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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA is running after passport fixers --- Locsin

DFA is running after passport fixers --- Locsin

Published Oct 11, 2021 01:50 pm

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin assured the public, especially those having difficulties in securing their passports, that his office is running after alleged "fixers" within the agency.

(FILE PHOTO/JANSEN ROMERO/MANILA BULLETIN)

"Rest assured that the DFA is running after fixers," Locsin said on Twitter on Monday, Oct. 11, as he responded to a concerned individual relaying an alleged modus of some employees within the department, including those who have already retired from service.

The concerned netizens claimed that there is a "syndicate" of fixers within the agency who charge Filipinos unreasonable fee that ranges from P2,500 to P3,500 for a slot and swifter processing of passport.

The concerned individual, whom Locsin responded to on the social networking site, said " I hope DFA holds an investigation about this. I know a lot of people who can't get renewal slots."

Locsin also reiterated that there have been temporary offsite passport services (TOPS) located in malls in Metro Manila and other regions to accommodate the influx of applicants for passport.

"We have also been opening more and more TOPS to accommodate more people," the Philippines' top diplomat said.

He also encouraged the public to follow the DFA's and Foreign Undersecretary Brigido Dulay's social media account to be updated where the sites are.

On Oct.6, the DFA announced that six TOPS located in malls in Metro Manila will continue to operate until December 2021 to handle increasing passport appointments.

The six TOPS are located in SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM Aura, Robinsons Place Las Pinas, Robinsons Place Magnolia, and Ayala Glorietta 3.

"The Department is also working to open more TOPS sites in other regions of the Philippines to serve more Filipinos living outside Metro Manila who are in need of a passport," the DFA said.

"The Department requests the public’s understanding and cooperation as it strives to deliver efficient and effective passport services to the public while ensuring the public’s safety and health," it added.

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fixers passport Teodoro locsin DFA 101121 Philippines
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