The right to travel is a constitutionally protected right in the Philippines. However, this right is not absolute and is subject to the interest of national security, public safety, or public health as may be provided by law. In the context of international travel, the Philippine government, through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), implements stringent measures to curb human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and "labor-mapping."

The Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) serves as a primary document for Filipinos traveling abroad who are being sponsored by a relative or a third party.

What is an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee?

An ASG is a legal document wherein a sponsor (usually based abroad or a person of means in the Philippines) formally declares their commitment to shoulder the travel expenses of a departing Filipino passenger. This includes airfare, accommodation, food, and other incidental costs.

Beyond financial support, the "Guarantee" aspect is a legal undertaking that the sponsor will ensure the traveler's return to the Philippines and that the traveler will not become a public charge in the destination country or seek illegal employment.

Who Needs an ASG?

Under the 2023 Revised IACAT Guidelines on Departure Formalities, an ASG is generally required for passengers whose travel is sponsored by:

Relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity (e.g., first cousins, brothers-in-law, etc.).
Non-relatives, such as friends, fiances, or employers (for non-OFW categories).
Corporate sponsors or organizations.

Note: If the sponsor is a relative within the first civil degree (parents/children) or a spouse, the requirements are generally less stringent, though proof of relationship is still mandatory.

Essential Requirements for the Affidavit

The requirements vary depending on whether the sponsor is located in the Philippines or abroad.

1. If the Sponsor is Abroad

The ASG must be notarized and authenticated (Apostilled) or consularized by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the sponsor's place of residence.

Original ASG: Bearing the seal of the Philippine Foreign Service Post.
Proof of Relationship: Birth certificates, marriage contracts, or official records issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Sponsor’s Financial Capacity: Recent bank statements, pay slips, or employment contracts.
Sponsor’s Legal Status: Copy of the sponsor's passport and valid visa or residence permit in the destination country.

2. If the Sponsor is in the Philippines

The ASG must be notarized by a local Notary Public.

Income Tax Return (ITR) or proof of employment/business ownership.
Bank Certificate or other liquid assets.
Affidavit of Undertaking: Explicitly stating that the sponsor will be liable for the passenger’s conduct and return.

Key Information Included in the Document

A legally sound ASG must contain the following specific details to satisfy Immigration Officers (IOs):

Sponsor Details: Full name, address, contact number, and occupation.
Passenger Details: Full name, age, address, and relationship to the sponsor.
Travel Details: Purpose of travel, duration of stay, and destination.
Financial Undertaking: A clear statement that the sponsor will provide for all financial needs.
The Guarantee: A sworn statement that the passenger will return to the Philippines upon the expiration of the authorized stay and will not violate any immigration laws.

The Role of the Bureau of Immigration (BI)

It is important to understand that an ASG does not guarantee automatic departure. The Bureau of Immigration retains the authority to conduct a secondary inspection if:

The passenger lacks the financial capacity to travel and the relationship with the sponsor is not clearly established.
The passenger's profile is inconsistent with the declared purpose of travel.
The document appears fraudulent or tampered with.

If the passenger is traveling to a "high-risk" destination or the relationship to the sponsor is distant (e.g., a friend or a distant relative), the IO will scrutinize the "intent" of the traveler to ensure they are not a victim of human trafficking.

Legal Consequences of Misrepresentation

The execution of an ASG is a sworn statement. Any person who provides false information or forged documents may be liable under:

Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended).
The Revised Penal Code (Falsification of Public Documents or Perjury).

Furthermore, if a traveler is "offloaded" due to suspicious documentation, they may be required to undergo further clearance from the IACAT or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Summary Checklist for Travelers

Original ASG (Consularized/Apostilled if the sponsor is abroad).
Proof of Relationship (PSA-issued documents).
Sponsor's Identification (Passport/ID copies).
Sponsor's Financial Proof (Bank statements/ITR).
Confirmed Roundtrip Tickets (Proof of intent to return).