QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 7919)
RA 7919 is the “Alien Social Integration Act of 1995.” It grants legal residence status to certain aliens through a social integration program in the Philippines under specified conditions.
The State shall control and regulate admission and integration of aliens into its territory and political order, integrating aliens with unlawful residence status into mainstream society subject to national security and interest, and consistent with internationally recognized human rights.
It covers aliens whose stay is otherwise illegal under existing laws and who entered the Philippines prior to June 30, 1992. Also included are those who availed in good faith of the benefits of Executive Order No. 324 whose applications were approved before or after November 21, 1988.
No. The law expressly provides that in no case shall alien refugees be qualified to apply under RA 7919.
They shall not be prosecuted for crimes defined under Commonwealth Act No. 613 (Immigration Act of 1940) that are inherent to illegal residence—such as absence of valid travel documents or visa—because these are treated as necessary consequences of unlawful residence being addressed through social integration.
No. The bar to prosecution applies only to crimes committed due to acts necessary or essential to maintain a false, fraudulent, or illegal residence (e.g., falsification of marriage, birth, or baptismal certificates; travel documents; visas; or alien certificates of registration).
They must (1) file registration forms with specified agencies/certified sets via a BIR-authorized bank collector; (2) provide required contents and proofs (identity, good moral character, financial capacity via affidavits from two Filipino citizens, history of stay, residential address for the last five years, photos, fingerprint cards, dental records submission to NBI); (3) pay integration fees as required; and (4) submit a medical certificate stating they are not drug users/addicts and are not afflicted with AIDS.
The civil register of the applicant’s place of residence; the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); the Bureau of Immigration; the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); and through a commercial or universal bank where the applicant pays the integration fee.
In lieu of individual filings, the filing may be done in five (5) sets with a commercial or universal bank certified by the BIR as authorized collectors for income tax.
One-time payment of P100,000 upon filing, plus P50,000 per year for three (3) years (total installments across three years), with subsequent installment payments due within 12 months from the first payment date without extensions. Alternatively, the applicant may pay a single amount of P200,000.
A single payment of P50,000 for the spouse and P25,000 for each legitimate child below 18 years old.
Upon proper registration with the Bureau of Immigration.
Integration fees are in lieu of all immigration fees and fines the alien may have incurred during unlawful residence in the country.
Upon submission of the official receipt and certifications showing that civil registrar, BIR, and NBI received copies, and submission of the registration forms to the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau shall immediately issue an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR). Legal residence commences from the date the ACR is issued.
From June 1, 1995 to December 31, 1996.
After five (5) years from the approval of the alien’s application.
Applicants who violate their oath/affirmation by knowingly making untruthful statements on material matters are liable for perjury under the Revised Penal Code. Additionally, subsequent convictions of the applicant revoke the legal residence granted and subject the applicant to deportation proceedings.