretary. - There shall be a 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 for 
at least five (5) years prior to the appointment.
SEC. 17. Powers and Duties. - The Board Secretary shall:
(a) Attend in and take the minutes of all meetings of the Board;
(b) Prepare the agenda for the deliberation of the Board on visa applications;
(c) Prepare the agenda for the deliberation 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 ail 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.


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CHAPTER 6
THE BOARDS OF SPECIAL INQUIRY
SEC. 18. Creation of the Boards of Special Inquiry. - There shall be created up 
to five (5) Boards of Special Inquiry (BSI) as required in the exigency of service as 
determined by the Board. Each BSI shall be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) 
members. The BSI shall be designated according to their areas of specialization to be 
determined by the Board.
SEC. 19. Appointment and Qualifications 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. 20. Powers and Functions of the BSI. - The BSI shall:
(a) Recommend to the Board of Commissioners for the final resolution cases
and applications relative to:
(1) Deportation;
(2) Revocations of immigrations status;
(3) Legalization of residence in accordance with law; and
(4) Issuance of visas for stateless persons.
(b) Recommend to the Commissioner for appropriate actions cases and 
applications relative to:
(1) Cancellation of alien certificates of registration by marriage; and
(2) Issuance of alien certificates of registration to refugees;
(c) Issue subpoena in cases being heard by the BSI;
(d) In the exercise of its quasi-judicial power, cite and punish persons for 
contempt in accordance with the Rules of Court;
(e) Recommend to the Board the imposition, waiver or reduction of fees, fines, 
penalties and other charges, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;
(f) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of their duties, as may 
be authorized by the Board;
(g) Promulgate rules and regulations governing matters within its assigned 
mandate subject to the approval of the Board; and
(h) Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the 
Commissioner or the Board of Commissioners.
SEC. 21. Proceedings Before the BSL - The proceedings before the BSI shall 
be public and recorded. In all cases, the BSI shall meet and act as a collegial body.
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Only members of the Philippine Bar in good standing may appear for and in behalf of 
any party before the BSI.
SEC. 22. Resolutions of the BSI. - Cases before the BSI shall be resolved within 
five (5) working days from the date the cases are submitted for resolution. The 
resolution of the BSI shall be submitted immediately to the Board for action.
SEC. 23. Creation of Positions; BSI.-The positions created under the BSI shall 
have the following classification and salary grades:
DESIGNATION
Chairperson
Members
POSITION
Attorney V 
Attorney IV
SALARY GRADE
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CHAPTER 7
DIVISIONS AND OTHER OPERATING OFFICES OF THE BUREAU
SEC. 24. Division and Other Operating Offices of the Bureau. - The shall have 
the following Divisions and other operating offices, namely:
(A) DIVISIONS:
(1) Administrative;
(2) Alien Registration;
(3) Finance and Logistics;
(4) Human Resource Management and Development;
(5) Immigration Regulation;
(6) Information and Communications Technology;
(7) Intelligence;
(8) Law Enforcement;
(9) Legal Affairs;
(10) 
Operations; and
(11) 
Planning and Research
(B) FIELD OFFICES that shall be created by the Board of Commissioners according 
to political or administrative regions.
(C) DISTRICTS:
(1) Major Airports; and
(2) Seaports.
SEC. 25. Heads of the Divisions and Other Operating Units. - Each Division 
shall be headed by a Division Chief with a Salary Grade of 25: Provided, That the Chief 
for Legal Affairs shall be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing and must
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have been engaged in the practice of law for at least three (3) years, and that the 
Chief 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 Supervising Immigration Officer with 
a Salary Grade of 23, while the District and Field Offices shall be headed by a Senior 
Immigration Officer with a Salary Grade of 20.
No person shall be appointed as Chief of any of the Divisions enumerated in 
Section 24 (A) of this Act unless such person meets the qualification standards set by 
the Bureau and approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
SEC. 26. Organizational Structure, Duties and Functions of the Divisions, 
Regional Offices, Districts, Field Offices and Other Operating Offices. - Subject to the 
approval by the DBM, the Board shall determine the organizational structure of the 
different Divisions and other operating offices of the Bureau to ensure the effective 
performance of their respective mandates.
SEC. 27. Chief Administrative Officer. - The Chief Administrative Officer shall 
perform the following duties:
a. Develop and implement an administrative support strategy for the Bureau;
b. Coordinate all administrative functions of the Bureau;
c. Monitor and evaluate all policies and programs of the Bureau, and 
recommend to the Board of Commissioners such policies, programs and 
measures for the effective and efficient administrative functions of the 
Bureau; and
d. Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 28. Chief Alien Registration Officer. - The Chief Alien Registration Officer 
shall perform the following duties:
a. Formulate plans and policies for the implementation of the Alien Registration 
Program;
b. Establish and implement measures for the effective registration, monitoring 
and accounting of aliens, including the collection and safekeeping of 
biometric data of all aliens pursuant to this Act and other laws, rules and 
regulations;
c. Monitor and evaluate all policies, programs and measures relative to alien 
registration, and recommend to the Board of Commissioners such measures 
to improve the system of alien registration; and
d. Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
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SEC. 29. Chief Finance and Logistics Officer. - The Chief Finance and Logistics 
Officer shall perform the following duties:
a. Formulate and supervise the implementation of policies pertaining to 
procurement, fiscal management, auditing and accounting in support of the 
overall plan and strategic direction of the Bureau;
b. Direct and manage all the procurement activities of the Bureau;
c. Implement sound fiscal policy;
d. Supervise the preparation of the Annual Procurement Plan;
e. Initiate projects in the furtherance of the improvement of the Bureau;
f. Set performance targets for the Bureau in order to meet its objectives, plan 
and programs; and
g. Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 30. Chief Human Resource Management Officer and Deveiopment Officer 
- The Chief Human Resource Management Officer shall perform the following duties:
a. Develop and execute human resource strategies in support of the overall 
plan and strategic direction of the Bureau especially in the areas of selection, 
hiring and promotion;
b. Design employee training modules;
c. Develop comprehensive strategic recruiting and retention plans to meet the 
human capital of strategic goals;
d. Set qualification standards and implement competency-based hiring and 
promotion policies;
e. Oversee the recruitment, selection and promotion of employees of the 
Bureau;
f Set performance standards for the employees of the Bureau in order to meet 
its objectives, plans and programs; and
g. Prepare and implement schemes to strengthen the relationship between 
management and employees.
SEC. 31. Chief Immigration Reguiation Officer. - The Chief Immigration 
Regulation Officer shall perform the following duties:
(a) Enforce immigration laws relating to the admission of aliens on primary 
inspection, as well as their exclusion, deportation and repatriation, sojourn, and those 
relating to administrative penalties against commercial sea vessels;
(b) Formulate plans and programs for the effective enforcement of immigration 
laws relating to the admission, sojourn and exit of aliens;
(c) Establish policies for the effective surveillance, monitoring, and supervision 
of all Bay Service Operations of all commercial vessels while in Philippine territory;
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(d) Oversee and supen/ise all Regional, District and Field Offices, and Border 
Crossing Checkpoints;
(e) Maintain administrative control over aliens admitted for limited periods by 
enforcing and implementing temporary visitors visa extension policies for aliens;
(f) Assist the Commissioner in administering issuances of student visas, permits 
and other orders reiated thereto;
(g) Assist the Commissioner in the preparation of all orders pertaining to 
downgrading of visas, transfer, amendment, and correction of admission;
(h) Represent the Bureau In the enforcement of the RP-Indonesian Agreement 
the RP-Malaysian Anti-Smuggiing Agreement, and other subsequent simiiar 
agreements; and
(i) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 32. Chief Information and Communications Technology Officer. - The 
Chief Information and Communications Technology Officer shali perform the following 
duties:
(a) Formuiate policies, pians and programs on management Information 
systems, network, cybersecurity, and information and communications 
technology (ICT) resources of the Bureau;
(b) Supervise the implementation of all the information and communications 
technology projects of the Bureau;
(c) Review, evaluate and recommend for approval by the Commissioner the 
integration of ail existing ICT systems of the Bureau;
(d) Initiate the conduct of ICT research, development and standardization; and
(e) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 33. Chief Immigration Intelligence Officer. - The Chief Immigration 
Inteliigence Officer shall perform the following duties:
(a) Develop plans and programs for the gathering and coiiating of intelligence 
objectives through effective management of ali inteiligence and counter­
intelligence activities of the Bureau;
(b) Manage the conduct of inteliigence and counter-inteiligence activities of the 
Bureau;
(c) Serve as the linkage between foreign counterparts or embassies and the 
Bureau;
(d) Initiate development of intelligence training modules; and
(e) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 34. Chief Immigration Law Enforcement Officer. - The Chief Immigration 
Law Enforcement Officer shall perform the following duties:
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(a) Develop plans and programs for effective law enforcement actions against 
foreign nationals who violate immigration laws, rules and regulations;
(b) Exercise command, control, direction, coordination and supervision of all law 
enforcement activities of the Bureau, such as the deployment of personnel in the 
implementation of the following:
(i) Mission Orders, after determination of the existence of probable cause 
for purpose of deportation;
(ii) Commitment or Release Orders;
(ill) Warrants of Deportation;
(iv) Orders to inspect the documents, premises and records of persons 
covered by this Act.
