Title
Alien Registration Act of 1950
Law
Republic Act No. 562
Decision Date
Jun 17, 1950
The Alien Registration Act of 1950 requires aliens residing in the Philippines to register themselves within thirty days, establishing procedures and penalties for non-compliance, while exempting accredited officials of foreign governments.

Rule-Making Authority and Inclusion of Various Classes of Aliens

  • The Commissioner of Immigration, with the Department Head's approval, may issue and amend necessary rules and regulations for the Act's implementation.
  • This includes registration of alien seamen, confined aliens, deportees, and aliens not lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
  • All registration records must be forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration.

Registration Form Content and Process

  • The Commissioner shall prepare registration forms requiring detailed information:
    • Name, age, birthplace, citizenship, civil status.
    • Spouse's name, children’s number and ages if married.
    • Permanent and temporary residences, occupation.
    • Date and place of entry into the Philippines.
    • Past and intended activities, expected length of stay.
    • Criminal record, if any.
  • Forms require passport-sized photographs: one for the Bureau, one for the registering official, one for the certificate.
  • Information must be submitted under oath; registering officials may administer oaths.

Registration Fee and Certificate

  • Except for aliens under 14, a registration fee of 50 pesos is required.
  • A certificate of registration is issued as proof, including the alien's name, age, birthplace, civil status, residence, occupation, and photograph plus other prescribed data.

Duty to Notify Change of Address

  • Registered aliens must notify the registration official in writing 24 hours before any change of residence.
  • Parents or guardians must notify on behalf of aliens under 14.

Penalties for Non-Compliance and Fraud

  • Failure or refusal by aliens or their guardians to register: fine up to 5,000 pesos, imprisonment up to 1 year, or both.
  • Failure to notify change of residence: fine up to 1,000 pesos, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.
  • Filing false information, fraud in registration, or use of a false certificate: fine up to 5,000 pesos, imprisonment up to 1 year, or both.
  • Convicted aliens within five years of entry may be deported by presidential order.

Requirement to Exhibit Certificate of Registration

  • Registered aliens must present their certificate upon demand by immigration officials or peace officers.
  • For aliens under 14, exhibition must be made by their parent or guardian.
  • Violations subject to fine up to 200 pesos, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both.

Certificate Surrender and Clearance Upon Departure

  • Aliens leaving the Philippines must surrender their registration certificate 24 hours before departure.
  • A clearance certificate indicating cessation of residence is issued unless a reentry permit is obtained.

Liability of Vessel Operators for Carrying Uncertified Aliens

  • If any alien without a clearance is accepted as a passenger, the vessel's master, agent, owner, or consignee faces an administrative fine up to 1,000 pesos.
  • The Customs Collector is tasked with imposing and enforcing this fine.

Annual Reporting Requirement

  • Every registered alien must report in person annually within the first 60 days of the calendar year to the designated office (Bureau of Immigration or local treasurer).
  • The registration certificate is updated with a notation and a 50-centavo documentary stamp.
  • Guardians report for aliens under 14; aliens must report personally upon turning 14.
  • Failure to report leads to cancellation of the registration certificate.

Emergency Powers of the President

  • The President may assign registration functions to any office or officer in case of emergency.

Appropriation of Funds

  • Authorization of 100,000 pesos from the National Treasury to finance salaries, wages, and incidental expenses necessary for the Act's enforcement.
  • Disbursement is managed by the Commissioner of Immigration with presidential approval.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.

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