Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Philippines 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  _________
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS 
AN ACT 
PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS, ESTABLISHING 
THE REGFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS PROTECTION BOARD, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of  Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Refugees and Stateless 
Persons Protection Act of 2019”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Principles and State Policy.- 
(a) The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full
respect for human rights, including those of refugees and stateless persons.
(b) The Philippines adopts the generally accepted principles of international
law as part of the law of the land, and adheres to a policy of peace, equality,
justice, freedom, cooperation and amity with all nations.
(c) The Philippines affirms its commitment as State Party to the 1951
Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (“1951 Refugee
Convention”), and the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless
Persons (“1954 UN Convention”).
(d) The Philippines shall endeavour to establish and implement a system that
shall provide for the admission, for humanitarian reasons, of qualified
aliens and stateless persons, with due consideration to public and national
interest.
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(e) The State shall, as far as possible, facilitate the assimilation and 
naturalization of refugees. It shall make every effort to expedite 
naturalization proceedings and to reduce, as far as possible, the charges 
and costs of such proceedings. 
(f) The State shall endeavour to protect refugees and stateless persons, 
pursuant to its obligations as State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, 
the 1967 Protocol, and the 1954 Convention. 
SECTION 3. Objectives. -  This Act seeks to fulfil the following objectives: 
(a) To recognize, strengthen and promote the rights of refugees and stateless 
persons in the Philippines. 
(b) To establish the Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board 
(“Protection Board”) as the central authority in matters relating to the 
determination of status, and eligibility to avail of protection, as refugees 
and stateless persons; 
(c) To strengthen the Philippine government’s cooperation with the United 
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the facilitation of 
its duty of supervising the application of the provisions of the United 
Nations (UN) Conventions and the Protocol. 
 
 
CHAPTER II 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms.- For purpose of this Act, the following terms are 
hereby defined: 
 
 
(a) 1951 Refugee Convention – refers to the 1951 UN Convention relating to 
the Status or Refugees; 
(b) 1967 Protocol – refers to the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of 
Refugees; 
(c) 1954 UN Convention – refers to the 1954 Protocol relating to the Status of 
Stateless Persons; 
(d) Application – refers to the formal written to a refugee or stateless status, as 
the case may be, and initiates the status determination procedure; 
(e) Applicant – refers to a person who has submitted the Application, or in the 
case of a child or incapacitated person, the person on whose behalf the 
Application was submitted; 
(f) Bureau – refers to the bureau of Immigration; 


(g) Children - refers to persons below eighteen (18) years of age or those over 
but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from 
abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical 
or mental disability or condition; 
(h) Commissioner – refers to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration; 
(i) Dependent – includes persons with disabilities and persons at least 60 
years old unable to fully take care of themselves, related within the fourth 
degree by consanguinity or affinity to the Applicant; 
(j) DFA – refers to the Department of Foreign Affairs; 
(k) Exclusion – refers to any of the circumstances warranting disqualification 
form recognition as a Refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention, or a 
Stateless Person under the 1954 UN Convention; 
(l) Family Members – refer to the spouse and children who accompany the 
Applicant. The term also includes any person who is a dependent of the 
Applicant; 
(m) 
Protection Board- refers to the Refugees and Stateless Persons 
Protection Board; 
(n) Protection Officer – is a technical staff of the Secretariat of the Protection 
Board, who evaluates and process the claim of the Applicant to refugee or 
stateless and their eligibility for protection; 
(o) Refugee – is a person who, owning to well-founded fear of being persecuted 
for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social 
group or political opinion, is outside the country of his or her nationality; 
and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself 
of the protection of the country; or who, not having a nationality and being 
outside the country of his or her former habitual residence, is unable, or 
owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it; 
(p) Secretary – refers to the Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) 
(q) Stateless Person – is one who is not considered a national by any State 
under the operation of its law; and 
(r) UNHCR – refers to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 
 
 
 
CHAPTER III 
STATE RESPONSIBILITY AND RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF 
REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS 
 
 
 
SECTION 5. State Responsibilities – The State has the following obligations: 
 
(a) The State shall not remove or expel a refugee, save on grounds national 
security or public order, from the Philippines to a country where he or 
she would be at risk of persecution for reasons of race, religion, 
nationality, membership in a particular social group or political 
opinion; and 


(b) The State shall not impose penalties on refugees who enter Philippine 
territory albeit illegally, when they come from a territory where their 
life or freedom was threatened, provide they present themselves 
without unreasonable delay to the authorities and show good cause for 
their illegal entry or presence. No undue restriction on movement or 
travel shall be imposed other than those which are necessary and such 
restrictions shall only be applied until their status in the country. 
Reasonable time shall be allowed for such refugees to obtain admission 
into another country if they so decide for such an option. 
 
