President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the New Philippine Passport Act, which aims to modernize the passport application process in the country.

The new Republic Act No. 119831, also known as the New Passport Law, amends the R.A No. 8239 or the Passport Act of 1996.

It aims to improve accessibility and streamline the procedures of applying for a Philippine passport.

It is seen to greatly benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), senior citizens, and citizens with special needs or exceptional circumstances.

In a statement by the Presidential Communications Office last March 15, the new law authorizes the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to create offside and mobile passport services outside of the consumer offices and foreign service posts (FSPs). That may include an online portal for easier passport application.

The law also mandates the DFA to “arrange accommodations for the applications of regular passports by senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, minors aged seven years old and below, solo parents, OFWs, and individuals with emergency and exceptional cases.”

For security, the PCO said that a tough penalty of at least 12 years of imprisonment and fines ranging from Php1-2 million will be imposed on those who commit unauthorized passport handling.

The new law will also fine those guilty of forgery and misuse with an amount ranging from Php100,000 to Php250,000 and imprisonment of six to fifteen years.

Meanwhile, those who commit unfair practices in passport issuance may face suspension, dismissal, up to a Php250,000 fine, and up to six years of imprisonment.

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