(c) Initiate the development of law enforcement training modules;
(d) Establish an effective monitoring tool for fugitives and undesirable
foreigners; and
(e) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 35. Chief Legal Affairs Officer. - The Chief Legal Affairs Officer shall 
perform the following duties:
(a) Serve as the legal counsel of the Bureau, in coordination with the Office of 
the Solicitor General;
(b) Develop guidelines for the summary deportation of foreign nationals who are 
fugitives, overstaying, undocumented, or convicted of crimes involving moral 
turpitude or crimes where the penalty of deportation is imposed;
(c) Assign prosecutors for regular deportation proceedings;
(d) Implement deportation orders;
(e) Study contracts affecting the Bureau and submit recommendations to the 
Board relative thereto;
(f) Render legal opinions on matters arising from the administration and 
operation of the Bureau; and
(g) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 36. Chief Immigration Operations Officer. - The Chief Immigration 
Operations Officer shall perform the following duties:
(a) Formulate plans and programs for the effective and efficient immigration 
operations in all international airports and seaports;
(b) Oversee and supervise the immigration operations in all international airports 
and international seaports, including the conduct of arrival and departure 
formalities consistent with this Act and other applicable laws, rules and 
regulations;
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(c) Implement Blacklist Orders, Hold Departure Orders, Monitor Orders, Travel 
Restriction Orders, Orders to Leave, Exclusion Orders, and other such order 
issued by the Board or by the Commissioner;
(d) Ensure the compliance of all immigration personnel under the Operations 
Division with the Bureau's Quality Management System (QMS);
(e) Monitor admitted foreign temporary visitors who were referred for secondary 
or tertiary inspection;
(f) Initiate the development of immigration operations training modules; and
(g) Perform such other tasks as may be directed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 37. Chief Planning and Research Officer. - The Chief Planning and 
Research Officer shall perform the following duties:
(a) Formulate and implement the Bureau's programs, projects and processes for 
planning and research;
(b) Facilitate and organize strategic planning sessions for the entire Bureau;
(c) Conduct workload assessment and forecasting;
(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 all Bureau policies, projects and programs; and
(f) Represent the Board in meetings relating to planning and research.
CHAPTER 8
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS
SEC. 38. Immigration Officers. - 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 and approved 
by the CSC.
The following determinative factors shall be included in setting the qualification 
standards for each position:
(a) Educational Attainment;
(b) Civil Service Eligibility;
(c) Relevant Experience;
(d) Training (Basic, Advanced or Executive);
(e) Agility.
SEC. 39. Powers and Functions of Immigration Officers. - The Immigration 
Officers shall have the following powers and functions:
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(a) Examine, with the assistance and advice of medical authorities in 
appropriate cases, foreign nationals at the port of entry concerning their 
admissibility to enter and their qualifications to remain in the Philippines;
(b) Exclude foreign nationals not properly documented, and to admit foreign 
nationals complying with the applicable provisions of immigration and related 
laws;
(c) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of their duties, as may 
be authorized by the Board;
(d) Search for foreign nationals on any vessel believed to be used to illegally 
bring foreign nationals Into the Philippines, and to take into custody without 
warrant any foreign national who, in the presence or view of the Immigration 
Officer, is entering or is about to enter the Philippines in violation of immigration 
and related laws, rules and regulations;
(e) Act as control personnel with authority to prevent the departure of 
passengers who do not comply with duly published departure requirements;
(f) Detect and report violations of the immigration and alien registration laws 
and, in appropriate cases, take necessary actions upon the instructions of the 
Commissioner, including follow-up on the stay of non-immigrants to prevent 
overstaying;
(g) Detect and report subversive activities of aliens in the interest of national 
security;
(h) Investigate any case at the instance of the Commissioner and submit the 
required reports;
(i) Report on the activities of aliens inimical to national interest with a view to 
taking appropriate action in accordance with law;
(j) Locate and conduct surveillance against foreign nationals in violation of 
immigration laws, rules and regulations;
(k) Provide actionable operational, tactical and strategic intelligence to the 
operating units;
(l) Conduct case build up, analysis and other in-depth research, as well as 
provide analytical reports on foreign nationals who violate or are in violation of 
immigration laws, rules, and regulations;
(m) Coordinate with other local and international law enforcement agencies in 
the gathering of intelligence information related to immigration law violations;
(n) Conduct counter-intelligence operations;
(o) Enforce lawful orders relating to the exclusion, deportation and repatriation 
of aliens;
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(p) Take charge of the physical detention of aliens pending their exclusion, 
deportation or repatriation;
(q) Attend to the deportation of aliens;
(r) Monitor all arriving and departing suspected terrorists, drug couriers or 
members of crime syndicates;
(s) Assist and escort deportees, excluded passengers and transiting restricted 
passengers until finally boarded;
(t) Investigate and escort from ports of entry intercepted passengers who are 
found in possession of spurious travel documents;
(u) Implement Warrants of Deportation (WOD) and Mission Orders involving 
foreign nationals who violate or are in violation of immigration laws, rules and 
regulations; and
(v) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commissioner from 
time to time.
Qualified Immigration Officers, immigration inspectors and immigration agents 
with the requisite training and experience may be assigned to the intelligence, law 
enforcement, alien registration, immigration regulation, and operations divisions 
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 or Law Enforcement Divisions in an acting 
capacity: Provided, That such designation shall not exceed a period of one (1) year.
SEC. 40. Deployment of Immigration Personnel Abroad. - Within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the 
Bureau shall promulgate the Implementing rules and regulations on the assignment 
and deployment of Immigration Officers 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 9
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PATTERN 
SEC. 41. Career Development - The Bureau shall:
(a) Establish and strengthen the Philippine Immigration Academy which shall 
be under the control and supervision of the Commissioner;
(b) Create a continuing program to enhance the knowledge, skills and 
competence of all personnel through a career advancement training and 
education prior to their promotion; and
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(c) Formulate training requirements to implement the provisions in this Title.
CHAPTER 10 
OTHER OFFICES
SEC. 42. Changes in the Composition, Distribution and Assignment of Regionai, 
District and Fieid Offices. - The Commissioner may make changes in the composition, 
distribution and assignment of regional, district and field offices, as well as its 
personnel, based on the demographics of foreign nationals and as the exigency of the 
service requires, subject to civil service rules and regulations.
SEC. 43. Border Controi Checkpoints. - In addition to international airports and 
international seaports, there shall be established Border Control Checkpoints which 
shall be manned by Immigration Officers appointed as Border Control Officers by the 
Commissioner. The Border Control Checkpoints shall be placed in specific areas in the 
Philippines which shall be determined by the Board. Border Control Officers shall 
perform the following functions:
(a) Conduct immigration formalities to foreigners passing through their areas of
responsibility;
(b) Enforce immigration laws, rules and regulations;
(c) Coordinate with other iaw enforcement agencies in the enforcement of 
immigration laws, rules, and regulations;
(d) Apprehend and take into custody illegal entrants; and
(e) Perform such other functions as may be directed by the Commissioner.
TITLE III 
IMMIGRATION
CHAPTER 1 
NON-IMMIGRANTS
SEC. 44. Categories of Non-immigrants and Types of Visa Issued. - Foreign 
nationals departing from any place outside the Phiiippines 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.
