The Philippine Embassy in Italy has reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Malta not to use their Philippine passports as collateral in loan transactions.

In an advisory, the embassy reiterated that Philippine passports are property of the Philippine government and using them as collateral for loans is considered illegal.

“It has come to the Embassy's attention that several Filipino nationals in Malta may be involved in the unlawful practice of using their passports as collateral for loans,” the advisory read.

“In this regard, the Embassy would like to remind all Filipino citizens that, under Philippine law, passports are the property of the Philippine government and must not be used as collateral for any loan transaction,” it added.

The embassy also stressed that any passport used as collateral will be “automatically rendered cancelled,” and such activity may “lead to legal consequences for both parties involved.”

“To concerned Filipinos in Malta involved in such activities, please be advised that the Embassy has already communicated the matter with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila for guidance on the appropriate course of action,” it said.

“Once available, the Embassy or the Philippine Consulate in Malta will promptly notify the concerned individuals,” it added.

Both the Embassy and the Philippine Consulate in Malta reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Filipinos abroad in following legal protocols and encouraged the community's cooperation.