Other Government Services

Procedure and Requirements

Source: Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Los Angeles, formerly the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)

 Checklist of requirements:

 For individual employment contracts of agency hires:

Notarized individual employment contract signed on all pages by the Foreign Placement Agency (FPA), employer, and the partner Philippine Recruitment Agency (PRA).

  1. If the employer has its own Employment Contract or Offer Letter (US), submit a notarized addendum to the master employment contract signed on all pages by the Foreign Placement Agency (FPA) and Employer.
  2. Employee’s colored copy of passport’s biometric page.

For individual employment contracts of “Balik-Manggagawa” or returning workers who are vacationing for the first time:

  1. Notarized individual employment contract signed on all pages by the employer and worker.
  2. If the employer has its own Employment Contract or Offer Letter (US), submit a notarized addendum to the master employment contract signed on all pages by the principal or his/her authorized representative.
  3. Employee’s colored copy of passport’s biometric page, valid for at least six (6) months from the date of intended departure.
  4. Proof establishing employment with the current employer such as current certificate of employment, current company ID or payslip.
  5. Copy of current visa stamp on the passport.

For individual employment contracts of “Balik-Manggagawa” or returning workers who have existing records with the DMW, who are returning to the same employer but to a different country:

  1. Notarized individual employment contract signed on all pages by the employer and worker.
  2. If the employer has its own Employment Contract or Offer Letter (US), submit a notarized addendum to the master employment contract signed on all pages by the principal or his/her authorized representative.
  3. Employee’s colored copy of passport’s biometric page, valid for at least six (6) months from the date of intended departure.
  4. Proof establishing employment with the current employer such as current certificate of employment, current company ID or payslip.
  5. Copy of current visa stamp on the passport.
  6. Letter from the employer, attesting to the transfer of job site of the worker.

For individual employment contracts of “Balik-Manggagawa” or returning workers who are not registered with the DMW or who changed employers onsite

  1. Notarized individual employment contract signed on all pages by the employer and worker.
  2. If the employer has its own Employment Contract or Offer Letter (US), submit a notarized addendum to the master employment contract signed on all pages by the principal or his/her authorized representative.
  3. Employee’s colored copy of passport’s biometric page, valid for at least six (6) months from the date of intended departure.
  4. Proof establishing employment with the current employer such as current certificate of employment, current company ID or payslip.
  5. Copy of current visa stamp on the passport.
  6. Sworn statement of the worker, providing explanation on how s/he was hired by the current employer.

Schedule of verification fees:

DOCUMENT TYPE

SERVICE FEE

Notarized individual employment contract

$10

Notarized addendum to the employment contract

$10

Modes of payment:

  1. ACH transfer
  2. Wire transfer (with $15.00 additional wire transfer fee)
  3. Postal money order: Address the check to Macy Monique A. Maglanque and refer to the payment schedule of verification fees above for the amount to be indicated.

Process flow and courier instructions:

  1. Submit a complete set of original and typewritten requirements to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Los Angeles by sending original copies and the FedEx or UPS Airway bill at:

MWO Los Angeles Mailing Address

Recipient: Migrant Workers Office-Los Angeles / Labor Attaché Macy Maglanque

Address: 3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2285, Los Angeles, California, 90010, USA

Kindly provide your FedEx Account number or create one if you do not have one. This step is mandatory.

You are going to fill out two (2) Airway Bills:

  1. Airway Bill #1 is going to be attached to the outside of your package. This includes your ordinary shipping details such as:

Sender: (Your address)

Recipient: (MWO-Los Angeles’s address)

  1. As for Airway Bill #2 or Return Label, kindly fill up the details in such a way that the sending party and location is from the MWO Los Angeles office address and shipping to your preferred recipient’s address. Kindly include Airway Bill #2, as well as an empty FedEx envelope, inside your package.
  2. Upon receipt of documents, the MWO Los Angeles shall check and review all required documents, and shall be guided by the principle of “first come, first served” basis.
  3. The process of accreditation shall include Pre-Accreditation Zoom meeting if said employer/s will be hiring Filipino workers coming from the Philippines for the first time.
  4. Within three (3) to five (5) working days (excluding the holidays declared by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles) from the submission of all documents and after the pre-accreditation virtual meeting, MWO Los Angeles shall act on the application/request for accreditation, and which action may either be an indorsement or outright denial.
  5. MWO Los Angeles will inform the representative of the employer/s through email immediately within the said period.
  6. MWO Los Angeles will also send an “Assessment of Fees and Payment Instructions” form for approved verified documents for documents without postal money order. Payment is by ACH or wire transfer, or postal money order.

