Granting To The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) The Status, Prerogatives, Privileges And Immunities Of An International Organization

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1620

Granting Status, Prerogatives, Privileges and Immunities to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

• Recognizes IRRI as an international organization and accords it such status in the Philippines. (Article 1)

• IRRI shall enjoy immunities and privileges normally accorded to international organizations of a universal character. (Article 2)

• IRRI shall enjoy immunity from any penal, civil and administrative proceedings, except when expressly waived. (Article 3)

• Communications Privileges: (Article 4)
- Favorable treatment for official communications, including priorities, rates and charges.
- Right to use codes and dispatch/receive correspondence by couriers or bags with diplomatic privileges.
- Immunity from censorship for correspondence and communications.
- No restrictions on import and export of IRRI's publications.

• Taxation and Customs Exemptions: (Article 5)
- Exempt from gift, franchise, specific, percentage, real property, exchange, import, export, and all other taxes.
- Exemption extends to goods imported and owned by IRRI for lease or use by staff.
- Gifts, bequests, donations and contributions received or granted by IRRI are exempt from taxes.
- Non-Filipino senior staff are exempt from income tax on salaries and stipends received from IRRI.
- Exempt from customs duties and levies on articles for official use.

• Free Disposal of Funds: (Article 6)
- IRRI may hold funds, gold or foreign exchange of any kind and keep books in any currency.
- IRRI may freely receive, transfer and convert currencies.
- Government shall assist IRRI in obtaining favorable conditions for exchange transactions and transfers.

• Freedom of Entry and Sojourn: (Article 7)
- Government shall facilitate entry, sojourn and departure of IRRI officials, staff, fellows, scholars, trainees, visiting scientists and their families.
- Exemption from visa formalities, registration of aliens, residence and working permits.

• Status of IRRI Officials and Staff: (Article 8)
- Customs facilities and exemption from baggage inspection for personal effects.
- Right to use codes and receive/dispatch official correspondence by diplomatic courier or sealed bags.
- Exemption from immigration restrictions, alien registration and national service.
- Exemption from exchange restrictions.

• Immunities and Facilities for IRRI Officials: (Article 9)
- Non-Filipino senior staff exempt from taxation on salaries, emoluments and indemnities paid in foreign currency.
- Director-General enjoys privileges and immunities of ambassadors.
- Designated officials enjoy privileges and immunities of diplomatic agents.
- Other officials enjoy privileges and immunities of officials of other international bodies.
- Non-Filipino officials are exempt from military service, immigration restrictions, alien registration, and enjoy exchange and repatriation facilities.

• Purpose of Immunities: (Article 10)
- Immunities are to ensure free operation of IRRI and freedom of its officials.
- Director-General may waive immunity if it impedes normal course of justice.

• Interpretation and Application: (Article 11)
- The decree shall be interpreted to enable IRRI to fully and effectively assume its responsibilities and fulfill its purposes.