Bongbong Marcos Signs New Philippine Passport Act into Law
President Bongbong Marcos has given his signature to the New Philippine Passport Act. This legislation requires the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to create and uphold an accessible online application portal and Electronic One-Stop Shop on their official site.
The newly signed Republic Act No. 119831, which came into effect on March 11, revises the current Republic Act No. 8239, also known as the Passport of 1996. This fresh legislation allows the DFA to provide offsite and mobile passport services beyond the premises of consular offices and foreign service posts.
Furthermore, this act directs the DFA to process regular passport applications from specific groups such as senior citizens, disabled individuals, expectant mothers, children under seven, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers, and those with emergencies or exceptional situations.
The law also stipulates that anyone or any organization that illegally confiscates, keeps, or withholds passports will be punishable with a minimum of 12 years in prison or a fine ranging from one million to two million.
For those who counterfeit passports, they will be subjected to a 15-year prison term and a fine that ranges from 100 thousand to 250 thousand. - Apple Majait