Scope of Travel Controls
- Mandatory prior clearance from the Department of National Defense is required for all Filipino citizens and foreign nationals wishing to travel abroad.
- This requirement applies broadly with certain clearly defined exceptions.
Categories Exempted from Prior Clearance
- Members of the diplomatic corps and their foreign staff.
- Foreign tourists in the Philippines.
- Permanent residents of foreign countries returning to their residence.
- Immigrants and their direct dependents.
- Government officials/employees traveling abroad on official duty authorized by the Office of the President.
- Philippine Government scholars under foreign government grants.
- Scholars under international bodies such as UN, SEATO, ASEAN, ASPAC, Colombo Plan, and similar bodies, approved by the Special Committee on Scholarships.
- Individuals attending international conferences under government agreements.
- Employees of international organizations recognized by the government.
- Bona fide crew and officers of international air carriers and maritime vessels authorized for foreign travel.
- Filipino citizens in active military service with the US Armed Forces and their dependents.
- Foreigners recognized as treaty traders under international conventions or practices.
Conditions for Exempted Cases
- Even exempted travellers must comply with standard requisites such as clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Internal Revenue, passports, and other related documents.
- The exemption aims to minimize inconvenience while ensuring travel is limited to essential cases or those that impose minimal government expense.
Duration and Effectivity
- The instruction remains in effect throughout the declared national emergency.
- It may be revoked or amended only by the President or a duly designated representative.
Legal and Administrative Implications
- Provides a legal mechanism to control overseas travel in times of national emergency.
- Balances national security concerns with recognition of international diplomatic, official, scholarly, and commercial obligations.
- Ensures proper government verification and control without unduly hindering exempt persons' travel.
Summary
This Letter of Instruction establishes stringent travel control measures overseen by the Department of National Defense during a declared national emergency, to prevent individuals engaged in hostile conspiracies from fleeing the country while allowing necessary exemptions with proper compliance requirements.