For Postal Money Order: Address the check to Macy Monique A. Maglanque and refer to the payment schedule of verification fees below for the amount to be indicated.

After payment of the employer through ACH or wire transfer, MWO Los Angeles shall wait for the reflection of the payment in the bank and process the documents accordingly.

     7. MWO Los Angeles will drop the documents to FedEx or UPS box based on the recipient details in the provided FedEx or UPS Return Label.

Getting the status of submitted documents:

A web link has been developed that the public can use to check the status of physical documents for verification that are submitted to the MWO Los Angeles).

To check the status of one’s submitted documents:

  1. Go to the link: https://t.ly/GQ3Y
  2. Key in the password. (Please email [email protected] or this will already be provided to you upon transmittal of the status of your documents via email.)
  3. Type in the name of the Principal in the search box.
  4. See the status of the documents.

For further inquiries on the verification of employment contracts, please contact the MWO Los Angeles at +12132231120 or send them an email at [email protected].

Source: Office of the Agriculture Counsellor, Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Any person intending to import fresh fruits and vegetables to the Philippines for personal and non-commercial use must file an application for Plant Quarantine Clearance using the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Q Form No. 1, to be emailed to [email protected] and [email protected] for initial evaluation.

Once the evaluation is done, the BPI will advise the applicant to comply with the other requirements and provide the bank details for the regulatory fee to be settled.

For other inquiries, please contact the Office of Agricultural Counsellor at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. at [email protected] and [email protected].

Additional information:

Source: Office of the Agriculture Counsellor, Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

 The following are the veterinary quarantine guidelines for the import by returning Filipinos and other travelers of meat intended for personal or non-commercial use, as outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 48, series of 2021 of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI):

DESCRIPTION

IMPORT PERMIT REQUIREMENT

Processed fully-heat treated meat products, including canned meat, regardless of weight from countries free from Transboundary Animal Diseases (such as African Swine Fever, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease)

Subject to regulations of the Food and Drug Administration. No SPS Import Clearance required from the BAI

Meat and meat products from banned countries shall be subject to immediate confiscation.

Processed but uncooked meat products (e.g., salted, cured, in brine, smoked, marinated, etc.) from countries free from Transboundary Animal Diseases (such as African Swine Fever, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease)

Maximum weight of ten (10) kilograms per passenger. No SPS Import Clearance required from the BAI.

The passenger may present either a Veterinary Health Certificate, proof of purchase or any valid document indicating the source of origin.

Meat and meat products from banned countries shall be subject to immediate confiscation.

Unprocessed meat products (e.g., frozen meat)

SPS Import Clearance from the BAI is required, regardless of weight.

Any commodity under this description that arrived without a SPS Import Clearance shall be subject to confiscation.

All hand-carried products with or without SPS Import Clearance must pass all Veterinary Quarantine Inspection procedures.

For other inquiries, please contact the BAI at [email protected] or the Office of Agricultural Counsellor at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. at [email protected] and [email protected].

Source: Bureau of Customs (BOC)

Can anyone import a motor vehicle to the Philippines?

Yes, provided that the motor vehicle is brand new.

When is a motor vehicle considered “brand new”?

To be considered brand new, a motor vehicle must be:

  1. of current or advance year model in the country of origin and/or manufacture; or
  2. of year model immediately preceding year in the country of origin and/or manufacture, provided that:
    1. the motor vehicle has a mileage of not more than 200 kilometers
    2. the motor vehicle has been acquired by the importer from the dealer as the first owner

How about used motor vehicles?

Only qualified used motor vehicles are allowed for importation, and only qualified individuals may import such qualified used motor vehicles, which must be duly covered by a Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) from the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The CAI must be secured before the actual importation of the used motor vehicle/s.