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As used herein, the term "business" refers to conventions, conferences, 
consultations and other iegitimate 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 hoiiday, including sightseeing, recreation or visiting relatives; and
(3) Health (A-3 Visa): Temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines to 
avaii of medical treatment.
(b) Transit Persons (B Visa): Persons passing through the Phiiippines 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 
temporariiy 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 shali be granted a D-1 visa.
Citizens from a country that has an investor treaty with the Philippines, 
including their famiiy 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 famiiies and 
household members coming to the country for official purpose, pursuant to 
international conventions and bilateral agreements, shall be granted E Visas 
divided into four (4) types, namely:
(1) Persons eligible forE-1 Visa: The E-1 Visa shall be issued to the 
foliowing dasses of foreign nationals:
(i) Heads of the State and/or Heads of Government and their 
personal representatives;
(ii) Members of reigning royal families from countries recognized 
by the Philippine Government;
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(iii) Governors-General, Governors, and High Commissioners of 
dependent territories and their personal representatives;
(iv) Cabinet ministers and their deputies, and officials with 
cabinet rank of ministers;
(v) Presiding officers of national legislative bodies;
(vi) Justices or judges of the highest national judicial bodies;
(vii) 
Diplomats and career consular officials on foreign 
assignment in the Philippines;
(viii) Military, naval, air and other attaches assigned to a 
diplomatic mission; and
(ix) Accompanying spouses and unmarried dependents of 
foreigners within the abovementioned categories;
(2) Persons eligible for E-2 Visa: The E-2 visa shall be issued to an 
official of a foreign government recognized by the Philippines 
and who is a national of the country whose government he 
represents, and is proceeding to the Philippines on a long-term 
basis in connection with official business for such foreign 
official's government.
This category includes inter alia, the following classes of foreign 
nationals:
(i) Administrative and technical members of the staff of a 
diplomatic or consular mission;
(ii) Officials participating in programs under the auspices of the 
Philippine Government or recognized international institutions; 
and
(iii) Accompanying spouses and unmarried dependents of 
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 the persons to 
whom E-1 and E-2 visas have been granted, as well as their 
immediate dependents;
Ali visas under enumerated in Section 44(e) of this Act shall be exclusively 
issued and renewed by the DFA, which shaii also determine the type of E-Visa of 
Foreign Government Officiais 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.
(0 Students (F Visa): International students who can demonstrate means 
sufficient for their support and education in the Philippines who seek to 
enter the Philippines temporarily for the primary purpose of studying or 
taking partial studies in eligible courses or degree programs in a 
university, seminary, academy or college recognized to offer such higher 
education programs by CHED and other authorities pursuant to law and 
accredited to admit such international students by the CHED in 
coordination with BI. The international student's area of study may relate 
to the following fields/scope:
1) Full degree
2) Exchange or short-term mobility
3) Internship/co-op education
4) Certificates/diploma/qualifications
5) Immersion/service learning/social engagement
6) Research and/or graduate studies
7) Study, work, holiday pursuant to trade agreements
8) Cultural exchange
9) Language training program
10) Such other education or training-related activities 
undertaken pursuant to acquiring certification, diploma, 
credit recognition, degree or qualification.
(g) Prearranged Employment (G Visa): Foreign nationals coming to the 
Philippines on prearranged employment, including their family members
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accompanying or following to join them within the period of their
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employment. This category includes intra-company transferees,
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professionals, performing artists, athletes, and cultural exchange
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workers under a work exchange program;
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(h) Religious Workers (H Visa): Duly ordained or professional missionaries
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and religious ministers, including members of their family, coming to the
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Philippines to join a religious congregation or denomination duly
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registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon
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invitation, sponsorship or guarantee of such religious congregation or
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denomination, solely for the purpose of propagating, teaching and
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disseminating their faith or religion;
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(i) Representatives of Accredited International Organizations and
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Government Agencies (I Visa): Foreign officials and staff of accredited
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international organizations, including their dependent family members,
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staff, and household members shall be granted I Visas divided into four
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(4) types, namely:
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(1) Persons eligible for I-l Visa: The I-l Visa shall be issued to the
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principal officials of accredited international organizations, as
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well as their accompanying spouses and dependents;
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(2) Persons eligible for 1-2 Visa: The 1-2 visa shall be issued to the
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other officials and staff of accredited international organizations,
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as well as their accompanying spouses and dependents;
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(3) Persons eligible for 1-3 Visa: The 1-3 visa shall be issued to
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officials and staff of international organizations who will perform
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short-term official work with the international organization upon
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its invitation; and
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(4) Persons eligible for 1-4 Visa: The 1-4 Visa shall be issued to the
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private employees and household members of persons to whom
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E-1 and E-2 visas have been granted, as well as their immediate
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dependents.
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Accredited international organization includes any public international
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organization engaged in activities of which the Philippines participates pursuant to any
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treaty or under the authority of any act of the Congress of the Philippines authorizing
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such participation or making an appropriation for such participation and such other
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international organizations, institutions, agencies, programs, foundations and entities
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which are recognized by the government of the Republic of the Philippines, including
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those existing and already recognized as such at the time of the effectivity of this Act.
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(I)
All types of visas under Section 44(1) 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 that are not identified in the foregoing list. The grant of 
immunities and privileges shall be subject to applicable domestic and international law, 
relevant Headquarters Agreements, and international agreements to which the 
Philippines is a party.
(j) Media Workers (J Visa): Foreign media personnel or correspondents, 
duly accredited by the government agency concerned, who are bona fide 
representatives of a foreign press, radio, satellite, television, film, or 
other information media, and are coming to the Philippines solely to 
engage in gathering information principally for dissemination abroad, 
including their family members accompanying 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; 
Refugees (L-1 Visa) and Stateiess Persons (L-2 Visa): Refugees as 
defined in this Act and in the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of 
Refugees and its 1967 Protocol shall be Issued L-1 Visas. Stateless 
persons, whose admission for humanitarian reasons and not inimical to 
public interest has been approved by the Secretary of Justice or the 
President in such cases and under such conditions as they may prescribe, 
shall be issued L-2 Visas;
(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 Section 44(a), and while an application 
for adjustment of status is being processed;
(n) Startup Visa (N Visa): Visa issued by the DFA pursuant to Sec. 13, 
Chapter 3 of Republic Act No. 11337, otherwise known as the "Innovative 
Startup Act", which includes the Startup Owner Visa (N-1 Visa), Startup 
Employee Visa (N-2 Visa) and Startup Investor Visa (N-3 Visa);
(o) SpeciaiNon-Immigrants (0 Visas): Such ocher 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.
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All Other agencies and offices other than the DFA authorized to issue visas in 
accordance with existing laws shall be subject to reportorial requirements as prescribed 
by the Board. The Board shall likewise prescribe penalties for violations thereof.
CHAPTER 2 
IMMIGRANTS
SEC. 45. 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, based on immigration reciprocity 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 exceptional ability in 
the sciences, arts, professions, or business as would reasonably enhance and 
contribute substantial benefits prospectively to the national economy, or cultural 
or educational interests or welfare of the Philippines, including their family 
members, accompanying or following to join them, who shall likewise be allotted 
individual quota numbers;
(b) Second Preference: Parents of a naturalized Philippine citizen;
(c) Third Preference: Spouses or minor children of foreign nationals who are lawful 
permanent residents of the Philippines; and
(d) Fourth Preference: Parents of foreign nationals who are lawful permanent 
residents of the Philippines.
SEC. 46. Allotment of Quota. - The Commissioner shall, with respect to the 
first preference, allot not more than fifty percent (50%) of the annual quota allotment 
up to the end of June of each year: Provided, That if the fifty percent (50%) allotment 
for one nationality is not utilized by the first preference, the balance thereof shall be 
given to the second, third, and fourth preferences for the same nationality in 
accordance with the preceding Section. Any unused quota allotment for a calendar 
year shall not be carried over and utilized for the ensuing calendar year.
SEC. 47. Basis in Determination of Quota Allotment - The nationality of 
immigrants whose admission is subject to the numerical limitation imposed by Section 
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
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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.
