QuestionsQuestions (FOREIGN SERVICE CIRCULAR NO. 193-90)
The DFA noted that some Filipinos abroad apply for Philippine passports or related services in the Philippines (e.g., applicants in the United States apply in DFA Manila). This resulted in evasion or non-compliance with certain requirements such as clearances, and created risks regarding proper identification of applicants.
They shall be processed only at the place where the applicants are residing.
An exception applies when the place of the applicant’s residence is not within the jurisdiction of any Foreign Service establishment. In that case, the establishment nearest the applicant’s place may process the application.
It allows processing by the Foreign Service establishment nearest to the place of residence.
Because applying from abroad in the Philippines was causing evasion or non-compliance with requirements (including clearances), undermining proper safeguards.
It involves risks in relation to the proper identification of applicants.
It refers to the failure of applicants to satisfy required documentary or clearance requirements, allegedly because they sought processing in the Philippines instead of through the appropriate Foreign Service post.
No. The circular provides that applications of Filipino citizens residing abroad shall be processed only at the place where the applicants are residing, subject to a limited exception.
The applicant’s actual place of residence. Processing should occur at that location, unless it is outside the jurisdiction of any Foreign Service establishment.
Strict compliance with the circular is enjoined, meaning it must be followed by concerned DFA/Foreign Service personnel and, by implication, applicants must direct applications to the proper post.
Foreign Service Circular No. 193-90, dated May 25, 1990.
It was signed by Raul S. Manglapus, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
It seeks to prevent applicants residing abroad from applying for services in the Philippines, which leads to evasion of clearances and creates identification risks.
Based on the circular’s text, processing is to be done where the applicant resides. The “nearest establishment” exception applies only when the residence is not within the jurisdiction of any Foreign Service establishment.
By requiring processing at/near the applicant’s place of residence (or the nearest post only when necessary), it supports proper verification and identification and reduces the likelihood of skipped clearances.