What used motor vehicles are allowed for importation?

Under Executive Order No. 877-A, s. 2010, only the following used motor vehicles are allowed for importation:

  1. Personally-owned motor vehicles, under the No-Dollar Importation (NDI) Program
  2. Motor vehicles for the use of an official of the Diplomatic Corps (authorized to be imported by the Department of Foreign Affairs)
  3. Trucks with Gross Vehicular Weight (GVW) of 2.5 tons and above
  4. Buses with Gross Vehicular Weight (GVW) of 6 tons and above
  5. Special purpose vehicles
  6. Motorcycles

Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) refer to a range of motor vehicles specially constructed or adapted, equipped with various devices that enable them to perform certain non-transport functions (e.g., gre trucks, crane lorries, mobile radiological units, mobile drilling derricks, concrete mixer lorries) or a specialized type of motor vehicles used for the transport of persons or goods (e.g., ambulances, funeral hearses).

Who are qualified to import personally-owned and used motor vehicles under the No-Dollar Importation Program?

The following are the individuals allowed to import one (1) used personally-owned motor vehicle:

  1. Returning Residents or Philippine passport holders who have resided abroad for at least one year (accumulated within a three-year period of their stay abroad up to the date of filing of application for CAI)
  2. Immigrants holding 13g or 13a Philippine visas or dual citizens
  3. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) holders under the Philippine Retirement Act
  4. 47(a)(2) Philippine visa holders under the Balik-Scientist Program

Are there restrictions on the importation of personally-owned and used motor vehicles under the No-Dollar Importation Program?

Yes. The personally-owned motor vehicle must:

  1. be a left-hand drive
  2. have a Gross Vehicular Weight (GVW) not exceeding 3,000 kilograms (3 tons)
  3. be registered under the name of the qualified importer for at least six (6) months prior to the submission of the application for CAI
  4. have a Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CREC) from country of origin, duly authenticated by the Philippine embassy or consulate abroad (under Republic Act No. 8749)

What other restrictions must be complied with when importing personally-owned and used motor vehicles under the No-Dollar Importation Program?

Other conditions are as follows:

  1. Only one (1) motor vehicle shall be allowed per family (composed of the husband, wife and unemancipated minor children), and the program can be availed of only once.
  2. The motor vehicle is for personal use, and cannot be resold for at least three (3) years. Personal appearance of applicant at the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) is required prior to the release of the motor vehicle from the Bureau of Customs.

Are there restrictions on used trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles?

Yes. Only the following are allowed for importation:

  1. left-hand drive vehicles
  2. those with qualified GVWs (not applicable to special purpose vehicles)

Is the imported motor vehicle subject to payment of customs duties and taxes?

Yes. Whether brand new or used, the imported motor vehicle is subject to payment of customs duties, taxes and other charges, as follows:

  1. Customs duty – This is based on the Dutiable Value (DV) of the imported vehicle. The duty rate depends on the type of the vehicle. For automobiles, the applicable rate is either 20 percent (for 10-seater or above) or 30 percent (for 9-seater or below).
  2. Ad Valorem Tax (AVT) – This is applicable only to automobiles. The rate is generally based on the Landed Cost (LC), except brand new automobiles consigned to car dealers/manufacturers. Revenue Regulation 25-2003, as amended by Revenue Regulation 05- 2018, provides for the schedule of automobile AVT rates.
  3. Value Added Tax (VAT) – For automobiles, the rate is 12 percent based on the sum of the Landed Cost (LC) and the Ad Valorem Tax (AVT). For other vehicles, the rate is 12% based on the Landed Cost (LC).
  4. Import Processing Fee (IPF) – IPF rates range from P250.00 to P1,000.00 (depending on the DV).
  5. Documentary Stamp Fee (DSF) – DSF rate is fixed at P265.00.
  6. Container Security Fee – This is applicable if the imported vehicle is containerized. CSF rate is the peso-equivalent of $5.00 (for 20-footer) or $10.00 (for 40-footer).
  7. Certificate of Payment Fee (CPF) – CPF rate is fixed at P100.00.

Are spare parts, which are imported with the motor vehicle, also taxable?