SEC. 48. 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 Phiiippine 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 nuility 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
(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. 49. 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. 50. 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
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authorized stay of the parents, unless the child reaches the age of eighteen (18) years 
while continuously residing in the Philippines, in which case such child may apply for 
naturalization under existing laws or for an appropriate visa.
CHAPTER 4
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS
SEC. 51. Conditions for Adjustment of Status of Foreign Nationais. - 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
(c) a quota immigrant visa is immediately available to the foreign national at 
the time of application, without the need of first departing from the 
Philippines.
In all such cases, the personal appearance of the foreigner shall be required 
during the consideration of the application.
SEC. 52. Effect of Approvai on Application for Adjustment - Upon the approval 
of an application for adjustment of status under the preceding section, the 
Commissioner shall record the foreign national's lawful admission as a permanent 
resident as of the date of the approval of the application and shall be included as part 
of the quota for the calendar year in accordance with Section 45 of this Act.
SEC. 53. 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. 54. Loss of Status. - A registered foreign national, except a temporary 
visitor, who fails to return to the Philippines within a period of one (1) year from 
departure shall lose the status granted under this Act. Such foreign national may apply 
for an extension of the period within which to return prior to its expiration and pay the 
prescribed fees and charges in order to maintain the status or type of visa granted.
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CHAPTER 5
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF NON-IMMIGRANTS
SEC. 55. Documentary Requirements of Non-immigrants. - Non-immigrants 
must be present for admission into the Philippines valid passports issued by the 
governments of the countries to which they owe allegiance or other travel documents 
showing their nationality and identity as prescribed by regulations, a valid visa granted 
by the Consular Officer, if required, and such other relevant documents as may be 
required under existing laws, rules, regulations, or multilateral or bilateral agreements.
SEC. 56. Conditions and Period of Authorized Stay of Temporary Visitors. - The 
initial period of authorized stay of a foreign national admitted as a temporary visitor 
under Section 44(a) of this Act shall not exceed fifty-nine (59) calendar days from the 
date of arrival, subject to bilateral, regional and multilateral visa agreements entered 
into by the Philippines: Provided That, the conditions for extensions and total period 
of authorized stay shall be prescribed by the Commissioner: Provided, further That 
during the foreign national's authorized stay, such foreign national: (a) shall not take 
any employment, whether paid or unpaid; (b) shall not establish or join in any 
business; and (c) shall not enroll or become a student at a school, college, university, 
academy, or other educational institution, unless granted, upon proper application, a 
conversion to another immigration status provided under this Act.
SEC. 57. Conditions for Issuance of Pre-Arranged Employment Visas. - A 
foreign national who is coming to the Philippines for prearranged employment shall 
not be issued a non-immigrant visa referred to in Section 44(g) of this Act until the 
Consular Officer shall have received authorization for the issuance of the same. Such 
authorization shall be given only upon the filing of a petition with the Board 
establishing, among others, that no person can be found in the Philippines willing and 
competent to perform the work or service for which the foreigner is desired and that 
the admission would be beneficial to the public Interest. The petition shall be 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. 58. Submission of Crew List and Passenger Manifest - Simultaneous to 
the vessel's departure from the port of origin, the master, captain, agent, owner or 
consignee of any commercial vessel arriving in the Philippines shall submit to the 
Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such arrival, the crew lists, passenger 
manifests and such other information concerning the persons arriving on such a vessel. 
In the same manner and condition, the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of 
any commercial vessel departing from any port in the Philippines shall submit to the
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Bureau, within a reasonable time prior to such departure, the crew list, passenger 
manifest and such other information concerning the persons departing on such vessel. 
The crew list of an incoming sea craft shall contain the appropriate visa granted by the 
Consular Officer.
SEC. 59. Inspection of Crewmembers. - It shall be the duty of the master, 
captain, agent, owner or consignee of any vessel arriving in the Philippines to have 
available on board, for inspection by immigration officers, any foreign crewmember 
employed on such vessel and, when required by the immigration authorities, to detain 
such crewmember on board after inspection or to remove such crewmember. No 
crewmember on board such vessel shall be discharged while the vessel is in port 
without the permission of the Commissioner.
SEC. 60. Permission for Temporary Landing of a Foreign Crewmember. - A 
foreign crewmember on a vessel arriving in the Philippines may be permitted to land 
temporarily under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. All 
expenses incurred by the Bureau while the crewmember is on land shall be borne by 
the master, captain, agent, owner or consignee of the carrying vessel.
CHAPTER 6
DOCUMENTATION AND ADMISSION OF IMMIGRANTS
SEC. 61. 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. 62. 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, such foreign 
national is found to be inadmissible under this Act or any other law.
SEC. 63. 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 and 
offices.
SEC. 64. Visa Issuance Abroad. - All visas issuances abroad shall be done by 
Consular Officers assigned at Philippine Foreign Service posts in the following manner:
(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 ciassified, 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 Offices 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 
particular government office or agency can only be done in coordination with and upon 
recommendation of the government agency or office concerned.
SEC. 65. Requirements for Physical and Mental Examination Prior to Issuance 
ofimmigrant Visa. - Prior to the Issuance of an immigrant visa to any foreign national, 
the Consular Officer shail require such person co submit to a physical and mental 
examination in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the 
Commissioner.
SEC. 66. Visa Validity Period. - A single-entry non-immigrant or immigrant visa 
issued by a Consular Officer abroad pursuant to Section 64 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 ali the required fees.
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SEC. 67. Denial of Visa; Grounds. -The Consular Officer may deny the 
application for visa if it appears from the statements in the application or in the 
documents submitted that the applicant is not eligible for a visa under this Act, or if 
the applicant fails to comply with the requirements of any of the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 68. 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 net 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 Officer upon arrival at the port of entry.
CHAPTER 8
RE-ENTRY AND EMIGRATION CLEARANCE
SEC. 69. 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. 70. Emigration Clearance. - A registered foreign national who departs 
permanently from the Philippines shall surrender all Philippine immigration documents 
and apply for and be issued an Emigration Clearance Certificate, subject to the 
following conditions:
(a) The immigrant has no pending obligation with the government or any of its 
agencies or instrumentalities;
(b) The Immigrant has no pending criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding 
which requires continued presence in the country; and
(c) There is no ongoing legislative inquiry where the immigrant is called upon 
to testify as a witness.
A temporary visitor departing from the Philippines shall, after the expiration of 
the initial authorized stay, apply for emigration clearance and pay the prescribed fees 
and charges therefor.
CHAPTER 9
PRESIDENTIAL PREROGATIVES
SEC. 71. Presidential Prerogatives. - Any provision of this Act to the contrary 
notwithstanding, the President may:
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(a) Deny the entry and admission into the Philippines of, or impose such restrictions 
as may be deemed appropriate on, any foreign national or a class of foreign 
nationals, whenever the President finds that such entry would be detrimental 
to the interest of the Philippines;
(b) Waive passport or documentary requirements for non-immigrants and 
immigrants under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed;
(c) Change the status of non-immigrants by allowing them to acquire permanent 
residence status without necessity of a visa;
(d) Deport any foreign national, subject to the requirement of due process;
(e) Admit non-immigrants not otherwise provided for in this Act for humanitarian 
considerations and when not detrimental to public interest, under such terms 
and conditions as may be prescribed;
(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 
CHAPTER 1
CLASSIFICATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY
SEC. 72. Authority to Classify Ports. - The Commissioner shall classify and 
designate, from among the ports of entry established by law for immigration purposes, 
limited or unlimited ports of entry through which foreign nationals may be admitted 
into the Philippines. Only such classes of foreign nationals as provided under the rules 
and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner may be admitted at limited ports of 
entry. The Commissioner may, after due notice to the public, close designated ports 
of entry in the interest of national security or public safety.
CHAPTER 2
PROCEDURES ON ARRIVAL
SEC. 73. Inspection by Immigration Personnel. - A foreign national seeking 
admission or readmission shall present a valid passport and visa, if required, to the 
Immigration Officer at the port of entry and shall be subject to primary inspection. The
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decision of the examining Immigration Officer, if favorable to the admission of any 
foreigner, may be challenged by another Immigration Officer on any ground provided 
in this Act. The final determination on the admissibility of such foreign national shall 
be determined by the Commissioner within forty-eight (48) hours in case no resolution 
is reached between the Immigration Officers on the challenged admission. In case of 
admission, the Immigration Officer shall indicate in the passport the date, the port of 
entry and the identity of the vessel boarded.
