Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8239)
Republic Act No. 8239 is officially titled the "Philippine Passport Act of 1996."
The Act protects the people's constitutional right to travel, which is inviolable.
Applicants must submit a duly accomplished application form, birth certificate (or equivalent documents), marriage or divorce certificates if applicable, naturalization certificate if applicable, parental consent for minors, and other supporting documents as may be required by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The types of passports include Diplomatic passports, Official passports, and Regular passports.
A passport application may be denied for reasons such as a court order to hold departure due to a pending criminal case, request by a minor’s guardian, violations of the Act, or other disqualifications under existing laws.
Offenses include unlawful issuance, false statements, forgery, improper use, and possession of multiple valid passports, each with specified fines and imprisonment terms.
Loss or destruction must be immediately reported with an affidavit of loss submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Post. A fifteen-day waiting period may be required before a replacement passport is issued unless waived by an official under certain conditions.
Generally, no. Holding more than one valid passport is prohibited except as provided in Section 7, which allows certain government officials and employees to hold two passports simultaneously for private and official travel.