Yes. These are taxed separately.

How can one inquire about the duties and taxes payable?

One may inquire about the duties and taxes payable by sending an email at [email protected]. The Bureau of Customs will provide estimated duties and taxes based on the details you have sent.

Are there other charges due aside from customs duties and taxes?

Yes. There are non-customs charges which may be due on the imported vehicle such as but not limited to:

  1. Arrastre charges, payable to the arrastre/port operator
  2. Storage fees and wharfage dues, payable to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)
  3. Brokerage fees, payable to the nominated customs broker

How important is the Certificate of Authority to Import?

The Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) is very important if the motor vehicle does not qualify as “brand new”. A used motor vehicle not covered by a CAI shall be seized and may only be released upon payment of heavy penalties or fines, on top of the duties and taxes due thereon.

How is the Certificate of Authority obtained?

A CAI may be obtained by submitting the complete documentary requirements to the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB). For personally-owned motor vehicles under the NDI Program, the general documentary requirements are as follows:

  1. Completely filled-out and notarized FTEB Application Form
  2. Completely filled-out and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking
  3. One (1) copy of 2×2 picture with signature
  4. Picture of the motor vehicle
  5. Original or authenticated copy of Car Title or Registration, with English translation (if necessary)
  6. Processing fee of P1,500.00 for cars, and P900.00 for motorcycles

For trucks, buses and special purpose vehicles, the documentary requirements are as follows:

  1. Completely filled-out and notarized FTEB Application Form
  2. Completely filled-out and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking,
  3. Original pro-forma invoice and photocopy
  4. Business Name if Single Proprietorship/Partnership or SEC if Corporation (for new applicant only)
  5. Original or Authenticated copy of Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CREC)

Are there specific or additional documentary requirements for each qualified importer under the NDI Program?

Yes. The specific or additional documentary requirements are as follows:

  • For Philippine passport holders: Original or authenticated copy of pages with entries of both old and new passport
  • For dual citizens: (1) One original or authenticated copy of Philippine and foreign passport; and (2) Original or authenticated copy of Identification Certificate or Oath of Allegiance issued by the Bureau of Immigration or Philippine consulate/embassy, in lieu of a Philippine passport
  • For foreign passport holders (13A and 13G Philippine visa holders): (1) Original or authenticated copy of passport, stamped with a valid 13A or 13G visa; and (2) Immigrant Card (I-card)
  • For Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) holders: Original or authenticated copy of passport, stamped with a valid SRRV
  • For Filipinos/foreigners of Filipino descent under the Balik-Scientist Program (47A2 Philippine visa holders): Original or authenticated copy of passport, stamped with a valid 47A2 visa

Where is the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau located?

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) is located at 1-2F UPRC Building 315, Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

The FTEB may be contacted through the following:

Telephone number: (+632) 811 8231 or (+632) 403 1417

Email address: [email protected] or [email protected]

Is depreciation in value accorded to imported used motor vehicles?

Yes. For used motor vehicles under the NDI Program, the rates of depreciation shall follow the schedule (as prescribed under CAO 07-2014) shown on the table below:

Depreciation Table (Straight Line Method)

Automobile Year Model

Allocated Depreciation

Current year

None

1 year old

10%

2 years old

20%

3 years old

30%

4 years old

40%

5 years old or older

50%

 For used trucks and heavy equipment, the rates of depreciation shall follow the Straight Line Method at 10 percent per year but in no case shall it exceed 90 percent.

Is the importation of boats and yachts allowed?

Yes, provided that the importation is covered by an Import Permit from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

For further inquiries from those coming from the Bay Area and the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains, contact the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Silicon Valley through the following:

Email address: [email protected]

Telephone number: (415) 773-2336

Source: Office of the Agriculture Counsellor, Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Pet owners or one-time importers are those who import their pet cats and dogs for companionship/guide or non-profit breeding, non-commercial purposes on a one-time basis.

Please see attached requirements, guidelines, and forms that need to be filled out for one time importation of pets:

For other inquiries, contact the Agricultural Counsellor at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. at [email protected] and [email protected].

Source: Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Los Angeles

Who needs OWWA membership?

All Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are mandated to be a member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Being a member means that an OFW is documented and a legal worker, and is eligible for life insurance and other social benefits given by OWWA. Their beneficiaries are also entitled to other OWWA benefits and programs.

What is the purpose of OWWA membership?

OWWA aims to protect and promote the welfare of OFWs and their families. All OWWA members are eligible for different kinds of benefits and programs such as social benefits, education and training, repatriation, and reintegration services.

What are the benefits of OWWA membership?

Being an OWWA member means that an OFW is a legal Filipino worker, and is thus eligible for all benefits and protection that the Philippine government can offer.

  • Education and training
  • Reintegration programs
  • Repatriation assistance benefits
  • Social benefits
  • Welfare programs

OWWA also provides in-country (i.e. the Philippines) assistance for OFWs and their families in the Philippines, such as:

  • Post-repatriation assistance
  • Referrals
  • Request of families/next-of-kin from OWWA overseas post for assistance
  • Stress debriefing or counseling
  • Temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway House
  • Transportation allowance to their provinces

How long is the validity of OWWA membership?

The validity of OWWA membership is from the time a member pays for the membership fee. It must be renewed every two years until the end of the employment contract.

How to become an OWWA member?

The documentary requirements for OWWA membership application are as follows:

  1. OWWA Membership Form
  2. Photocopy of passport (data page)
  3. Employment Pass or Work Permit Card
  4. Employment Contract
  5. membership fee

How much is the OWWA membership fee?

Since OWWA is a membership institution, there is a membership contribution worth US$25.00. This entitles members to various benefits from OWWA’s programs and services.

How to renew OWWA membership?

OFWs should renew their OWWA membership every two years regardless of their contract duration, change of employer, job site or recruitment agency.

OFWs should provide proof of active employment when renewing their membership with OWWA.

If OFW is abroad, they may ask their next-of-kin or relatives to renew at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office nearest them.

To renew online via the OWWA Mobile App:

  1. Download the OWWA Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store
  2. Sign up and create an account or log in with an existing account
  3. Check the profile to see the Employment Contract
  4. Click “Information” in the app to see the membership status. If the status is “Inactive,” click “Renew Membership Here.”
  5. After clicking “Renew Membership Here,” check the membership status again. If the status has changed to “Active,” then OWWA membership has been successfully renewed.

For more information, visit the official websites of the Migrant Workers Office in Los Angeles and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Source: Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Process of Renewal of Philippine Driver’s License of Filipinos Living/Working Abroad

CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS

WHERE TO SECURE

1.     Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form

Official LTO website;

Client Service Assistant (CSA)/PACD of the License Section, LTO Central Office;

Licensing Centers and Licensing Extension Offices;

District Offices and Extension Offices;

DLROs and E-Patrol

2.     Presentation of one copy of passport (first page, visa page, stamp of departure from the Philippines, and stamp of latest arrival in the Philippines)

 

3.     Presentation of original Letter of Authority of authorized representative

 

4.     The licensee shall present him/herself within 30 days upon arrival in the Philippines to the same office where the renewal was made for photo-taking, and submit the following:

a.     Electronically transmitted Medical Certificate from LTO-accredited medical clinic (present the original Certificate, and submit one photocopy)

b.     First page and arrival page of the passport (present the passport, and submit one photocopy)

c.     Original Official Receipt, which serves as a temporary Driver’s License

d.     Electronically submitted Certificate of Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) for the initial renewal of the Driver’s License with five-year validity

e.     Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Reorientation Course for applicants with five to nine and ten or more, but less than 40 demerit points

LTO-accredited medical clinics

LTO Public Portal;

LTO Driver’s Education Center (DEC)

LTO Driver’s Education Center (DEC)

 Process of Converting a Foreign Driver’s License to a Philippine Non-Professional Driver’s License

Qualifications:

 Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle

  1. Must be able to read and write in English, Filipino and/or any major Philippine language/dialect
  2. Must be a holder of a valid foreign Driver’s License (in case of an expired Driver’s License, the applicant must have passed the theoretical examination and practical driving test)
  3. Must not have an unsettled traffic violation
  4. Must have passed the practical examination for applicants (Filipinos and foreigners) from countries operation right-hand drive vehicles
  5. Must have a valid Philippine Visa for at least 120 days upon date of arrival

CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS

WHERE TO SECURE

1.     Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form

Official LTO website;

Client Service Assistant (CSA)/PACD of the License Section, LTO Central Office;

Licensing Centers and Licensing Extension Offices;

District Offices and Extension Offices;

DLROs and E-Patrol

2.     Electronically transmitted Medical Certificate from LTO-accredited medical clinic (present the original Certificate, and submit one photocopy)

LTO-accredited medical clinics

3.     Valid foreign Driver’s License (present the Driver’s License, and submit one photocopy)

Original official English translation if the Driver’s License is not in English

Local embassy of the issuing country

4.     First page, visa page, and latest arrival page of the passport (present the passport, and submit one photocopy)

 

5.     If employed in the Philippines: Tax Identification Number (TIN)    

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

 Notes:

  1. Heavy or Articulated Vehicles for Foreigners: Foreigners shall only be allowed to operate Driver’s License Code BE, C, CE or D upon submission of an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), stating therein that the applicant is required or authorized to operate such and must comply with the experience and training requirements stated in the Supplemental Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10930.
  2. For renewal of invalid or expired Philippine Driver’s License with valid foreign Driver’s License and additional Driver’s License code, the applicant should pass the theoretical and practical examination (not required if the vehicle category in the Philippine Driver’s License is found in the foreign Driver’s License).
  3. The Driver’s License category in the foreign Driver’s License should serve as PDC for the equivalent Philippine Driver’s License code being applied for.

If the issuing country practices left-hand driving, the applicant must undergo practical driving test.

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Serbilis website

To request for the PSA Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate or CENOMAR online, please visit: https://psaserbilis.com.ph/.

The Serbilis website is the online facility of the Philippine Statistics Authority for submitting requests for copy issuance of civil registry records (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate), and issuance of Certification of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR).

The Serbilis portal of the Philippine Statistics Authority accepts requests for the delivery of PSA civil registry certificates and the CENOMAR from within and outside the Philippines.

For requests made outside the Philippines, a fee of $20.30 per copy is charged for copy issuance of the PSA Birth/Marriage/Death Certificate, and a fee of $25.30 per copy for the issuance of the CENOMAR. For more information on payment, click through this link.

The schedule of delivery to other countries is dependent on the services of Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the restrictions in each destination country. As an option, one can avail of special courier services through DHL Express. For special courier services through DHL Express, delivery charges shall be to the requester’s/document owner’s account and shall be billed separately and directly by DHL Express. For more information on delivery, click through this link.

Source: Bureau of Immigration (BI)

Who can apply?

A foreign national, who wishes to be acknowledged as a Filipino citizen, whose father and/or mother was/were Filipino citizen/s at the time of the applicant’s birth.

Where to apply?

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Main Office, Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

What to bring?

Please see the general instructions and checklist of documentary requirements.

How to apply?

  1. Secure the Checklist of required documents from either at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at BI G/F Main Office or from the official BI website.
  2. Proceed to the Records Section to secure copies of documents of the principal.
  3. Submit the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) to process this transaction.
  4. Get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
  5. Pay the required fees.
  6. Verify status of application whether approved or not.

If approved, claim the Certificate of Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship, Order of Approval and Oath of Allegiance.

Source: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

Republic Act No. 8981 or the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Modernization Act of 2000 allows professionals who are former citizens of the Philippines and who had been registered and issued a Certificate of Registration (COR) and a Professional Identification Card (PIC) prior to their naturalization as foreign citizens, to practice their profession while on a visit, sojourn or permanent residence in the Philippines, provided that they shall have been issued special permits and updated PICs by the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) concerned.

All professionals requesting for the renewal of their PICs shall be required to present competent proof of Philippine citizenship (e.g., PSA-authenticated birth certificate, valid Philippine passport, Identification Certificate/Certificate of Retention or Reacquisition for dual citizens).

Application to secure special permit to practice in the Philippines

A former Filipino professional may practice his/her profession in the Philippines, provided that s/he secures a special permit (SP) and updates his/her PIC.

