Eligibility to Apply for Tour Guide License
- Only Filipino citizens qualify.
- Aliens with permanent resident status may apply if reciprocity exists with their country allowing Filipino guides there.
License Application Requirements
- Proof of passing a DOT-endorsed tour guide seminar or waiver for special qualifications.
- Certificate of good health from accredited government physician.
- Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
- For aliens: employment proof, work permits or visas, reciprocity certificate from home state, and authenticated documents.
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR).
License Issuance and Fee
- Issued upon compliance with requirements.
- License fee of ₱75.00 per year applies.
License Validity and Annual Compliance
- Valid until December 31 of the second succeeding year after issuance.
- Licensed guides must submit annual copy of latest Income Tax Return.
License Renewal Procedures
- Renewals accepted between December 15 and January 15 every two years.
- Submission of all original requirements except seminar proof and reciprocity, unless inactive for over two years.
Penalty for Late License Renewal
- 100% surcharge of the regular license fee imposed if renewal is late.
Identification Card Use
- Guides must wear their DOT-issued ID while on duty.
- Cost of ID card is ₱20.00, borne by the guide.
Grounds for License Cancellation
- Conviction for crimes involving moral turpitude.
- Multiple convictions (more than once) for misconduct as defined in grounds for suspension.
Grounds for License Suspension
- Dishonesty, misrepresentation, or misconduct towards tourists, employers, or colleagues.
- Forced tips or contributions from tourists.
- Non-compliance with ID wearing requirement.
- Other violations of DOT rules, circulars, or orders.
Prohibition on Unlicensed Tour Guiding
- Engaging in tour guiding without a license is illegal.
- Penalties include imprisonment from 1 to 6 years or fines from ₱4,000 to ₱20,000, or both.
Complaints and Hearing Procedures
- The DOT holds quasi-judicial power to hear and resolve guide-related cases per its complaint rules.
Confidentiality of Submitted Information
- Information filed with DOT is confidential.
- Disclosure to private parties requires consent or Secretary of Tourism order.
- Violation by officials or employees is an offense.
Flexibility of Procedures
- In absence of specific procedures, appropriate methods consistent with purpose and spirit of rules will be adopted.
Cooperation with Government Agencies
- DOT may collaborate with other government agencies, civil or military, for enforcement.
Adoption of Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Codes promulgated by recognized guide and travel trade associations are adopted.
- In case of conflict, these rules prevail.
Administrative Sanctions
- DOT can impose fines between ₱1,000 to ₱10,000 or suspend/revoke license independent of criminal penalties.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect validity of remaining provisions.
Repeal of Inconsistent Rules
- Previous inconsistent circulars or rules on tour guiding by defunct or current authorities are repealed.
Effectivity
- Rules take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a national newspaper.