Legal basis and institutional directive
- The circular directs the Department to require that Philippine passport applications and related services abroad follow a location-based processing rule for applicants abroad.
- The directive is issued to prevent evasion or non-compliance with passport-related requirements.
- The circular emphasizes proper identification and compliance controls in processing.
Policy purpose of location-based processing
- The circular requires processing to prevent evasion or non-compliance with requirements such as clearances.
- The circular requires processing to mitigate risks involving proper identification of applicants.
- The circular enjoins strict compliance with its processing rule.
Coverage: who must have applications processed abroad
- Filipino citizens residing abroad must have applications for Philippine passports and other related services processed only at the place where they are residing.
- The circular covers situations where Filipino citizens abroad file passport services outside their place of residence.
- The rule applies to applicants even when they attempt to process services in Manila rather than at their current residence location.
Core processing rule and the only exception
- Passport applications and other related services for Filipino citizens residing abroad must be processed only at the applicants’ place of residence.
- The circular provides an exception when the place of residence is not within the jurisdiction of any Foreign Service establishment.
- In the exception case, the application may be processed by the Foreign Service establishment nearest the applicants’ place of residence.
Strict compliance requirement
- The Department requires strict compliance with Foreign Service Circular No. 193-90.