SECTION 6. Rights of Refugees. – The following rights of refugees under the 1951 
Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol are hereby adopted: 
1. The rights not to be returned (non-refoulement) to a country where he or 
she faces serious threats to his or her life or freedom; 
2. The right to practice their religion and freedom as regards the religious 
education of their children; 
3. The right of recognition as regards their personal status, which shall 
continue to be governed by the country of his or her domicile or residence. 
Rights relating to marriage and family relations shall be respected in the 
Philippines; provided said rights are recognized under the laws of the 
country of origin; 
4. The right to acquire personal properties, and/or enter into lease 
agreements or contracts relating contracts relating to personal or real 
property; 
5. The right for the recognition and respect of the property rights of refugees 
pertaining to inventions, design, models, trademarks, trade names and 
rights in literary, artistic, and scientific works; 
6. The right to be members of non-political and non-profit making 
associations. Non-political shall include organizations working on human 
rights and humanitarian assistance; 
7. The right of access to legal remedies in courts and quasi-judicial bodies, 
including legal assistance from law enforcement, administrative and 
constitutional bodies; 
8. The right to engage in self-employment as well as wage employment, 
subject to labor restrictions to protect the national labor market; 
9. The right to adequate standard of living, housing and medical needs, and 
be provided with subsistence support  not less than what is extended to 
indigent Filipinos; and 
10. The right of children to be enrolled in schools and when applicable, access 
to university scholarships in State institutions. Aside from the foregoing 
rights to be treated equally with other non-nationals, and in conformance 
with internationally recognized legal standards. 
 
 
 


SECTION 7. Rights of Stateless Persons. – The following rights of stateless persons 
under the 1954 UN Convention are hereby adopted: 
 
1. The right to be accorded the same treatment given to aliens generally; 
2. The right not to be forcibly removed from Philippine territory; 
3. The right to personal status to be governed by the law of his  or her 
residence; 
4. The right to property, including intellectual property rights, to be no less 
than that accorded to aliens generally; 
5. The right to be treated at least favourably as aliens generally with regard 
to participation in wage-earning employment; 
6. The right to be issued travel and identity documents within Philippine 
territory; 
7. The right not to be expelled except on ground of national security or public 
order; 
8. The right to be members of non-political and non-profit making 
associations. Non-political associations shall include organizations 
working on human rights; 
9. The right of access to legal remedies in courts and quasi-judicial bodies, 
including legal assistance from law enforcement, administrative and 
constitutional bodies; 
10. The right to adequate standard of living, food, housing and medical needs, 
and be provided with subsistence support not less than what is extended 
to indigent Filipinos; and 
11. The right of children to quality education and lifelong learning for adults. 
 
SECTION 8. Obligations of Refugees and Stateless Persons.- Refugees and stateless 
persons have the obligation to abide by the laws and regulations of the Republic of 
the Philippines, as well as the measures for the maintenance of public order and 
national security. Their manifest willingness to abide by this obligation shall be a non-
waivable condition for their admission and continued stay within Philippine territory. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS PROTECTION BOARD 
 
SECTION 9. Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board. – There is 
hereby created the Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board (“Protection 
Board”) as the central authority in matters relating to the determination of the status 
of refugees and stateless persons and their eligibility for protection. Accordingly, the 
Bureau of Immigration’s principal responsibility “for the administration and 
enforcement of immigration, citizenship and alien admission and registration laws” 
under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613, as 
amended) and the Administrative Code of the Philippines of 1987 (Executive Order 
No. 292), in so far as it relates to the determination of the status of refugees and 
stateless persons and their eligibility for protection, is hereby modified and 
transferred to the Protection Board. Likewise, the Refugees and Stateless Persons 


Protection Unit (RSPPU) in the Legal Staff of the DOJ is hereby abolished, and its 
duties and responsibilities are transferred to, and assumed by the Protection Board. 
 
