Question & AnswerQ&A (OTS)
A 'Tour Guide' is an individual licensed by the Department of Tourism to guide tourists, both foreign and domestic, for a fee, commission, or other lawful remuneration.
Only Filipino citizens may qualify; however, aliens with permanent resident status may be granted a license if there is reciprocity, meaning Filipino tour guides are allowed to guide in the alien's country.
An applicant must submit proof of passing a seminar for tour guides, a certificate of good health, clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation, proof of employment and other documents if alien, and the latest income tax return.
The license fee is Seventy Five Pesos (P75.00) per year. The license is valid until 31 December of the next 2 succeeding years.
Renewal is between 15 December to 15 January every two years. Requirements are similar to initial application except for seminar proof and reciprocity, unless the applicant has been inactive for more than two years.
A surcharge of one hundred percent (100%) of the regular license fee is imposed if renewal is late.
Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or conviction more than once of acts enumerated in the grounds for suspension.
Dishonesty, misrepresentation, misconduct, forced tipping, failure to wear an ID, and violation of the rules or orders of the Department.
Imprisonment from one to six years, a fine between Four Thousand to Twenty Thousand Pesos, or both, under Presidential Decree No. 1463.
The Department exercises quasi-judicial powers to resolve cases filed against tour guides according to its complaint rules and procedures.
Yes, such data are confidential and cannot be divulged without consent or Secretary's order; violation by officials is punishable by law.
Yes, the Department may enlist aid from any government agency, civil or military, for enforcement of these rules.
The Code of Ethics adopted from recognized tour guide associations forms part of these rules; however, in case of conflict, these rules prevail.
The Department may impose fines from One Thousand to Ten Thousand Pesos, or suspend/revoke licenses for violations of these rules or orders.
They took effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or a national newspaper of general circulation.