Not-so-good news for Filipinos with pending passport applications who are planning to travel during the upcoming holidays—it looks like the delays in the release of passports are ongoing and still persist. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a public advisory about it.
READ: Passport 101: Everything You Need to Know When Applying for a Passport
There are 15,000 Filipinos who apply for passports at the DFA and its satellite offices daily.
The DFA also announced in its website and social media pages the closure of a number of its satellite offices all over country on certain dates during the month of December.
On December 10, the following DFA satellite offices were announced to be closed: DFA Robinsons Novaliches, DFA Alimall, DFA SM Manila, DFA Metro Alabang, DFA Robinsons Galleria, and DFA Megamall. Applicants with confirmed online appointments on this date will be accommodated on any day within December 12-16, at the time designated in their original appointment.
On December 17 from 12:00 noon onwards, the following DFA satellite offices will be closed: NCR-Northwest (Allimall), NCR-West (SM Manila), NCR-South (Alabang), NCR-Central (Robinsons Galleria), NCR-North (Robinsons Novaliches) and NCR-East (Megamall). Clients with scheduled appointments on December 17 can be accommodated any day between December 10 – 29, except for December 24 – 26, at the time designated in their original appointment.
Given the delays and closure of some offices, Filipinos should really follow the advice cum disclaimer that can be found on the website of the Online Passport Application and Appointment System of the DFA. The advise read:
It is advisable NOT to purchase outbound travel tickets until your passports are actually in your possession. The Department of Foreign Affairs will not be responsible for any rebooking charges, loss of income, and other financial compensation and/or personal losses arising from the applicant’s travel arrangements made while the passport has not been released.
–
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Tel. No.: (02) 556 0000
www.dfa.gov.ph
For Passport Appointment Schedule: www.passport.gov.ph
