MANILA, Philippines — Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10928 that extend the validity of the Philippine passport to 10 years.
The DFA chief said the IRR would take effect on January 1, 2018 and not immediately because “there is a need to notify agencies around the world” about the changes.
“If we approve that here without informing other countries, we might be questioned,” he explained.
Two months from its implementation date is “enough time” to inform other states that the Philippines will be extending its passport validity to 10 years, according to Cayetano.
He said the new booklet’s price would be similar to the current passport with a five-year validity.
“This won’t be having a price increase since you will be getting the same basic passport,” the DFA chief said.
The passport fee for express processing is P 1,200 while the regular processing costs P950.
The regular processing time for passports is up to 20 working days while express processing is within 10 working days.
Cayetano, however, said that under the law, applicants 18 years old and below would only be given passports with a five-year validity.
“(Applicants) below 18 years old, nagbabago pa yung mukha so it’s better na after 18 years old, once expired na yung passport, doon lang i-renew para mag-10-years,” he said.
The DFA chief, for his part, extended his gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte and Congress for the swift passage of the law.
Cayetano explained that the IRR formulation was delayed for some time due to “extensive” and “exhaustive” consultation with the House of Representatives.
“We will continue to work with Congress so as to produce an enhanced physical passport,” he assured.
