SEC. 5 (a) of Republic Act No. 123 states, among other things, that the Director of Quarantine, with the approval of the Secretary of Health, is authorized to promulgate and enforce such rules and regulations as in his judgment are necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of diseases subject to the International Health Regulations (quarantinable diseases) from foreign countries into the Philippines.

In compliance with this legal mandate, these Quarantine Rules and Regulations of the National Quarantine Office have been revised in order to make them updated and more consistent with the provisions of R.A. No. 123, Executive Order No. 119 and the International Health Regulations (WHO) as amended which the Philippine Government, as a signatory, is duty bound to observe and implement.

The latest developments on the epidemiology of dreadful diseases which are endemic in various countries are taken into consideration in these Revised Quarantine Rules and Regulations. These diseases are in fact under international surveillance and monitoring in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations of the WHO.

The surveillance and prevention of the introduction of diseases subject to the International Health Regulations in the Philippines from foreign countries is re-emphasized in these revised rules and regulations. This emphasis is, however, balanced by an equal concern for the promotion of health and convenience while on voyage to a foreign destination.

It is hoped that these Revised Quarantine Rules and Regulations will meet the standards and requisites for quarantine operations involving both the international and domestic clienteles.