Migrant workers and senior citizens will soon be able to renew their passports via online processing with the Senate's approval of the New Philippine Passport Act.
The upper chamber on Monday has approved on the third and final reading the Senate Bill 2001, an act providing for a new passport law, repealing for the purpose of Republic Act 8239, which allows senior citizens and migrant workers to renew their passports virtually, without having to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs office.
Senator Win Gatchalian said the bill, which was among Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s priority measures, would allow Filipinos who lost their passports to request emergency passports that are valid for a year.
"Tungkulin ng gobyerno na gawing maayos ang mga dokumento na kinakailangan ng ating mga kababayan para sa kanilang maayos na paglalakbay It is the duty of the government to properly prepare the required documents for their smooth travel of our countrymen)," he added.
SB 2001 mandates the DFA to work in collaboration with other relevant government agencies, in establishing and maintaining an online application portal and an Electronic One-Stop Shop easily accessible on its official website, to ensure convenience in the application process and the collection and submission of necessary requirements.
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The measure also mandates the issuance of passports using the latest tamper-proof and data management technologies.
Senator Imee Marcos, who sponsored and co-authored the bill, previously said the measure will also set up a watchlist for people who have been denied passports or have had their passports canceled.
"It would be wise to improve, as much as we can, the language involved during the bicameral conference and even thereafter," she said.
SB 2001 also targets the development of a new generation of passports aligned with international standards and streamlining the application process.
It includes provisions for the non-appearance renewal of passports for senior citizens and Filipino migrant workers abroad at consular offices.