SECTION 10. Composition of the Protection Board. – The Protection Board 
shall be composed of the Secretary of the DOJ (“Secretary”), or his/her representative 
with a rank of at least Assistant Secretary, as ex officio Chairperson; the Secretary of 
the DFA, or his/her representative with a rank of at least Assistant Secretary, as ex 
officio Vice Chair; the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (“Commissioner”); 
the National Security Adviser, or the latter two (2) officials’ representatives with a 
rank of at least Director, as ex officio members; and four (4) other members to be 
appointed by the President for a non-renewable term of five (5) years including a 
representative from the civil society with a strong advocacy and experience in refugee 
crisis management; Provided, that there shall be appointed three (3) lawyers who 
shall at least have the qualification of a regional trial court judge; Provided further, 
that all four (4) appointees shall have relevant training and experience in either areas 
of human rights, immigration, social work, or refugee protection. 
 
SECTION 11. Powers and Functions of the Protection Board. – The Board 
shall have the following powers and functions: 
(a) To prescribe rules and regulations as it may deem reasonably 
necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act; 
(b) To receive, examine and decide applications for status as refugee or 
stateless persons, resolve requests for provisional protective measure 
related to pending applications; 
(c) To set the guidelines for the operations of the Secretariat which shall 
be under the control and direct supervision of the Board; 
(d) To promote programs related to the protection of refugees and 
stateless persons; 
(e) To closely coordinate and cooperate with the UNHCR, particularly by 
facilitating the latter’s duty of supervising the application of the 
provisions of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1954 UN 
Convention. 
(f) To make a reports to the competent organs of the UN, including the 
UNHCR, in the appropriate form with information and statistical data 
requested concerning: 
i 
The condition of refugees and stateless persons; 
ii The implementation of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 
1954 UN Convention; and 
iii Laws, regulations and decrees which are, or may hereafter, in 
force relating to refugees and stateless persons. 
 
(g) To perform such other functions on matters relating to its mandate, as 
may be determined by the President. 
 


               SECTION 12. Relationship with the Department of justice. – The Protection Board 
shall be attached to the DOJ for coordination of its policies and programs. 
              SECTION 13. Secretariat. – The protection Board shall be assisted by a Secretariat, 
which may come from the existing personnel of the RSPPU in the Legal Staff of the DOJ, 
without prejudice to the hiring of additional personnel as determined by the Board. 
 
 
The following shall be the functions of the Secretariat: 
 
(a) Receive, evaluate, and process applications; 
(b) Recommend to the Protection Board the approval or disapproval of 
application; 
(c) Assist the Protection Board in technical functions; and 
(d) Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Board. 
The Chairperson of the Protection Board shall appoint a Board Secretary, who 
shall head the Secretariat. There shall be such number of technical and administrative 
staff, including legal officers and paralegals, as determined by the Protection Board to 
accommodate the volume of required work. 
SECTION 14. Operating Budget. – The initial operating budget of the 
Protection Board shall be Fifty million pesos (₱ 50,000,000). Thereafter, such sums 
as may be necessary for its continued operation shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriation Act. 
 
CHAPTER V 
PROCEDURE 
 
 
 
SECTION 15. Application. – The Application may be filed directly with the 
Protection Board, or in the central office or any field office of the Bureau in the port 
of entry/admission of the Applicant. In the latter case, the Commissioner or the 
concerned immigration officer shall transmit the Application to the Protection Board 
within (10) days from the date of receipt thereof. To be submitted with the 
Application are the Applicant’s travel document, identification document including 
proof of relationship to any accompanying family members, and such other 
documents to support the claim to refugee or stateless status, where available. 
 
SECTION 16. Suspensive Effect of the Application. – The Protection Board, 
through the Board Secretary, shall notify the Commissioner of the receipt of the 
Application. Following receipt of the notice, any proceeding for the deportation or 
exclusion of the Applicant and/or his or her dependents shall be suspended. If the 


Applicant and/or his or her dependents is/are in detention, the Secretary, subject to 
the conditions that he or she may impose may direct the Commissioner to order his 
or her and/or their release. The Commissioner shall furnish the Protection Board a 
copy of the Release Order. 
 
