Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 419)
The main purpose is to amend Paragraph 2, Section 9, of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 to allow aliens admitted as nonimmigrants in the Philippines to adjust their status to permanent residents without leaving the country, under certain conditions.
Before PD No. 419, nonimmigrant aliens could not remain in the Philippines without first leaving voluntarily to a foreign country, obtaining the proper visa from a Philippine Consul abroad, and undergoing re-examination upon reentry.
The alien must be properly documented at entry, make a proper application for adjustment, be qualified for admission as an immigrant and admissible as such, and there must be corresponding immigrant quota numbers immediately available at the time of application approval.
The application must be approved by the Immigration Commissioner.
The National Intelligence Security Authority of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Commissioner of Immigration and Deportation must conduct thorough screening and find the alien qualified for permanent residence.
A key reason is the shortage of gasoline which makes it difficult for applicants to go abroad to comply with existing law requirements.
No, it amends, repeals, or modifies any provisions of law, rule, or regulation that are contrary to its provisions.
It took effect immediately upon its signing on March 20, 1974.
It was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos and attested by Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor.
Corresponding immigrant quota numbers must be immediately available to the applicants at the time their application is approved.