SEC. 74. Detention or Quarantine for Examination. - For the purpose of 
determining whether a foreign national arriving at any port in the Philippines belongs 
to any of the classes excludable under this Act by reason of being afflicted with any of 
the contagious or communicable disease or mental disorder as set forth under Section 
84(a) of this Act or whenever the Commissioner has received information showing that 
foreigners are coming from a country or a place where any of such 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. 75. Medicai Examination Requirement - Any arriving foreign national 
whom the examining Immigration Officer believes to belong under the class of 
excludable foreign nationals specified in Section 84(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. 76. 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.
CHAPTER 3
FOREIGN CREWMEMBER
SEC. 77. Conditional Permit to Disembark. - A foreign crewmember of a vessel 
under Section 44(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
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crewmember arrived while the vessel remains in port under such terms and conditions 
as may be prescribed by the Commissioner.
SEC. 78. Confiscation and Canceiiation 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. 79. Liability for Overstaying Foreign Crewmen. - A foreign crewmember 
who remains in the Philippines in excess of the period allowed in the conditional permit 
issued shall be solidarity liable with the owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent 
or consignee of the vessel to pay the penalties prescribed In Section 125 of this Act.
SEC. 80. 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 employed by a vessel 
arriving in the Philippines and while in port, without first obtaining the prior permission 
of the Commissioner. Otherwise, such person or owner, operator, captain, master, 
pilot, agent or consignee of the vessel shall pay such fines as may be prescribed under 
this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance from any port in the Philippines while 
such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided, 
That a clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum 
or cash bond sufficient to cover such fines as approved by the Commissioner.
SEC. 81. Duty to Report Desertion or Illegal Landing of Foreign Crewmember. 
- The owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of any vessel shall 
immediately report, in writing, to the Immigration Officer all cases of desertion or 
illegal disembarkation in the Philippines from the vessel, together with a description of 
such foreign nationals and any information that shall result in their apprehension.
SEC. 82. Requirement for Submission of List of Newly Employed, Discharged 
and Illegally Landed Foreign Crewmember. - Prior to the departure of any vessel from 
the last port in the Philippines destined to any place outside thereof, the owner, 
operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee thereof shall deliver to the 
Immigration Officer at that port a list containing:
(a) The names of crewmembers who were not employed thereon at the time of 
the vessel's arrival on such port but will depart thereat on the same vessel;
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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.
SEC 83. Liability for Failure to Submit, Complete, True and Correct Report. - 
The owner and complete list or report of foreign nationals or to report cases of 
desertion or illegal landing shall pay such sum as may be prescribed under Section 121 
of this Act. No vessel shall be granted clearance from any port in the Philippines while 
such fines remain unpaid or while the validity thereof is being determined: Provided, 
that clearance may be granted prior to such determination upon deposit of a sum or 
cash bond sufficient to cover such fines as approved by the Commissioner.
CHAPTER 4 
EXCLUSIONS
SEC. 84. Exclusion Grounds. - The following classes of foreign national shall 
not be allowed entry and shall be excluded from the Philippines:
(a) Health Related Grounds
(1) Those who are found to be suffering from a communicable, 
dangerous or contagious disease, unless excepted under existing laws, rules 
and regulations;
(2) Those who are found to be suffering from 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;
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(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 contemptuous or disrespectfui behavior towards the said 
officer or any government official or employee of the Bureau;
(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:
(i) 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;
(Hi) any activity, the purpose of which is to overthrow the 
Philippine government by force, violence or other unlawful means; 
and
(iv) any other unlawful activity;
(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
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they present a written consent to travel from either parent citing the
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purpose thereof and affirmed by a Consular Officer; and
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(9) Those who have been identified by competent authorities, local and
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foreign, as having engaged or are engaging in importation of
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contrabands and other prohibited articles into the country.
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SEC. 85. Temporary Custody of Excludable Foreign Nationals. - For the
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purpose of ascertaining whether a foreign national arriving in the Philippines belongs
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to any of the excludable classes of foreign national provided in this Act or related laws,
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the Immigration Officer, for a period not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours, may
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temporarily take into custody for investigation such foreign national either on board
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the vessel or at a place designated for the purpose at the expense of the master,
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captain, agent, owner or consignee of the carrying vessel.
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SEC. 86. Finality of Exclusion Order. - An order by the Immigration Officer to
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exclude a foreign national who is excludable under this Act is final and executory unless
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revoked by the Commissioner upon a timely appeal prior to the implementation of the
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exclusion order.
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SEC. 87. Authority to Waive Grounds for Exclusion. - Except for grounds of
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exclusion under Section 84(d), subparagraphs 1 to 7 and 9, the Commissioner may
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waive any of the grounds for exclusion mentioned in Section 84 of this Act.
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SEC. 88. Procedure of Removal and Cost Thereof - Foreign nationals arriving
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in the Philippines who are ordered excluded shall be immediately removed in the same
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accommodation to the country where they boarded the vessel on which they arrived,
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unless the Commissioner determines that immediate removal is not proper and
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practicable, in which case such excluded foreign nationals shall be ordered detained.
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The cost of detention and other expenses incidental thereto shall be borne by the
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owner, operator, master, pilot, captain, agent or consignee of the vessel on which such
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foreigners arrived.
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SEC. 89. Country Where Removal is to be Directed. - If the government of the
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country designated in the preceding section will not accept the foreign national into its
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territory, the removal of the foreign national shall be directed, at the Commissioner's
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discretion to any of the following:
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(a) The country of which the excluded foreigner is a citizen or national;
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(b) The country of birth;
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(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
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to any of the foregoing countries is impractical or impossible.
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SEC. 90. 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 Section 98 
of this Act or other costs necessary or incidental to his removal as provided in 
this Act.
SEC. 91. Penalty for Non-compliance of Obligation. - The owner, operator, 
master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of a vessel who violates Section 90 of this 
Act shall pay the fines prescribed In Section 122 of this Act. No vessel shall be granted 
clearance from any port in the Philippines while such fines remain unpaid or while the 
validity thereof is being determined: Provided, That clearance may be granted prior to 
such determination upon deposit of a sum or cash bond sufficient to cover such fines 
as approved by the Commissioner.
TITLE V 
DEPORTATION
CHAPTER 1
DEPORTABLE FOREIGN NATIONALS
SEC. 92. Classes of Deportabie Foreign Nationals. - The following foreign 
nationals shall be taken into custody upon the order of the Commissioner and deported 
upon recommendation by the BSI and approval by the Board:
(a) Those who entered the Philippines: (1) by means of misrepresentations or 
false or misleading statements or documents, or (2) without inspection and admission 
by the immigration authorities;
(b) Those who were not lawfully admissible at the time of entry;
(c) Those who abet or aid in the practice of prostitution, including the owner or 
manager of a prostitution den, or who are pedophiles;
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(d) Those who, at any time after the date of entry, have become a public
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charge;
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(e) Those who remain in the Philippines In violation of any period of limitation
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or condition under which they were admitted;
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(f) Those who believe in, advise, advocate or teach the overthrowing by force
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and violence the Government of the Republic of the Philippines or any duly constituted
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authority, or those who do not believe in or are opposed to organized governments,
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or those who advise, advocate or teach the assault or assassination of public officials,
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or those who advise, advocate or teach the unlawful destruction of property, or those
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who are members of or affiliated with any organization entertaining, advocating or
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teaching such doctrines, or those who in any manner whatsoever extend assistance,
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financial or otherwise, in the dissemination of such doctrines;
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(g) Those who, at any time after entry, engage in, abet, aid or finance any
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terrorist activity;
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(h) Those who, at any time after entry, are charged of a crime involving acts or
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omissions punishable under Philippine penal laws cognizable by the Regional Trial
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Courts and the Sandiganbayan;
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(i) Those who, at any time after entry, are convicted by final judgment of a
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crime involving moral turpitude punishable under Philippine penal laws;
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(j) Those who were admitted as non-immigrants and who obtained an
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adjustment of their admission status for convenience, or through fraud, falsification of
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documents, misrepresentations or concealment of material facts;
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(k) Those who violated Philippine labor and taxation laws, rules and regulations;
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(I) Those who are found to be undesirable and whose further stay in the
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Philippines is inimical to public welfare and interest, or the dignity of the Filipinos, or
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the Republic of the Philippines as a sovereign nation;
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(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,
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altered or falsely made document; or use, attempt to use, provide, attempt to provide,
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accept or receive a genuine document, even of another person, without authority to
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do so for the purpose of satisfying or complying with the requirements of the Bureau;
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(n) Those whose presence or activities in the country may result in adverse
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consequences to Philippine foreign policies as determined by the Secretary of Foreign
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Affairs;
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(o) Those who misrepresented themselves as Filipino citizens in all immigration
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matters; and,
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(p) Those who commit any violation of the provisions of this Act, independent
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of any criminal action which may be brought against them: Provided, That in case of
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a foreign national who, for any reason, is convicted and sentenced to suffer both
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imprisonment and deportation, said foreign national shall first serve the entire period
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of the sentence before being deported.