SECTION 17. Priority of Refugee Status Determination. – Where in the 
Application for recognition as a stateless person or in the processing thereof, a 
refugee claim appears to exist, the stateless status determination shall, with the 
consent of the Applicant, be suspended and the Application shall be considered first 
to refugee status determination. If the claim to refugees status is denied with finality, 
the stateless status determination shall recommence automatically. 
 
SECTION 18. Burden of Proof. -  The responsibility of proving a claim to 
refugee or stateless status is a shared and collaborative burden between the 
Applicant and the Protection Officer assigned by the Secretariat to evaluate, 
investigate and process the Application. The Applicant has the obligation to provide 
accurate, full and credible account or proof in support of his/her claim, and submit all 
relevant evidence reasonably available. 
 
A finding that the Applicant is a refugee is warranted where he or she has met the 
definition of the refugee under this Act. The finding that the Applicant is stateless is 
warranted where it is established, to a reasonable degree, that he or she is not 
considered a national by any State under the operation of its laws. This involves the 
examination of the nationality laws of the country with which the Applicant has a 
relevant link (by birth, descent, marriage or habitual residence).  
 
The UNHCR Guidebook for Status Determination may be used for guidance by the 
Board. 
SECTION 19. Basic Principles. – The evaluation of an Application shall be 
governed by the following basic principles: 
(a) An Applicant shall not be deprived of refugee or stateless status, and 
shall not be discriminated in the application of the Conventions, on 
account of race, religion, political opinion, membership in a particular 
social group, or country of origin; 
(b) An Applicant and/or his or her dependents during the pendency of his 
or her Application, or a refugee shall not be expelled or returned to a 
country where there are valid reasons to believe that his or her life or 
freedom would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, 
nationality, membership in a particular social group or political 
opinion; 


 
(c) An Applicant for refugee status and/or his or her dependents shall not 
be punished on account of his/her illegal entry or presence in the 
country, provided he or she presents himself without delay to the 
authorities and/or shows good cause for his or her illegal entry or 
presence; 
(d) As much as possible, the approval of an Application should consider 
the preservation and promotion of family unity; and 
(e) An Applicant shall not be detained on account of being stateless or 
refugee. 
 
SECTION 20. Rights of an Applicant. – The Applicant has the right to legal 
counsel. He or she is entitled to have the services of an interpreter, if necessary, at all 
stages of the refugee status determination and for the purposes of the preparation of 
the written application and for the interview. He or she shall not be denied access to 
the UNHCR. 
If an Applicant is a person with disability, he/she shall be provided the necessary 
assistance to present his/her case to the Board, including but not limited to medical 
support and sign language interpreters. 
 
SECTION 21. Interview. – The Protection Officer, as assigned by the 
Secretariat, shall interview the Applicant to receive evidence, oral and/or 
documentary, to substantiate the claim. The Applicant has the right to have the 
interview conducted in a manner that shall ensure confidentiality. 
 
SECTION 22. Decision. – A written decision on the Application shall be 
rendered by the Protection Board within sixty (60) days from submission by the 
Board Secretary of the report and recommendation concerning an Applicant. 
The Protection Board, through the Board Secretary, shall notify the Applicant of the 
decision in writing, recognizing refugee or stateless status. In case the Applicant is 
disapproved, the decision shall state the reasons supporting the same, a copy of which 
shall be furnished the Applicant. 
The decision shall include a finding that the person is not excluded under Section 32 
of this Act. If the Application is approved, the decision shall expressly state that the 
grant of status as a refugee or stateless person shall be subject to the non-waivable 
condition that he/she shall comply with the obligations of such protected persons 
pursuant to Section 8 of this Act. 


 
SECTION 23. Request for Reconsideration. – In case the Applicant is 
disapproved, the Applicant may request reconsideration of the decision. Only one (1) 
request shall be allowed to be filed within thirty (30) days from receipt of the 
decision. The Protection Board shall issue a written resolution on the reconsideration 
within a reasonable time. 
 
SECTION 24. Finally of Decision. -  Where the Application is denied with 
finality, the Applicant shall be afforded sufficient time to leave the country unless he 
or she holds another immigration status or the Commissioner has authorized his or 
her continued sta. Any deportation proceeding that has been suspended pursuant to 
Section 16 thereof may be reactivated. 
 
