QuestionsQuestions (DFA DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 11-97)
The policy recognizes the people’s constitutional right to travel shall not be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health; simultaneously, the State must protect and maintain the integrity and credibility of passports and travel documents.
It may be refused/restricted/withdrawn/cancelled if issuance or continued use would be detrimental to national security, public safety, or public health. The applicant is afforded the opportunity to be heard (personal or through counsel).
No. The IRR states that the application may not be denied if it is necessary to protect the safety and interest of the Filipino citizen applying therefor.
Yes. Refusal to issue a passport or cancellation does not preclude issuance of a travel document to allow the safe return of a Filipino citizen to the Philippines.
Satisfaction that the applicant is a Filipino citizen plus: (1) personal appearance by applicant or parent/guardian (not required for minors ≤ 8, senior citizens ≥ 65, and mentally/physically disabled applicants), (2) duly accomplished application form, and (3) three colored photos size 1.77" x 1.37" with plain light background showing a clear front view.
For those born before 1950 without available birth certificates, baptismal certificates may be used (for Christian religious organizations) with joint affidavit of two persons knowledgeable of date/place and citizenship; non-religious cases require affidavit corroborated by two persons of good reputation. For those born in/after 1950, the applicant must reconstruct via delayed registration of birth with the Local Civil Registrar (or NSO for those born outside Metro Manila).
The name in the birth certificate generally governs except when: (1) birth certificate indicates “Baby Boy/Girl” or omits a first name; (2) the applicant has a court order to change name; or (3) applicant is a naturalized citizen, in which case the name on the Certificate of Naturalization is used.
A.K.A. is allowed only for: (1) naturalized citizens whose Certificates of Naturalization clearly allow them to use it; and (2) celebrities who, at the discretion of the Secretary/consular officer, may be allowed to use their screen/pen/stage names.
They must follow provisions on use of husband’s surname or maiden surname based on marriage, annulment, divorce, or death of spouse, including presentation of marriage contract, annotated marriage contract/annulment order, authenticated divorce decree, and death certificate or declaration of presumptive death; in addition, CFO guidance/counseling seminar attendance is required for certain first-time applications after marriage to a foreigner.
Renewal requires a duly accomplished application form, the old passport (with different documentary photocopy requirements depending on passport color), and three colored photos. Personal appearance is not required; the application may be filed by an accredited agency or a family member authorized in writing, though the officer may still require appearance under certain circumstances.
Diplomatic passports for top officials and certain persons on official mission abroad (e.g., President, VP, Senate President, Speaker, Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, certain diplomatic officers, Congress members on official mission, BSP Governor in certain contexts, delegates with presidential full powers, and spouses/unmarried minors of above). Official passports for government officials/employees on official trip abroad but not accorded diplomatic status. Regular passports for Filipino citizens not entitled to diplomatic/official passports (with a special non-renewable Haj passport option for Filipino Muslims for one trip).
Among others: on order of the court; request by natural/legal guardian when applicant is a minor; violation of R.A. 8239 provisions; lawful order of the Secretary for national security/public safety/public health; failure to present required documentary proof; and other disqualifications under existing laws.
The applicant/holder may appeal in writing to the Secretary within fifteen (15) days from notice of denial/cancellation/restriction.
Only accredited legitimate agencies may transact for passport applications. Accreditation requires submission of business/licensing documents and a Contract of Accreditation. Accreditation is effective for one year, renewable within 60 days from expiration. Accreditation may be refused or revoked even without criminal conviction if the agency is engaged or accused of criminal/illegal acts such as falsification of passports or breaches of undertaking; agencies must post a performance/security bond and are responsible for their liaison officers.