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SEC. 93. Non-Prescription of Deportation Cases. - The right of the State to
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initiate deportation proceedings shall not prescribe.
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SEC. 94. 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 issued against foreign nationals facing 
preliminary investigation, prosecution and trial before competent authorities.
CHAPTER 2
DEPORATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS
SEC.95. Formai 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. 96. Baii. - Pending final determination of the foreign national's 
deportation case, the foreign national shall, upon the discretion of the Commissioner, 
remain under detention or be released on bail or recognizance. The bail may be 
revoked and confiscated in favor of the government if there is sufficient evidence that 
the foreign national is evading the proceedings or is attempting to abscond in which 
case such foreign national shall be taken into custody and placed under detention by 
order of the Commissioner.
SEC. 97. Custody of a Foreign Nationai Convicted of a Feiony or an Offense. - 
After service of the sentence or compliance with the conditions of parole or probation, 
as the case may be, the foreign national shall be taken into custody for immediate 
deportation by order of the Board.
SEC. 98. Voiuntary Deportation, When Authorized. - The Commissioner may 
waive the deportation proceedings and order the departure of the foreign national 
within the period specified in the voluntary deportation order if the foreign national 
does not contest the formal charge and opts to voluntarily leave the country and pays 
for all expenses: Provided, That the foreign national has not committed any criminal 
offense or has no pending criminal investigation: Provided, further. That the said 
foreign national so deported shall be barred from re-entering the country without prior 
written authorization from the Commissioner.
SEC. 99. Period to Enforce Order of Deportation. - The order of deportation 
shall be enforced immediately but in no case shall exceed three (3) months from the 
date it has become final and executory. If deportation is not enforced within the 
prescribed period, the foreign national may be released on bail or recognizance.
SEC. 100. 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;
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(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. 101. Reinstatement of a Deportation Order. - A deportation order 
previously implemented against a foreign national who unlawfully re-entered the 
Philippines shall be deemed automatically reinstated and shall be implemented in 
accordance with this Act. This provision shall also apply to a foreign national who 
departed voluntarily under Section 98 of this Act and re-entered the Philippines 
unlawfully or without prior written authorization from the Commissioner.
SEC. 102. 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. 103. Cost of Deportation. - The cost of deportation shall be borne by the 
owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent or consignee of a vessel in case its 
foreign crewmember is to be deported under Section 92 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.
SEC. 104. Liability of Owner, Operator, Captain, Master, Pitot, Agent or 
Consignee of a Vessel. - Failure or refusal on the part of the owner, operator, captain 
master, pilot, agent or consignee of a vessel to take on board, guard safely and 
transport the deportee to the foreign national's country of destination, or to shoulder 
the cost of deportation of the foreign crew member as provided in the preceding 
Section, shall be subject to the administrative fines prescribed under Section 122 of 
this Act.
SEC. 105. Expenses of Accompanying Person. - The Commissioner may, for 
security reason or by reason of the mental or physical condition of the deportee, direct 
an employee of the Bureau to accompany such deportee to the country of the 
deportee's destination, subject to the provisions of Section 103 of this Act.
CHAPTER 3
INDIGENT FOREIGN NATIONAL
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SEC. 106. Removal of Indigent Foreign National. - At any time after entry, the 
Commissioner may remove indigent foreign nationals from the Philippines to the 
country of which they are citizens or nationals, their country of birth, or their country 
of residence, as the case may be. The cost of deportation may be charged against the 
available funds of the Bureau. Any foreign national removed under this section shall 
be barred re-admission except upon written authorization of the Board.
This provision shall not apply to a foreign national declared as an indigent by 
any Philippine court for purposes of filing a case or to pursue an action which resulted 
in the individual's indigency until such case or action is resolved with finality: Provided, 
That no other grounds for deportation exist during the pendency of such case or action.
TITLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
CHAPTER 1
REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS
SEC. 107. Requirement of Registration. - All foreign nationals, regardless of 
any exemption provided by law, shall register with the Bureau or any Immigration 
Office nearest to their place of residence on or before the sixtieth (60th) day of their 
latest arrival in the Philippines.
SEC. 108. Registration Form and Oath. - Applications for registration shall be 
under oath and in such form as prescribed by the Bureau. Upon registration, a 
certificate of registration shall be issued to the registrant. In case of loss or destruction 
of the certificate, a replacement certificate may be issued by the Bureau upon proper 
application and payment of prescribed fees.
SEC. 109. Amendment of Registration. - Registered foreign nationals shall 
notify the Bureau in writing of any change of information in their registration 
documents not later than seven (7) days from such change.
SEC. 110. Presentation of Certificate of Registration. - Every foreign national 
required to register under this Act or the parent or guardian of such foreign national 
shall, upon demand by any personnel authorized by the Commissioner, present a 
certificate of registration of such individual, and failure to do so without justifiable 
cause shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 111. ReportoriaiRequirements. - 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
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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. 112. Failure to Comply with Requirements. - A foreign national, or the 
parent or guardian of the foreign national, who, without justifiable reason, fails to 
comply with all the requirements under this Act, or who files an application for 
registration containing statements known by the individual to be false, or who utilizes 
registration documents other than that of the individual, shall be dealt with in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act and other existing laws.
SEC. 113. Cancellation of Registration of Foreign National. - In case of death 
of a foreign national registered under the provisions of this Act, the legal heir, 
representative or administrator of the foreign national must inform the Bureau within 
sixty (60) days from such death, and the Bureau shall cancel the registration of the 
deceased foreign national. The Local Civil Registrar or other civil registry officer of the 
locality where said foreign national died shall furnish the Bureau with a copy of the 
Certificate of Death within thirty (30) days from issuance thereof. Failure on the part 
of the persons concerned to comply with the requirements specified in this Section 
shall be dealt with pursuant to the provisions of existing laws.
CHAPTER 2
BONDS AND DEPOSITS
SEC. 114. Bonds, When Required. - The Bureau shall have the authority to 
require cash bonds in such amounts and under such conditions as it may prescribe in 
order to:
(a) Control and regulate the admission into, and departure from, the Philippines
of foreign nationals applying for temporary admission;
(b) Insure against foreign passengers liable to be excluded as likely to become
public charges; and ensure the appearance of foreign nationals released from
custody during the course of deportation proceedings instituted against them.
SEC. 115. Requirement of Cash Deposits for Services Rendered. - The Bureau 
shall likewise have the authority to require cash deposits in such amounts as may be 
necessary from a vessel's owner, operator, captain, master, pilot, agent, or consignee 
or other persons served for services rendered as established by the implementing rules 
and regulations.
SEC. 116. Cancellation and Forfeiture of Bonds. - When the conditions of the 
bond are fulfilled, or in case the Commissioner determines that the likelihood that a 
foreign national shall become a public charge no longer exists, or in case of death of 
the foreign national in whose behalf the bond is posted, the bond shall be cancelled
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and released to the depositor or the legal representative of the foreign national. In 
case of violation of the conditions of the bond, the same shall be forfeited and 
deposited in a trust fund account which may be utilized for the purchase of passage 
tickets for the removal of indigent foreign nationals and to cover the costs of operations 
in locating deportees who jump bail.