 
SECTION 25. Effects of Recognition. – Refugees and stateless persons may 
enjoy and exercise such rights and privileges accorded by the UN Conventions, subject 
to Philippine laws and regulations. The benefits of recognition, as appropriate, shall 
automatically inure to the accompanying family members duly included in the 
Application, except those excluded under Section 32 of this Act. 
The Protection Board shall notify the Commissioners of its decision. 
 
SECTION 26. Non-Suspension of the Stateless Status Determination. – In the 
case of Application for stateless status, this procedure shall proceed notwithstanding 
the Applicant seeking acquisition or reacquisition of nationality, resettlement in 
another country, readmission to former country of residence, or is subject 
deportation or extradition. 
                         SECTION 27. Termination of the Procedure. – The procedure shall terminate 
on any of the following grounds: 
(a) Withdrawal of the Application; 
(b) Abandonment of the Application; or 
(c) Death of the Applicant. 
In case of death of the Applicant, the Application shall survive in respect to the accompanying 
family members who are included in the Application. 
           SECTION 28. Applicants Requiring Assistance. – The Protection Board,         through 
the Secretariat, shall ensure that unaccompanied minors, persons with disabilities, and other 
persons unable to fully take care of themselves are referred to the appropriate government 
agencies and/or non-government organizations for their care, welfare, and access to legal 
services, including the filling of the appropriate application. 


         SECTION 29. Provisional Measures. – Pending decision or finally of judgement in the 
Application, an Applicant, through the Protection Officer and the Board Secretary, may apply 
with the Protection Board, and may be granted such provisional measures, which are 
reasonably necessary to protect the personal security, liberty and property of the Applicant. 
In the enforcement of such provisional measures, the Protection Board may enlist the 
assistance of concerned government agencies and the UNHCR. 
This provision is without prejudice to the continued application of Executive Order No. 304 
dated 31 august 1987 authorizing the Task Force on Refugee Assistance and Administration, 
and the DFA to respectively issue identity papers and travel documents to refuges and 
stateless persons staying in the Philippines. 
         SECTION 30. Coordination with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the 
UNHCR. – The Protection Board may seek the CHR and the UNHCR for their expertise, 
technical guidance and assistance. It shall inform the CHR and the UNHCR about relevant 
policies and programs pursued by the Philippine Government toward ensuring the 
implementation and compliance with the UN Conventions and the provisions of this Act. 
        SECTION 31. Confidentiality of Information. – The information provided by an 
Applicant shall be confidential and may only be used to make a determination of the veracity 
of the factual statements in the application. The information may, however, be made 
available, upon request, to the UNHCR and the National Security Council. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
EXCLUSION 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 32. Persons Excluded from the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1954 UN 
Convention. – The benefits received under this Act shall not apply to those persons excluded 
from the application of 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1954 U.N. Convention, namely: 
(a) Those already receiving from organs or agencies of the UN other than the 
UNHCR protection or assistance, so long as they  are receiving such 
protection or assistance; 
(b) Those already recognized by the competent authorities of the country in 
which they have taken residence as having the rights and obligations which 
are attached to the possession of the nationality of that country; and, 
(c) Those with whom serious reasons exist that: 
i 
They have committed a crime against peace, a war crime, a 
crime against humanity, or acts or terrorism, as defined in 
the international instruments drawn up to make provisions 


in respect of such crimes and Philippine laws, including 
Republic Act No. 9372 or the “Human Security Act of 2007”; 
ii They have committed a serious non-political crime outside 
the Philippines prior to their admission to the Philippines; 
and 
iii They have been found guilty of acts contrary to the purposes 
and principles of the UN. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
JUDICIAL APPEAL 
 
        SECTION 33. Judicial Review. – In accordance with the Rules of Court, under Rule 34, 
the Applicant may seek judicial review of the decision or resolution of the Protection Board 
within the period prescribed. 
        SECTION 34. Finality of the Decision Denying Recognition. – The decision denying 
recognition is deemed final where the Applicant did not request reconsideration of the 
decision denying recognition or seek judicial review. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
CANCELLATION, REVOCATION, AND CESSATION OF REFUGEE STATUS 
 
