First come, first serve for electronic passport application
An e-passport is a passport which features microchip technology. An integrated circuit (chip) within its pages contains the data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These data include the personal data found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip.
According to the DFA, they are still in the transition period of the new system and would not be able to process massive applications before the month ends.
"In the next few months the ePassport application will be in full-blast," DFA spokesperson Ed Malaya told GMANews.TV.
Malaya said Filipinos holding machine-readable passports (MRPs) could also start applying for the ePassport, which has a superior microchip system technology.
A total of 2.3 million Filipinos received their MRPs in 2008, a year after it was launched by the DFA. MRP holders enjoy a 30-second processing time at airport immigration centers, Immigration chief Marcelino Libanan said.
Malaya refused to specify a deadline of compliance for Filipino ePassport applicants as well as their target number of applications for the year.
The ePassport microchip would be able to store the digital photo, signature and thumb print of the applicant, Malaya said. Once the chip is scanned, border patrol authorities would also be alerted in case a visitor has suspicious records.
A total of 63 countries are capable of reading ePassports including the US, Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom.
In implementing the ePassport system, the Philippines has complied with the requirements of the UN-affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
"The ICAO aims to provide and enhance safety and security in international travel. As a member-state of the ICAO, we have to comply," Malaya said. - Joseph Holandes Ubalde, GMANews.TV
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