The following requirements shall be submitted to the Regulation Division (RD) for the SP application:

  1. Application form
  2. Old PRC COR and PIC (if available);
  3. Certificate of Employment (work must be related to his/her profession) or proof of compliance with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement;
  4. Proof of citizenship;
  5. Certificate of With or With No Pending Case; and
  6. Proof of payment of processing fee.

Application for PIC renewal of those who reacquired/retained Philippine citizenship

A former Filipino professional who has reacquired or retained Philippine citizenship pursuant to Republic Act No. 9225 or the Dual Citizenship Law may apply for PIC renewal.

The applicant shall file with the Licensure Registration Division the following requirements:

  1. Identification Certificate from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, or Certificate of Reacquisition/Retention from the Bureau of Immigration;
  2. Proof of membership in the accredited integrated professional organization, if mandated by the pertinent regulatory law;
  3. Proof of compliance with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements;
  4. Copy of new Oath of Professional; and

Proof of payment of renewal fees, including applicable surcharge/s.

Source: Social Security System (SSS)

As of 2024, San Francisco and the U.S. West Coast is currently being serviced by the Social Security System (SSS) in Los Angeles, which may be reached via email at [email protected].

The Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) Program refers to the reporting of pensioners to the SSS on a yearly basis to ensure the continuous payment of their monthly pensions, subject to their continuing eligibility to the said benefit in accordance with the Social Security Act of 2018.

The following pensioners shall be required to comply with the ACOP Program:

  1. Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines who are 80 years old and above starting March 2024;
  2. Retirement pensioners residing abroad;
  3. Total disability pensioners;
  4. Death/Survivor pensioners; and
  5. Dependent children under guardianship.

Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines who are below 80 years old may be required to comply with the ACOP Program under certain circumstances as determined and upon notification by the SSS.

The action to be undertaken by the SSS regarding a pensioner’s account as a result of ACOP Program implementation and in accordance with these Guidelines shall be as follows:

  • Continue the pension benefit;
  • Suspend the pension benefit;
  • Cancel the pension benefit; or
  • Resume the suspended or canceled pension benefit.

Schedule of Compliance

Existing pensioners who are required to comply with the ACOP Program shall report to the SSS on the following schedule:

TYPE OF PENSIONER

SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE

Retirement

Month of birth of the pensioner

Total disability

Death/survivor

Month of birth of the deceased member

Dependent children under guardianship

Month of birth of the member/deceased member

Initial ACOP compliance of the pensioner shall be on the above-mentioned schedule after one year from the approval of his/her retirement/total disability/death pension benefit claim application.

Early ACOP compliance shall be allowed up to two months prior to the above-mentioned schedule.

For more information on ACOP, please read the entirety of SSS Circular No. 2023-013 or send an email to the SSS Office in Los Angeles via email at [email protected].

Source: Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)

The travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the country irrespective of the place where the air ticket is issued and the form or place of payment, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1183, as amended.

Pursuant to Section 73 of Republic Act No. 9593, 50 percent of the proceeds from travel tax collections shall accrue to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, 40 percent shall accrue to the Commission on Higher Education for tourism-related educational programs and courses, and 10 percent shall accrue to the National Commission for Culture and Arts.

How much is the travel tax?

Taxable individuals may be charged the full travel tax, the standard reduced travel tax and the privileged reduced travel tax:

TRAVEL TAX RATES

FIRST CLASS PASSAGE

ECONOMY CLASS PASSAGE

Full travel tax

P2,700

P1,620

Standard reduced travel tax

P1,350

P810

Privileged reduced travel tax for a dependent of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)

P400

P300

Who are exempted from the travel tax?

The following Filipino citizens are exempted from the payment of travel tax pursuant to Section 2 of PD 1183, as amended:

  1. Overseas Filipino Workers
  2. Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one year
  3. Infants (two years old and below)

 

Note: In all cases, you will be required to bring your original passport.

There are other individuals qualified to avail of exemption. Please see the complete list below. Table also shows requirements to avail of the exemption.