        SECTION 35. Initiating Proceedings for Cancellation, Revocation, and Cessation of 
Refugee Status. – The Board may, motu proprio, or upon a verified complaint, initiate 
proceedings for cancellation, revocation, or cessation of refugee status. 
        SECTION 36. Cancellation of Refugee Status. – The refugee status shall be cancelled if: 
(a) The recognition was granted as a result of intentional misrepresentation 
or concealment by the Applicant or a third party of facts that were material 
to the determination of his/her refugee status; or 
(b) There is new evidence that shows that the Applicant ought not to have 
been recognized as a Refugee. 
        SECTION 37. Revocation of Refugee Status. – The refugee status shall be revoked 
where there has been a finding that the person granted refugee status is excluded under 
Section 32 of this Act. 
 


        SECTION 38. Cessation of Refugee Status. – The refugee status shall cease if a Refugee: 
(a) Voluntarily re-availed himself of herself of the protection of the country of 
his or her nationality; 
(b) Voluntarily re-acquired his or her lost nationality; 
(c) Voluntarily acquired a new nationality and enjoys the protection of the 
country of his or her nationality; 
(d) Voluntarily re-established himself or herself in the country he or she left, 
or in a country where he or she remained owing to fear of persecution; 
(e) Enjoys the protection from the country of his or her nationality, because 
the reasons in connection with which he or she was granted refugee status 
have ceased to exist; Provided, that this paragraph shall not apply to a 
refugee who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous 
persecution for refusing to avail himself or herself of the protection of the 
country of his or her nationality; or 
(f) Not having a nationality, returned to his or her country of habitual 
residence due to changed circumstance; Provided, that this paragraph 
shall not apply to a refugee who is able to invoke compelling reasons 
arising out of previous persecution for refusing to avail himself or herself 
of the protection of the country of his or her former habitual residence. 
        SECTION 39. Re-instatement of Stateless Status Determination. – If the Application 
was suspended under Section 16 and the refugee status has been cancelled or revoked or 
has ceased for any of the foregoing grounds, except under subsections (b) and (c) of Section 
38 herein, the procedure to determine stateless status shall then proceed. 
        SECTION 40. Cancellation of Stateless Status. – The stateless status shall be cancelled 
where the stateless person has obtained a nationality or reacquires his or her former 
nationality. 
        SECTION 41. Revocation of Stateless Status. – The stateless status shall be revoked 
where: 
(a) Recognition was granted on mistake of fact or law; 
(b) Recognition 
was 
obtained 
by 
means 
of 
fraud 
or 
intentional 
misrepresentation; or 
(c) New evidence indicates that the stateless person ought not to have been 
recognized as such. 
        SECTION 42. Reconsideration of Decision and Judicial Review. – A refugee or stateless 
person may seek reconsideration and judicial review of the cancellation, revocation or 
cessation of the status as provided herein. 


        SECTION 43. Notification to the Bureau. – The Protection Board shall notify the Bureau 
when the cancellation, revocation or cessation of the refugee or stateless status has become 
final. 
CHAPTER IX 
REMOVAL 
 
        SECTION 44. Removal of a Refugee or a Stateless Person. – A Refugee or a Stateless 
Person may be removed from the Philippine territory: 
(a) When he or she has been convicted with finality of a serious offense and is 
considered a danger to the community after having served his or her 
sentence; or 
(b) On grounds of national security or public order. The expulsion shall only 
be in pursuance of a decision reached in accordance with due process of 
law. Except where compelling reasons of national security require, the 
refugee or stateless person shall be allowed to submit evidence to clear 
himself or herself, and to appeal and be represented by legal counsel for 
that purpose before a competent authority. The refugee or stateless person 
subject of removal shall be allowed a reasonable period within which to 
seek admission into another country. 
 
CHAPTER X 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
        SECTION 45. Implementation. – The Protection Board shall be appointed within three 
(3) months from the effectivity of this Act and shall convene one (1) month thereafter. The 
Protection Board shall promulgate and issue the necessary rules and regulations within 
three (3) months after its constitution. 
        SECTION 46. Separability Clause. – Should any provision of this Act be declared invalid, 
the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and subsisting. 
        SECTION 47. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees and issuances, executive 
orders, rules and regulations or part thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
        SECTION 48. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
        Approved,