MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Wednesday that its online appointment system will start accepting new applications and renewal of passports for the months of July to September.
DFA, however, clarified that the system will not open for appointments to the DFA-Aseana Complex in Parañaque City. DFA Assistant Secretary Frank Cimafranca said this is because the e-payment system in the said consular office is still being processed.
The Department Of Affairs (DFA) is gearing up to open online passport appointment slots starting tomorrow, May 2. The slots to be opened are for July to September 2018 appointments. All Consular Offices of the DFA will accept appointments with the exception of DFA Aseana in Paranaque. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday announced the opening of 100,000 appointment slots for passport application and renewal to address the increasing backlog. Of the total slots, 50,000 were opened at noon with the remaining 50,000 to be made available at 9 p.m. Cayetano also said 10,000 slots will be opened.
The e-payment system is a mechanism designed by DFA which allows applicants to pay fees online. It aims to stop bogus applicants and fixers. It also fast tracks the processing of passport applications.
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“This time they will not do that because they will have to pay upfront so only people with urgent and legitimate need to have a passport will really book online,” explained Cimafranca.
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Following the pilot-testing conducted by DFA in the e-payment system, appearance rate of passport applicants has increased to 95%.
DFA admits that the bulk of passport applications pose a great challenge to the agency. They call on the public’s understanding of the matter.
“We are not trying to prevent people from applying for a passport. Ang pakiusap lang namin kung hindi naman kailangan agad (All we ask is that if it’s not urgent) then bear with us and just wait for the opportunity by availing online appointment system,” Asec. Cimafrance concluded. — Joan Nano UNTV News & Rescue