Using passports as collateral is illegal, OFWs in Malta warned

The Philippine Embassy in Rome, which has jurisdiction over Filipinos and Philippine affairs in Malta, warned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against using their passports as collaterals for loan.

Philippine passport (MB File Photo)

In an advisory, the embassy reminded Filipinos that Philippine passports are properties of the government and as such, cannot be used for loans.
 

“It has come to the Embassy's attention that several Filipino nationals in Malta may be involved in the unlawful practice of using their passports as collateral for loans,” the advisory read.
 

“In this regard, the Embassy would like to remind all Filipino citizens that, under Philippine law, passports are the property of the Philippine government and must not be used as collateral for any loan transaction. Any passport used as collateral will be automatically rendered cancelled and this activity may lead to legal consequences for both parties involved,” it added.
 

In a loan transaction, borrowers need to provide assets to lenders, who will liquidate such assets or seize them if the borrowers fail to pay the loan.
 

Addressing the “concerned Filipinos in Malta involved in such activities,” the embassy said that the matter has already been passed on to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) “for guidance on the appropriate course of action.”
 

“Once available, the Embassy or the Philippine Consulate in Malta will promptly notify the concerned individuals,” it added.
 

“The Embassy therefore urges all members of the Filipino community in Malta to refrain from participating in such transactions and to seek legal and secure financial alternatives.”
 

Both the embassy and the Philippine Consulate in Malta stand ready to assist Filipinos in following the laws and protocols.