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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hassle-free passport processing eyed for seniors, PWDs under new law, says Villafuerte

Hassle-free passport processing eyed for seniors, PWDs under new law, says Villafuerte

Published Apr 11, 2024 03:28 pm

At A Glance

  • Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte has trumpeted the newly-signed law that aims to establish special lanes for the hassle-free processing of the passports of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), among others.

PH passport.jpg(Jansen Romero/MANILA BULLETIN)

Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte has trumpeted the newly-signed law that aims to establish special lanes for the hassle-free processing of the passports of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), among others.

“With the recent development on the use of information and communications technology in government transactions and international standards on civil aviation, it is imperative for the State to align its policies to comply with its international commitment and make its services more efficient,” said Villafuerte in a statement on Thursday, April 11.

This law is especially directed toward Filipinos with special needs such as the elderly, PWDs, solo parents, pregnant women, minors seven years old and below, and those with emergency and exceptional cases, he said.

“Our OFWs merit hassle-free processing of their passports as well, considering their status as our modern-day heroes for their untold sacrifices in being away from their families for extended periods while helping keep our economy afloat even during challenging times such as the recent global financial and health crises caused by Covid-19,” the lawmaker added.

President Marcos recently signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11983 or the New Philippine Passport Act, which mandates the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to establish an online application portal and an Electronic One-Stop Shop to make passport applications more convenient.

Under this law, the DFA is also tasked to provide off-site and mobile passport services in areas outside of its consular offices and foreign service posts (FSPs).

Villafuerte pointed out that making the process “more accessible and user-friendly” will empower every Filipino to “obtain travel documents efficiently and with minimal hassle”.

According to him, the DFA is also tasked under this law to arrange accommodations for regular passport applications of Muslim Filipinos who are taking part in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

This shall be for a period of four months, starting from the indicated date as per the official request by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for the would-be pilgrims.

Furthermore, the DFA may charge a service fee of not more than 50 percent of the current fees for services rendered to applicants relating to the processing or issuance of passports requiring special consideration, waiver, or issuance beyond regular office hours.

Related Tags

passport Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) special lanes lray villafuerte
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