Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 26) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will start issuing Philippine passports with 10-year validity starting January 1, 2018.
This follows the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10928 by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday.
Cayetano said the 2018 effectivity of the law is to give the DFA enough time to notify international agencies on the measure.
“Kasi yung passport po, may mga agencies yan around the world at may notices, so kung i-approve natin dito na hindi alam nung ibang bansa, baka kwestyunin pa kayo pagdating sa airport,” he said.
[Translation: There are agencies around the world that need to be notified, so if we approve this right away and other countries do not know yet, you may be questioned in the airport.]
RA 10928, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 2, extends the validity of Philippine passports to 10 years, from the current five years under RA 8239.
It clarifies however, that individuals under 18 years old shall be issued passports valid for only five years.
Cayetano said this is because the facial features of minors may still change, so it is necessary to have the passport photo updated.
RA 10928 also states passport validity of less than 10 years may be issued “whenever in the national economic interest or political stability of the country such restriction is necessary.”
Cayetano said there will be no price increase from the current P950 fee, as the same regular passports will be issued.
He added, however, the DFA will continue working with the Congress to improve the physical passport to incorporate more features, which may entail additional fees in the futre.
Cayetano also revealed a walk-in scheme for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, first-time and returning Overseas Filipino Workers, and children below 7-years old, together with their parents and minor siblings, so they could apply for passports even without an appointment.
