Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF INSTRUCTION NO. 26)
The order was issued by Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Republic of the Philippines, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Department of National Defense is ordered to require prior clearance for any person (citizen or foreign national) who wishes to travel abroad, as a measure to control and prevent the escape of persons suspected of criminal conspiracy against the government.
Exemptions include members of the diplomatic corps, foreign tourists, permanent residents returning to their countries, immigrants and dependents, government officials on official business, government scholars, international organization officials, legitimate foreign crew members of vessels and aircraft, Filipino military personnel in active US service and their dependents, and foreigners recognized as treaty traders.
Even exempted persons must comply with usual requisites such as having NBI and BIR clearances and valid passports.
The exemptions are intended to spare these persons from undue inconvenience while limiting foreign travel to only necessary and minimal expense activities to the Philippine Government during the national emergency.
The order remains effective for the duration of the national emergency declared or until otherwise ordered by the President or his duly designated representative.
The Letter of Instruction references Proclamation No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972, which declared the national emergency and martial law in the Philippines.
Organizations such as the UN and UN bodies, SEATO, ASEAN, ASPAC, ADB, ECAFE, ILO, US AID, WHO, IAEA, FAO, UNESCO, GATT, and similar are mentioned. Conferences and programs under these organizations are also referenced.
The Letter of Instruction No. 26 implements provisions related to travel restrictions under the authority of Proclamation No. 1081, reinforcing control measures during the martial law/national emergency period.