Getting passport a nightmare

I do not know whose idea it is to limit the number of passports travel agencies can process applications or renewal of Philippine passports at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office because the line for application and renewal is horrendous and creating  nightmares for  applicants. Columnist  Honey Jarque-Loop had to line up at  6 a.m. to have her passport renewed and finished the process at about 4 p.m.

Loop complained that her passport was nearly not renewed  because it did not have the word “city” after Cebu. She was asked to pay P300 at a notarial office to have it corrected. I can’t  fathom the rationale of the DFA in limiting the number of passports that travel agencies can process when agencies are helping a lot of clients avoid the long lines and keeping from going to and from the office because they lack some documents.

My wife and her mother availed of the services of a travel agency in renewing their passports. They went to the DFA office at 9 a.m. and were done after an hour. It was very convenient for my wife who happens to be a doctor who can’t afford to line up the whole day to process her application. I think the government should  revisit this policy and allow travel agencies to help clients process their application for and renewal of passports. The client can always choose to apply for or renew their passports personally or through an agency.

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Father Ramon Mores, SJ of  Sacred Heart Church last Sunday reminded parishioners of the meaning and importance of the sacrament of baptism. He said the  sacrament erases the original sin of recipients, making them heirs of the kingdom of God. By the way once you are baptized you can never undo it.

Fr. Mores lamented the way  devotees of the Black Nazarene showed  their devotion by pushing and climbing on top of each other to touch the statue. What is important, according to Fr. Mores, is that your devotion has touched and changed you as a person internally and not just for show.

It was so refreshing to hear and listen to the homilies of Father Mores because we learned more about our faith and the teachings of God.

I always looking forward to attend Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish because the priests are very sensitive in their homilies and finish on time unlike in other churches.

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Truly it is election period  already. One of the season’s manifestations the threat Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile faces of being unseated when Congress resumes.

There is a move to oust Enrile because of his position on some administration advocacies like the Reproductive Health law that he opposes. That is why even the giving of P1.6 million cash gift to allies and P250,000 to his political enemies was given much attention by the administrative party.

The same thing is happening in the Province of Cebu where the suspension of governor Gwen Garcia has been given political color. In Cebu City, the budget was passed with so many restrictions imposed by the City Council. This has left  the chief executive powerless in providing services to citizens.

We are expecting more  partisan politics whether in the province or city of Cebu. Just  pray to the Sto. Niño that this would not hamper the delivery of basic services to  people. It is best to remind our politicians that they should serve the interest of the people before their own.

Pit Señor to everyone as we celebrate the feast of the blessed Baby Jesus.