Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 562)
Aliens residing in the Philippines must apply for registration within thirty days after the approval of the Act, at designated offices depending on their locality.
Accredited officials of foreign governments recognized by the Republic of the Philippines, including their official staff and family members, are exempted from registration.
The parent or legal guardian must register the alien under fourteen years old, and the alien must apply in person for registration within fifteen days after attaining their fourteenth birthday.
The forms must include name, age, date and place of birth, citizenship, civil status, spouse's name if married, number and age of children, residence, occupation, entry particulars, intended activities, expected length of stay, criminal record if any, and photographs.
The registration fee is fifty pesos.
Failure to apply for registration can result in a fine up to five thousand pesos, imprisonment up to one year, or both. Failure to notify change of residence can result in a fine up to one thousand pesos, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
The offender may be fined up to five thousand pesos, imprisoned for up to one year, or both, and if convicted within five years after entry, shall be deported by order of the President.
Every alien must exhibit their certificate of registration upon demand of immigration officials or law enforcement officers; failure to do so can lead to fines and imprisonment.
An alien must surrender their certificate of registration to the official in charge at least twenty-four hours before departure and be issued a clearance certificate unless in possession of a reentry permit.
Every alien must report in person within the first sixty days of every calendar year to designated offices and have their registration certificate noted with a fifty-centavo documentary stamp. Parents or guardians must report for aliens under fourteen years old.