EXEMPT PASSENGERS

REQUIREMENTS

Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Officials and Members of their Staff

Certification from the Office of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs or their respective Embassy/Consulate

Officials, Consultants, Experts, and Employees of the United Nations (U.N.) Organization and its agencies

U.N. Passport or Certification of Employment from the UN office or its agency

Note: Dependents are also exempted if fare is paid for and certified by the U.N. For dependents of employees of other U.N. agencies, a certification and proof from the organization/agency is required

United States (U.S.) Military Personnel including dependents and other U.S. nationals with fares paid for by the U.S. government or on U.S. Government-owned or chartered transport facilities

Government Transport Request (GTR) for a plane ticket or certification from the US Embassy that the fare is paid from the US Government funds

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

●    If hired through POEA, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) serves as the Exemption Certificate

●    If directly hired abroad, a Certificate of Employment issued by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate in the place of work or an Employment Contract authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate

Note: The OEC is valid as Exemption Certificate if used in going to the OFW’s worksite

Crewmembers of airplanes plying international routes

Certification from the Civil Aeronautics Board that the crewmember is joining his aircraft, indicating the crewmember’s name, position, and location of aircraft

Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one year

●    Copies of the identification pages of passport and stamp of last arrival in the Philippines

●    Proof of permanent residence in foreign country (e.g. US Green card, Canadian Form 1000, etc)

●    Certification of Residence issued by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate in the country which does not grant permanent resident status or appropriate entries in the passport

Philippine Foreign Service Personnel officially assigned abroad and their dependents

Certification to this effect from the Department of Foreign Affairs

Officials and Employees of the Philippine Government traveling on official business (excluding Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations)

Certified true copy of Travel Authority or Travel Order from the Department Secretary concerned to the effect that such officials/employees are traveling on official business

Grantees of foreign government funded trips

Proof that travel is funded or provided by a foreign government

Bonafide Students with approved scholarships by appropriate government agency

Certification to this effect from concerned government agency

Note: “Student” is defined as a person attending formal classes in an educational institution for the purpose of taking up a course leading to a diploma, the duration of which is not less than one year

Infants (Up to second birthday on date of travel)

In case the original passport cannot be presented, the original birth certificate and photocopy of ID page of passport

Personnel (and their dependents) of multinational companies with regional headquarters, but not engaged in business, in the Philippines

Certification to this effect from the Board of Investments

Those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest

Written authorization from the Office of the President expressly entitling the passenger to travel tax exemption

As provided under Republic Act No.. 6768, Balikbayans whose stay in the Philippines is less than one year

Identification pages of passport and stamps of last departure from and arrival in the Philippines, duration of which is at least one (1) year

Airline ticket used in traveling to the Philippines

As provided under RA 6768, Family members of former Filipinos accompanying the latter

Foreign passport of former Filipino or other evidence of former Philippine Citizenship

Birth certificate or adoption papers of children and / or marriage contract of accompanying spouse

How to get a refund?

Travelers may file a claim for a full travel tax refund for various reasons, including but not limited to travel travel exemption (enumerated above) or unused ticket. Travelers may apply for a partial travel tax refund if they are eligible for reduced travel tax.

For more information on the requirements and process for getting a refund,, please visit the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority website: https://tieza.gov.ph/travel-tax-refund/

Source: International Press Center, Presidential Communications Office

Requirements:

  1. 2023 Press Accreditation Form
  2. Letter of request stating purpose of their visit in the country and request for accreditation, addressed to

                                       Lorina G. Delos Reyes

                                      Head

                                     International Press Center

                                    News and Information Bureau

                                   Contact No. +639189792861

                                  Email: [email protected]

         3. List of TV equipment for the release of their equipment from the Bureau of Customs (must be ATA Carnet registered)

        4. Consolidated Crew list. (Use the MS Excel form attached)

        5. 3 pcs. 2×2 colored picture white background for each of the production crew members

        6. Photocopy of passports (pages 1 and

        7. 5 bylined photo/articles published not later than 3 months (freelance)

        8. Properly filled up IPC application form and Health Declaration Form

        9. Vaccination card and health insurance from country of origin

      10. Filling of Special Work Permit at the Bureau of Immigration @P6500/person Including notary public fee. (Can be done directly with Bureau of Immigration or through the International Press Center)

Note: Standard health protocols issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases must be strictly observed during their stay in the Philippines.

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