Under the Civil Code of the Philippines Art. 14. Penal laws and those of public security and safety shall be obligatory upon all who live or sojourn in the Philippine territory, subject to the principles of public international law and to treaty stipulations.[1] This provision mandates all citizens, including foreign nationals living in the Philippines to comply with all the laws, rules, and regulations of the land. One of the regulations to comply with is the regulations issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.
On 18 November 2024, the Bureau of Immigration issued Operations Order No. 2024-003,[2] which mandates all registered foreign nationals with valid visas to report in person to the Bureau of Immigration between January 1 and March 1, 2025. This order outlines the guidelines for the 2025 Annual Report for all registered foreign nationals holding an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) or paper-based ACR with a valid visa. Order No. 2024-003 provides the following:
Coverage: All registered foreign nationals who are holders of Alien Certificate of Registration Card (ACR I-Card) or paper-based ACR with valid visas.
Requirements:
- Complete online registration via the BI E-Services Portal.
- Personal appearance is required for all reportees.
- Original valid ACR I-Card or paper-based ACR.
- An original valid passport or an affidavit of undertaking to secure a passport for those with expired passports.
Compliance Period: Within the first 60 days of the year or until March 1, 2025.
To submit the 2025 Annual Report, follow these steps:
Online Registration: Complete the online registration through the Bureau of Immigration’s e-services portal.
Prepare Documents: Gather the required documents:
Original valid ACR I-Card or original paper-based ACR.
Original valid passport.
Official receipt from the previous year’s annual report fee.
In-Person Reporting: Visit your selected Bureau of Immigration office to complete the process. The main office in Intramuros, Manila, will conduct the physical Annual Report at Robinsons Place Manila and the Government Service Express Unit inside SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays, except holidays.
Virtual Annual Report: If eligible, you can opt for the virtual annual report. Register online through the e-services portal and pay the assessed fees via Maya, GCash, Visa/MasterCard, or Landbank.
Section 19 PENALTY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE-Failure to comply with 2025 AR shall subject the concerned foreign national at the option of the Commission of Immigration to an administrative fine or to prosecution and upon conviction to be punished by a fine or imprisonment, or pursuant to Sec 10 Paragraph 2 of the Alien Registration Act of 1950, as amended by Sec 2, Republic Act No 578 and Section 5, Republic Act no. 751.
It is important that foreign nationals staying here in the Philippines comply with this rule. Otherwise, they may face legal consequences.
At ABO law office we can help provide information to foreign nationals on their immigration here in the Philippines, helping them understand their rights and options under local immigration laws.
We can provide information to clients in preparing and submitting all necessary documents, and guiding them through the renewal process when necessary. We can provide information to secure residence and work permits, ensuring that clients comply with all legal requirements to live and work in the Philippines legally.
Content is for informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice.
[1] New Civil Code of the Philippines
