“New Philippine Passport Act,” aiming to modernize passport application procedures across the country.

This legislation, signed on March 11, replaces the Passport Act of 1996 and seeks to enhance accessibility and streamline processes, particularly benefiting senior citizens, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and individuals with special needs. The law grants the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) authority to offer offsite and mobile passport services beyond consular offices and foreign service posts (FSPs).

Furthermore, the DFA is tasked with facilitating accommodations for passport applications from various groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, minors aged seven years old and below, solo parents, OFWs, and individuals with emergency or exceptional cases.

In terms of passport security, the law imposes severe penalties for unauthorized passport handling, with offenders facing imprisonment of at least 12 years and fines ranging from P1 million to P2 million. It also addresses offenses such as passport forgery and misuse, prescribing penalties of imprisonment for six to 15 years and fines from P100,000 to P250,000.

Moreover, the legislation targets unfair practices in passport issuance, with penalties including suspension, dismissal, fines up to P250,000, and imprisonment for a maximum of six years. It allows government officials and employees, along with their families, to hold two passports simultaneously during their tenure.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sanctioned the “New Philippine Passport Act,” aiming to modernize passport application procedures across the country.

The New Philippine Passport Act will become effective 15 days after its publication in either the Official Gazette or a widely circulated newspaper.

“New Philippine Passport Act,” aiming to modernize passport application procedures across the country.