DOT Rules for RA 9174 Balikbayan Program

"Balikbayan": Includes Filipino citizens out of Philippines for at least one year, Filipino overseas workers, and former Filipino citizens naturalized abroad and their immediate families.
"Family": Spouse and children accompanying the balikbayan who themselves are not balikbayans.
"Minor": Individual under 18 years old.
"Livelihood tools": Includes hand or machine tools used in trade or profession and computer units with accessories.

Categories: Filipino citizen absent for at least one year, Filipino overseas worker, former Filipinos naturalized abroad, and their immediate family.
Proof documents vary: passports, contracts, employment certificates, naturalization papers, birth or marriage certificates for family members.

Duty and tax-free shopping privileges at government-operated duty-free shops up to US$1,500.
Purchases must be made in acceptable currencies within defined periods; extended period during Christmas season.
Privilege is generally personal and one-time per year but with exceptions allowing purchase by family members within specified conditions.
Senior citizens and handicapped balikbayans can avail privilege within one year of arrival.
Limits on certain consumable goods and purchase of only one item per consumer durable category costing over US$200.

Special promotional programs by domestic carriers.
Visa-free entry for foreign passport holders excluding restricted nationals, valid for maximum one year.
Travel tax exemptions under existing laws.
Access to designated reception areas and accredited transportation for convenience and safety.
Additional livelihood or "kabuhayan" shopping privilege worth US$2,000 at government duty-free shops.
Total combined tax-free purchase is subject to program limits.

Issuance of a balikbayan shopping card upon confirmation of status.
Passport marking to indicate balikbayan status.
Shopping cards show purchase date, value, and quantity details.
Separate registration and monitoring for OFWs and non-OFWs with distinctions on required proofs.
Procedures established for absentee shopping privileges allowing authorized family members to shop using a validated waiver form.

Government duty-free shops must source at least 10% of goods from Philippine manufacturers of prominence considering competitiveness, design, and marketability.

Entrepreneurial and skills training provided to balikbayan and immediate family by DOLE via OWWA and other agencies.
Non-OFW balikbayan offered livelihood training by DOT in coordination with training institutions.

DOT must submit semi-annual reports on quantities and values of goods sold in government duty-free shops categorized under tariff classifications.

Repeal of inconsistent rules.
Separability clause ensuring unaffected validity of other provisions if part declared invalid.
Power given to DOT and related agencies to promulgate additional rules as necessary.
Immediate effectivity upon publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.