CHAN ROBLE
LAW FIRM LINKS
Usually, a foreigner married to a
current or former Filipino
citizen, is allowed to enter the Philippines, without a visa and
stay for up to a year. The foreigner and their Filipino spouse have
to arrive in the Philippines together and just in case, they should
have their marriage certificate with them to prove that they are
husband and wife. Children of the marriage are allowed to enter for
a year too. So, have the birth certificates for the children too,
just in case. This arrangement is possible because of the Balikbayan
programme.
The details of the Balikbayan programme are
contained in Republican Act 6768 and it's amendment,
Republican Act 9174. To learn more about the Balikbayan programme,
click on this link:
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno9174.html
Some people have said in the past that you do not
need an onward ticket if you enter the Philippines as a Balikbayan.
On 10th August 2010, I wrote to the Bureau of Immigration and asked
if an onward ticket is a requirement for a Balikbayan. The answer
was yes. Their full reply is below.
| Dear Mr. Sibbick,
We would like to inform
you that the Balikbayan admission is under the category of
temporary visitor (tourist) and as such are required to
present valid travel documents including a return ticket or
an onward ticket or even a round trip ticket prior admission
in the Philippines .
The said ticket does not necessarily need to be confirmed
but its presentation proves that the tourist has the
intention to leave the country.
Have a nice day. |
However, in 2012, there was an announcement from the head of
immigration that Balikbayans do not need an onward ticket as they
are former Filipinos. This to me does not cover the spouse of a
former Filipino. So, the issue is again confused. My suggestion is.
if you are the spouse of a former Filipino, make sure you have an
onward or return ticket.
Republican Act 9208 regarding anti trafficking of women. This also
includes prostitution and pornography.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno9208.html
Republican Act 6955 declaring illegal the business of mail order
brides.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno6955.html
Republican Act 6425. Death to drug traffickers!
Even if you are carrying only what would be considered personal use
in other countries, you may still be arrested as a drug trafficker.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno6425.htm
Republican Act 7658 prohibiting the employment of
children below 15 years
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7658.htm
Republican Act 7610 providing protection for
children against abuse and exploitation.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7610.html
Republican Act 7811 declaring sexual harassment
unlawful.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno7877.html
Republican Act 9262 defining violence against
women and children and providing protective measures for victims of
abuse.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno9262.htm
Republican Act 8353 defining the crime of rape.
This is the anti rape law which in some circumstances proscribes the
death penalty.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8353.htm
Republican Act 9775 regarding possession and
making of child pornography
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2009/ra_9775_2009.html
Republican Act 9995 Anti Photo and Video
voyeurism act of 2009
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2010/ra_9995_2010.html
Republican Act 10364 an act expanding on
Republican Act 9208, regarding Anti Trafficking in women
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2013/ra_10364_2013.html