Granting Official Passports to National Athletes and Coaches

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 10 P1:13 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 342 Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO AN ACT GRANTING OFFICIAL PASSPORTS TO NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 5 AND 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11983, OR THE "NEW PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Filipino athletes bring honor and pride to the country through their remarkable performances on the international stage. Among them are Filipino Olympian and Asia's top pole vaulter, Ernest John "EJ" Obiena, as well as Alexandra "Alex" Eala, the first Filipina to break into the Top 100 of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), a runner- up in the recent Eastbourne Cup, and the first Filipino to compete in the Open era of the Wimbledon Championships' singles main draw. Yet, behind their victories lie persistent challenges that our athletes should not have to endure. Time and again, they have encountered preventable systemic barriers, particularly in securing visas and travel documents necessary for their international training and competitions. For instance, in September 2020, Obiena was unfortunately prevented from competing in the Doha Leg of the Diamond League? due to logistical challenges and administrative delays in his travel arrangements. Similarly, tennis sensation Eala has encountered hurdles in the timely issuance of her visa that directly affected her ' Dioquino, D. (2025, July 3). "Living my dream': Alex Eala revels in historic Wimbledon stint. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/sports/alex-eala-revels-historic-wimbledon-stint-2025/ 2 Villar, J. (2020). Visa woes sidelines Obiena from Doha pole vault tourney. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.eom/sports/2020/09/19/2043643/visa-woes-sidelines-obiena-doha-pole-vault- tourney

participation in high-level tournaments. 3 These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a broader systemic gap that hinders the growth and performance of our national athletes. Each missed competition represents a lost opportunity for our athletes to earn ranking points, gain crucial experience, and represent the Philippines on the global stage. While athletes in many other nations benefit from streamlined systems and diplomatic facilitation, Filipino national athletes often face bureaucratic complexities and administrative inefficiencies that sometimes lead to withdrawal from events they have trained years for. Recognizing the urgency to examine and address this issue, this representation filed Senate Resolution No. 1312 in the 19th Congress. The said Senate Resolution underscores that national athletes, when competing internationally, represent the country akin to diplomats and deserve adequate government support to allow them to focus fully on their performance. This proposed measure seeks to amend the New Philippine Passport Act to allow national athletes, including para-athletes, and national coaches to apply for and be issued official passports. By formally recognizing them as representatives of the Philippine government on official sports business, the official passport will help facilitate smoother travel and visa processes for their training and competitions abroad. It simplifies the application process by requiring only a travel authority from the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, or Paralympic Committee, and a certification from their respective National Sports Association. The grant of official passports to our athletes is more than a procedural change, it is a tangible expression of the country's recognition for their service and a necessary step in removing avoidable obstacles to their international participation. With this 3 Agcaoili, L. (2025, April 10). Alex Eala opens up on visa challenges with Philippine passport. Inquirer. https://sports.inquirer.net/618424/alex-eala-opens-up-on-visa-struggles-with-philippine-

measure, we not only empower our athletes to perform their best, we also ensure that no red tape stands in the way of Filipino excellence on the world stage. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. TA S. CAREMANO

251187.4 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 10 P1:13 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 342 Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO AN ACT GRANTING OFFICIAL PASSPORTS TO NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 5 AND 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11983, OR THE "NEW PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 11983, or the New Philippine

Passport Act, is hereby further amended to read as follows: "SEC. 5. Requirements for the Application and Issuance of a Passport. - The DFA Secretary, or a duly authorized consular official, shall issue a passport to an applicant who is a Filipino citizen and who has complied with the following requirements: XXX (M) FOR NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, AS DEFINED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10699, OR THE "NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES ACT," SEEKING TO APPLY FOR OFFICIAL PASSPORT, THEY SHALL SUBMIT A TRAVEL AUTHORITY ISSUED BY THE HEAD OR DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PHILIPPINE SPORTS COMMISSION (PSC), THE PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (POC), OR THE PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (PPC), WHICHEVER IS APPLICABLE, AND A CERTIFICATION AND ENDORSEMENT

FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS (NSAS)."

Sec. 2. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 11983, or the New Philippine Passport

4 Act is hereby further amended to read as follows: "SEC. 7. Types of Passports. - The DFA Secretary or the authorized consular official may issue the following types of passports: XXX (b) Official Passports are issued to all government officials and employees, AS WELL AS OTHER QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS, AS PROVIDED IN THIS ACT, on official trip abroad but who are not on a diplomatic mission or have not been accorded diplomatic status, such as: XXX (5) NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, AS DEFINED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10699, OR THE "NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES ACT," WHO ARE TRAVELING ABROAD TO PARTICIPATE IN TRAINING PROGRAMS OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND ARE OFFICIALLY ENDORSED BY THE PSC, POC, OR PPC, WHICHEVER IS APPLICABLE, AND ENDORSED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE NSAS.

Sec. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days

from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Foreign Affairs, PSC, and POC, in consultation with NSAs, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations.

Sec. 4. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

27 unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive

order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

2 its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,