CHAPTER 3 
RECOGNIZANCE
SEC. 117. Petitions for Recognizance, Sanctions for Breach of Conditions. - 
The Commissioner may order the release of a foreign national upon recognizance of 
the foreigner's lawyer or a person who is of good standing in the community, under 
such terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe. Failure to comply with the 
terms and conditions of the recognizance shall subject said lawyer or person to a fine 
of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00) but not more than One hundred 
thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00), without prejudice to other administrative sanctions 
or proceedings against the erring party.
CHAPTER 4
COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER OFFICES
SEC. 118. 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. 119. 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. 120. Working Cooperation with the Civii Aviation Authority of the 
Philippines (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. 121. Coordination with Law Enforcement, Security and Other Offices. - 
The Bureau 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.
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CHAPTER 5 
FEES AND CHARGES
SEC. 122. Authority of the Board to Prescribe, Impose and Coiiect Fees and 
Charges. - The Board is authorized to prescribe, impose and collect fees and charges 
for services rendered, pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
CHAPTER 6
ADMINISTRATIVE FINES
SEC. 123. Fine for Faiiing to Submit Crew List or Passenger Manifest, orFaiiure 
to Account Every Passenger and Crew. - Any owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, 
agent, or consignee of a vessel arriving at any port in the Philippines from a place 
outside thereof who fails to submit to the immigration authorities a complete and 
accurate crew list or passenger manifest, or fails to produce or account every 
crewmember or passenger whose name appears in said list or manifest shall be subject 
to fines of One hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00) and Fifty thousand pesos 
(Php 50,000.00) for each unaccounted person, respectively.
SEC. 124. Fine for Vioiation ofObiigation on the Landing or Removai of Foreign 
Nationais. - Any owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of any 
vessel arriving at a port of the Philippines from a place outside thereof having a foreign 
national on board in violation of this Act shall be fined not less than Fifty Thousand 
pesos (Php 50,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos (Php 
200,000.00) for each act or violation consisting of:
(a) Failure to prevent the landing of such foreign national in the Philippines at 
any time or place other than as designated by the Immigration Officer;
(b) Refusal or failure to detain a foreign national on board any such vessel at 
the port of arrival when required by this Act or so ordered by an Immigration Officer;
(c) Refusal or failure to deliver a foreign national for medical or other 
examinations when so ordered by an Immigration Personnel;
(d) Refusal or failure to pay the cost of maintenance and other costs, as required 
by this Act, of such foreign national when temporarily removed from the vessels for 
examination by order of the Immigration Officer;
(e) Refusal to receive such foreign national on board for removal from the 
Philippines if the foreign national is excluded, or to pay the cost of removal as required 
under Sections 90 and 104 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 
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.
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SEC. 125. Fine for Bringing Undocumented Foreign National or Foreign 
National Affiicted with Communicable or Contagious Diseases 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 (PhP200,000.00) but not more than 
Three hundred thousand pesos (PhP300,000.00) for each foreign national.
SEC. 126. Fine for Bringing a Foreign National to Assist His Illegal Entry or 
Misrepresenting a Foreign National as a Member of the Crew. - The owner, operator, 
master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of the vessel arriving at any port in the 
Philippines from a place outside thereof bringing on board a foreign national bound for 
the Philippines to assist the illegal entry of the foreign national, or misrepresenting the 
foreign national to the Immigration Officer at the port of arrival as a bona fide member 
of the crew, shall be fined not less than One hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00) 
but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos (Php 200,000.00) for each foreign 
national.
SEC. 127. Fine for an Overstaying Crewmember. - Any foreign crewmember 
who willfully remains in the Philippines beyond the period allowed for temporary 
landing shall be fined not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00) but not more 
than One hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00). The owner, operator, master, 
captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of the vessel shall be solidarily liable for the fine 
imposed on such overstaying crewmember.
SEC. 128. Fine for Assaulting an Immigration Personnel. - Any form of assault 
directed to any personnel of the Bureau is an act of disrespect. In case the assault is 
committed by a foreign national at the ports of entry and exit, such foreign national 
shall be excluded or deported, as the case may be, and shall be fined Two Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (PhP200,000.00) without prejudice to the right of the aggrieved 
Immigration Personnel to file appropriate criminal, civil or administrative cases against 
such person.
For purposes of this Act, an Immigration Officer shall be considered a person in 
authority while in the performance of official duty.
SEC. 129. Fine for Violation of Other Provisions of this Act. - The owner, 
operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee of any vessel arriving at any port 
of the Philippines from a place outside thereof who violates any other provision of this 
Act not specifically provided in this Chapter shall be fined not less than Fifty thousand 
pesos (Php 50,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos (Php 
200,000.00) for each violation.
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CHAPTER 7
2 
PENAL PROVISIONS
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SEC. 130. Prohibited Acts and Penalties. - Any person who shall commit any
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of the acts specified hereunder shall, upon conviction, suffer the penalty of
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imprisonment for not less than five (5) years but not more than ten (10) years, or a
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fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (PhP100,000.00) but not more than
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Five hundred thousand pesos (PhP500,000.00), or both Imprisonment and fine, at the
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discretion of the court:
10 
(a) Impersonating another individual, or falsely appearing in the name of a
11 
deceased individual, or evading Immigration laws by using an assumed or
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fictitious name when applying for an immigration document;
13 
(b) Issuing or otherwise delivering an immigration document or an immigration
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accountable form to any person not authorized by law to receive such
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documents;
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(c) Obtaining, manufacturing, printing, accepting or using any immigration or
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travel document knowing It to be false, or using an immigration accountable
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form that is not legally issued;
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(d) Entering or leaving the Philippines without inspection and admission by the
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immigration authorities, or obtaining entry into or departure clearance from the
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Philippines through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts;
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(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
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matter; or
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(g) Bringing into, or landing in the Philippines, or concealing, harboring,
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employing, or giving comfort to, any person not duly admitted by an
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Immigration Personnel or not lawfully entitled to enter into or reside within the
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Philippines, or attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to commit any
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such acts.
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Where the offender of any acts specified in paragraph (g) of this section is a
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corporation, partnership or other juridical entity, the president, general manager,
33 
managing partner, or chief executive officer thereof shall be held liable. Dismissal of
34 
the employee by the employer before or after apprehension shall not relieve such
35 
employer from any liability arising from the offense: Provided, That if the offender is
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the owner, operator, master, captain, pilot, agent, or consignee, or other person in
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charge of the vessel that brought the foreign national into the Philippines from any
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place outside thereof, the fine imposed under this section shall constitute a lien against
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the vessel which may be enforced in the same manner as fines are collected and
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enforced under existing laws. Such vessel shall not be allowed to depart without prior
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clearance issued by the Bureau. Where forfeiture is justified under the particular 
circumstances of the case, the forfeiture of the vessel in favor of the government in 
lieu of the fine shall be decreed.
Conviction by final judgment of any offense punishable under this Act or other 
related laws shall result in the automatic revocation or cancellation of any immigration 
document issued to the offender, including that of the foreign national's spouse and 
unmarried children, if applicable.
SEC. 131. Penalty for Aiding the Escape of Detained Foreign National. - Any 
person who shall be found to have helped, assisted, supported, caused or ministered 
the escape, including harboring and concealing, of a foreign national shall, upon 
conviction, be imprisoned for not less than five (5) years but not more than ten (10) 
years and a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (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. 132. Penalty for Non-compliance of Subpoena. - Any person who, having 
been duly served with a subpoena, fails to comply without valid and justifiable reasons 
shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not more than fifteen (15) days or a fine of 
not more than One Thousand pesos (Php 1,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the 
court.
SEC 133. Imposition of Maximum Penalty, When Applicable. - A person 
convicted under Republic Act No. 3019, as amended, otherwise Known as the "Anti- 
Graft and Corrupt Practices Act", or other laws against corruption and bribery in 
relation to any violation or circumvention of any provision of this Act shall suffer the 
maximum penalty under the said Republic Act or other laws against corruption and 
bribery, as the case may be.
