President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially signed Republic Act No. 11983, known as the New Philippine Passport Act, marking a significant upgrade in passport services for Filipinos. The announcement was made by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Saturday.
The newly enacted law mandates the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to launch and maintain an online application portal and Electronic One-Stop Shop, ensuring easy access through its official website. This move aims to streamline the application process for all Filipinos seeking passport services.
Furthermore, the New Philippine Passport Act allows the DFA to offer offsite and mobile passport services beyond its consular offices and foreign service posts. This initiative is set to broaden the reach of passport services, making it more convenient for applicants across the country.
In addition to these services, the law emphasizes the importance of accommodating vulnerable groups. The DFA is required to provide special arrangements for the passport applications of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, minors under seven years old, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and individuals facing emergency or exceptional circumstances.
The Act also introduces stringent penalties for offenses related to passport misuse, including illegal confiscation, retention, or withholding of passports, with imprisonment of not less than 12 years and fines ranging from P1 million to P2 million. Passport forgers, along with those involved in improper use and issuance of travel documents, will face six to 15 years of imprisonment and fines between P100,000 and P250,000.
Discriminatory practices in passport issuance are not spared, with penalties including suspension, dismissal, a fine of up to P250,000, and imprisonment for up to six years.
This landmark legislation, which repeals the Passport Act of 1996, was signed into law on March 11 and will be effective 15 days following its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.