Definition of Key Terms
- "Balikbayan": Filipino citizen abroad for at least one year, Filipino overseas worker, former Filipino citizen naturalized abroad, and their accompanying family (spouse and children who are not balikbayans).
- "Family": Spouse and children traveling with the balikbayan.
- "Minor": Individual 18 years old or younger.
- "Livelihood tools": Instruments necessary for vocation or profession, including hand/power tools and computers.
Criteria for Balikbayan Status
- Categories: Filipino abroad for one year; Filipino overseas worker; former Filipino citizen with family traveling together.
- Documents required:
- Filipino citizen: Passport with last departure date.
- OFW: Passport plus employment contract, certificate, or related official documentation.
- Former Filipino: Foreign passport plus previous Philippine passport or naturalization papers.
- Family members: Passport plus birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers.
Benefits and Privileges
- Duty- and tax-free shopping privilege up to US$1,500 at Philippine duty-free shops.
- Purchases must be in US dollars or accepted foreign currencies.
- Shopping limits:
- 15 days from arrival (30 days during November 15 to January 15).
- One-time shopping privilege per year.
- Senior citizens and handicapped balikbayans: one year to avail privilege.
- Privilege is personal and non-transferable except:
- Balikbayan returning abroad may still allow immediate family to claim purchased livelihood tools within one year.
- OFWs may endorse privilege in writing to an immediate family member within two years of contract.
- Minor family members may purchase up to allowable duty and tax-exempt limits.
- Limits on quantity of consumables and restriction to one item per product category exceeding US$200.
Additional Balikbayan Benefits
- Special promotional programs by domestic carriers.
- Visa-free entry for foreign passport holders for up to one year (excludes restricted nationals).
- Travel tax exemption under applicable laws.
- Designated reception areas for expedited processing at ports.
- Use of accredited transportation upon arrival.
- Additional livelihood shopping privilege of up to US$2,000 exclusively for livelihood tools.
Monitoring and Control System
- Balikbayan shopping card issued upon verification of status.
- Passport stamped with balikbayan mark.
- Shopping card records purchase date, value, and quantity.
- Separate registration for OFWs and non-OFWs, reflecting a combined shopping limit of US$4,500 including livelihood tool purchases.
- Absentee shopping authorized through OWWA-endorsed waiver form allowing privilege assignment to immediate family.
Promotion of Philippine-Made Products
- Duty-free shops must maintain at least 10% of goods sourced from recognized Philippine manufacturers.
- Selection considers competitiveness, design, marketability, and cultural representation.
Livelihood Training and Support
- DOLE, OWWA, TESDA, TLRC, and other agencies to provide entrepreneurial and livelihood training.
- DOT to coordinate livelihood training for non-OFW balikbayans.
Reporting and Accountability
- DOT to submit semi-annual sales reports to the President, Secretary of Finance, and Congress detailing quantities and value of duty-free goods sold.
Amendments and Separability
- All inconsistent rules repealed or amended.
- Provisions declared separable; invalidity of one does not affect others.
Authority and Implementation
- DOT authorized to issue additional implementing rules and regulations as necessary.
Effectivity
- The Administrative Order takes effect immediately after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.