Immigration 101 (Part 3) - Allow Departure Orders

As part of the Immigration Series, there are certain orders issued by the competent authorities of the government granting those persons under HDO or WLO the liberty to travel. Next on the Immigration mini-series, Allow Departure Orders.

ALLOW DEPARTURE ORDERS

Allow Departure Orders, or ADO, are orders granted by competent authorities, allowing the person, whose departure from the country is being held by reason of a Hold Departure Order or a Watchlist Order, to leave the country for some exceptional reasons.

The issuance of ADOs are governed by Department of Justice Circular No. 18 dated 23 April 2007. However, in the next few days, Department of Justice shall issue a new Circular consolidating the rules on the issuance of HDOs, WLOs and ADOs.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CIRCULAR NO. 18 s. 2007

Under Section 6 of Department Circular No. 18 s. 2007, that in case a person subject of a Watchlist Order or a Hold Departure Order issued by the Secretary of Justice intends to leave the country for some exceptional reasons, the Secretary of Justice may allow the departure of said person, upon duly notarized application and the submission of the following requirements:

1. Duly notarized letter-request;
2. Affidavit of Undertaking stating the purpose and the inclusive period of the intended travel; and
   
3. Authority to Travel from the appropriate office or person, as the case may be ([a] investigating prosecutor where the case is pending (for those under WLO) or [b] office where the case is pending (for those under HDO).

In most cases, the ADOs contain provisions for the party allowed to comply, which may include:

1. Upon arrival at point of destination: appearing before the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, upon arrival at the point of destination;
2. Upon return to the Philippines: presentation to the Department of Justice, either in writing or in person, proofs of compliance of the ADO, i.e. Immigration stamps of Departure and Arrival.

The ADO is valid only for the period stated in its face and violation of the provisions of the ADO shall merit its cancellation and non-issuance of future applications for ADO.