QUEZON CITY (PIA) — On September 25, 2023, the Senate resoundingly embraced a groundbreaking piece of legislation – a bill destined to usher in a new era for Philippine passports.
Under the watch of the 19th Congress, Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2001, aptly named the “New Philippine Passport Act,” embarked on a journey to bring forth a passport system that aligns seamlessly with international standards. This transformative legislation not only streamlines the passport application process but also safeguards the integrity and security of the nation’s travel documents.
“The New Philippine Passport Law will be the framework upon which we will build a future reiteration of the Philippine passport and contactless technologies,” the Committee on Foreign Relations chairperson said.
SBN 2001 introduces an online application portal and an Electronic One-Stop Shop on the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) website. These digital avenues promise unparalleled convenience for applicants, simplifying the gathering and submission of required documents.
The bill also institutionalizes offsite and mobile passport services, ensuring accessibility to all corners of the nation. It prioritizes specific demographic groups, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, minors aged seven and below, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and individuals with emergency and exceptional cases. These individuals will have dedicated passport application lanes, reducing, if not eliminating the burden of lengthy queues.
The bill abolishes the requirement for personal appearances by OFWs abroad and senior citizens during passport renewal, streamlining the bureaucratic process for these valued members of the Filipino community.
Lost passports during overseas travel will be addressed by granting Filipino travelers emergency passports valid for one year, ensuring their uninterrupted international journeys.
To ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility, the bill proposes the establishment of a “Passport Revolving Fund.” This fund will draw from service fees generated by passport processing and issuance, specifically for cases requiring special consideration or services beyond regular office hours. Congress will undertake annual reviews to monitor and scrutinize the fund’s allocation and utilization.
The Bill introduces a comprehensive passport database, enhancing security and record-keeping. This database will house not only the biographic, biometric, and demographic data of passport holders but also maintain records of denials, cancellations, and lost passports.
Moreover, the bill prohibits and penalizes forgery, withholding, and improper use of passports and other travel documents. It addresses unfair and discriminatory practices perpetrated by DFA officers, ensuring that the passport issuance process remains just and unbiased. (Senate/PIA-NCR)
