House OKs proposed ‘new passport law’ on 2nd reading

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on second reading the bill pushing for a new passport law, repealing the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.

During Wednesday’s session, the lower chamber approved through voice voting House Bill No. 8513 or the “New Philippine Passport Act.”

The measure simplifies the passport documentation requirements of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Consular Affairs in conformity with relevant laws and existing standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

It likewise mandates the issuance of passports using tamper-proof and latest data management technology.

Moreover, the bill also directs the DFA to implement a system wherein senior citizens may renew their passports without personal appearance through available technology.

Senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) are also entitled to a 50 percent discount on the processing, issuance, or replacement of a passport, the bill states.

The proposed new passport law likewise allows the DFA to charge no more than 50 percent of the current fees relating to passport services to be utilized to improve its passport processing and consular services.

The bill also declares as passport related offenses the acts of illegal withholding a passport and forging of visas and entry documents and provides for stiffer penalties relating to the issuance, forgery, and improper use of passports and travel documents as well as multiple possession of passports.

The proposed measure also deletes the provision on the accreditation of travel or recruitment agencies since DFA does not authorize such agencies anymore to apply for passports on behalf of the applicants.

ac