Max age limit for Foreign Service candidates

Republic Act No. 1619 amends the Foreign Service Act of the Philippines under Republic Act No. 708.
Section 1 specifically amends Subsection (b), Section 2, Part B, Title III of Republic Act No. 708.
The amendment changes the eligibility age range for Foreign Affairs examinations candidates by setting the maximum age limit at thirty-eight.

The Board shall receive applications for the Foreign Affairs examinations and nominate candidates between the ages of twenty-three and thirty-eight, inclusive.
Candidates must be physically fit.
The Board must consider whether candidates may be qualified to take the examinations by reason of academic training, practical experience, or both.

Any person who, prior to the approval of this Act, has passed the Foreign Affairs Officers written examination while in the Foreign Service is considered eligible if the person falls within the age limit under the amended rule.

Any person holding a responsible position in the service of the Department or in the Foreign Service for at least two years prior to the date of the examination is qualified to take the examinations regardless of the maximum age limit.
The qualifying responsible-position applicant must be physically fit.
The qualifying applicant must be a degree holder requiring at least four academic years in any college recognized by the Government.
The special qualification applies when the person is taking the examination on the date determined for the examination.

Foreign Affairs examinations are open only to Filipino citizens.
No person married to an alien may take the examinations without the written consent of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.