CHAPTER 8
UPGRADING OF POSITIONS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
SEC. 134. Creation of New Positions, Reclassification of Existing Positions and 
Upgrading of Salary Levels. - The following positions in the Bureau are hereby created, 
and the existing positions reclassified or upgraded, with the corresponding salary grade 
levels:
EXISTING POSITION
RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ 
NEWLY CREATED 
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
From
To
Commissioner
Commissioner III
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30
Deputy Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner III
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EXISTING POSITION
RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ 
NEWLY CREATED 
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
From
To
Director II, Internal Affairs 
Service
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Attorney V
(Board of Special Inquiry)
Attorney V,
Board of Special Inquiry
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Attorney IV
(Board of Special Inquiry)
Attorney IV,
Board of Special Inquiry
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Attorney III,
Board of Special Inquiry
Attorney III,
Board of Special Inquiry
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Attorney V (Leqal Division)
Chief Legal Affairs Officer
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Attorney IV (Legal 
Division)
Attorney IV, Legal Division
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Attorney III (Legal 
Division)
Attorney III, Legal Division
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Chief Administrative 
Officer
(Administrative Division)
Chief Administrative Officer
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Supervising Administrative 
Officer
(Administrative Division)
Supervising Administrative 
Officer, Administrative Division
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Chief Immigration Officer 
(Allen Registration 
Division)
Chief Alien Registration Officer
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Intelligence Officer V 
(Intelligence Division)
Chief Immigration 
Intelligence Officer
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Chief Immigration Law 
Enforcement Officer
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Chief Immigration Officer 
(Port Operations Division)
Chief Immigration 
Operations Officer
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Chief Immigration Officer 
(Immigration Regulation 
Division)
Chief Immigration 
Regulation Officer
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Chief Human Resource 
Management Officer 
(Chief Personnel Specialist)
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Supervising Human Resource 
Management Officer
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Chief Administrative 
Officer
(Finance & Management 
Division)
Chief Finance and
Logistics Officer
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EXISTING POSITION
RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ 
NEWLY CREATED 
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
From
To
Supervising Administrative 
Officer
(Finance & Management 
Division)
Supervising Administrative 
Officer, Finance and 
Logistics Division
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22
Planning Officer V 
(Planning and Policy 
Division)
Chief Planning and 
Research Officer
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Planning Officer IV (PPD)
Planning and Research 
Officer IV
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Planning Officer III (PPD)
Planning and Research 
Officer III
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Planning Officer II (PPD)
Planning and Research 
Officer II
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Planning Officer I (PPD)
Planning and Research 
Officer I
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11
Information Technology 
Officer III (Management 
Information System Div)
Chief Information 
and Communications 
Technology Officer
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24
Information Technology 
Officer
Information Technology Officer
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19
Information System 
Analyst II
Information System Analyst
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Supervising Immigration 
Officer (IRD, ARD, POD)
Supervising Immigration 
Officer
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22
Intelligence Officer IV
Senior Immigration Officer
Senior Immigration Officer
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20
Immigration Officer
Immigration Officer III
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18
Immigration Officer
Immigration Officer
Immigration Officer II
13
15
Immigration Officer
Special Investigator II
Immigration Officer
Immigration Officer I
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13
Immigration Officer
Special Investigator II
Intelligence Agent II
Immigration Assistant
Administrative Officer V 
(Administrative Officer III)
Administrative Officer V
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18
Administrative Officer V 
(Administrative Officer III)
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1
2
3
4
5
6
EXISTING POSITION
RECLASSIFIED POSITION/ 
NEWLY CREATED 
POSITION
SALARY GRADE
From
To
Administrative Officer V 
(Cashier III)
Administrative Officer V 
(HRMO III)
Administrative Officer V 
(Records Officer III)
Administrative Officer V 
(Supply Officer III)
Administrative Officer V 
(Procurement)
Administrative Officer V 
(Management and Audit 
Analyst III)
Administrative Officer V 
(Budget Officer III)
Medical Officer III
Medical Officer III
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21
Computer Programmer II
Information Technology 
Officer I
15
19
Computer Maintenance 
Technologist II
Dentist II
Dentist II
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17
Fingerprint Examiner IV
Fingerprint Examiner IV
15
15
Accountant III
Accountant III
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19
Accountant II
Accountant II
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16
Accountant I
Accountant I
12
12
Board Secretary V
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Regional Programs Coordinator
22
Training Specialist III
18
Psychologist III
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Document Examiner III
18
Training Specialist II
15
Project Development Officer II
15
Psychologist II
15
Security Officer II
15
Computer Programmer I
11
Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, 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, furtheoThat.
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for the new positions created under this Act, the Board shall designate the personnel 
thereof.
SEC. 135. Additional Grant of Benefits. - The Bureau shall provide its 
employees with the following benefits:
(1) Health care services through an accredited Health Maintenance Organization 
for its regular employees;
(2) Accident Insurance policies for all employees;
(3) Night Shift differential and overtime pay for actual work rendered, in 
accordance with existing guidelines;
(4) 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;
(5) Transportation benefits;
(6) Quarters allowance; and,
(7) Hazard pay amounting to twenty percent (20%) of basic salary to qualified 
employees as may be determined by the Board.
SEC. 136. 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; Provided, That the amount so retained and used by the Board shall not exceed 
One billion two hundred million pesos (Php 1.2 Billion) every year; Provided, further, 
that the Board shall review every three (3) years the maximum allowable retained 
collections based on the needs of the Bureau under this Section, subject to the approval 
by the DBM; Provided, finally, that any excess in the collections under this paragraph 
shall accrue to the general fund of the national government.
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) 50% for the modernization of equipment, facilities and offices used by 
employees of the Bureau, including capital outlay for the establishment of new 
buildings and field offices for the effective implementation of this Act;
(b) 30% for the payment of employee benefits provided in this Act, and as may 
be hereafter provided by the Board with the approval of the Secretary of the 
DOJ; and
(c) 20% for the further professionalization of the employees of the Bureau 
including trainings, seminars and other career advancement programs.
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All interest income, dividends and earnings accrued from the ITF shall also form 
part of the Fund. No portion of the ITF shall revert to the general fund of the National 
Government, except when the ITF is no longer necessary for the purposes for which 
it was established.
Collections from express lane fees under Section ll(o) of this Act shall not form 
part of the ITF, and shall be used strictly in accordance with the said provision.
CHAPTER 9
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
SEC. 137. Interim Period. — The incumbent Commissioner and the two Deputy 
Commissioners, if qualified under this Act, shall continue to discharge the functions of 
their position unless otherwise removed by the President. All personnel of the present 
Bureau of Immigration shall continue to discharge the functions of their positions 
pending the reorganization as provided in this Act.
SEC. 138. Reorganization of the Bureau. - Upon approval of this Act, all 
employees of the Bureau of Immigration covered by civil service rules and regulations 
shall continue to hold their present positions pending the reorganization of the Bureau 
in accordance with the new staffing pattern: Provided, That the salaries, wages, 
allowances and other benefits of incumbent officers and employees of the Bureau shall 
not be subject to diminution: Provided, further. That employees who have been 
dismissed for cause shall no longer qualify for any position in the Bureau.
SEC. 139. Inventory and Transfer of Properties, Accounts, Assets, Liabilities 
and Obligations to the Commission. - All buildings, properties, equipment, facilities, of 
immigration shall be properly inventoried and transferred to the Bureau.
SEC. 140. Treaty or Agreement. - Any treaty or agreement entered into 
between the Philippines and any foreign state before the effectivity of this Act shall 
remain in force and effect.
SEC. 141. Pending Cases. - Any prosecution, suit, action, proceeding, or any 
act or matter, civil or criminal, pending at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall 
not be affected by any of the provisions of this Act unless otherwise explicitly stated 
herein.
CHAPTER 10
ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
SEC. 142. Administration and Implementation Abroad. - The administration 
and implementation of this Act abroad, including the rules and regulations, and specific
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visa policies or guidelines, shall be the responsibility of the DFA, with due notice to the 
Bureau and other concerned agencies and offices.
SEC. 143. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - 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. 144. 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 Section 134 of
this Act.
Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued implementation shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act or sourced from the Immigration 
Trust Fund pursuant to Section 134 of this Act.
CHAPTER 11 
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 145. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected 
thereby shall remain in force and effect.
SEC. 146. Repealing Clause. - Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known 
as the "Philippines Immigration Act ofl940"r as amended, and the Republic Act No. 
750, are hereby repealed. All provisions of existing laws, orders, rules and regulations 
or parts thereof which are in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 147. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following the completion of Its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a 
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,
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