Passport release process back to normal as e-Passport maintenance work ends  

The Department of Foreign Affairs expects the end to long queues at the passport releasing office with the completion of the maintenance work of the e-Passport system, the DFA said Saturday.

Normal passport issuing schedules will resume on April 15, it said.

Also, the DFA said it has released the number of days for passport processing in the following branches:

• 15 working days for regular processing, and 7 working days for express processing at DFA-Aseana (Office of Consular Affairs) at Aseana Center, Bradco corner Macapagal Ave, Parañaque City;
• 15 working days for regular processing, and 7 working days for express processing at Satellite Offices in SM Megamall, SM Manila, Metro Mall Alabang, Robinsons Galleria and Ali Mall;
• 20 working days for regular processing, and 10 working days for express processing at Regional Consular Offices (RCOs); and
• Three to four weeks for applications at Foreign Service Posts (Philippine Embassies and Consulates General)

Applicants with urgent travel needs such as when there is death in the family, medical emergencies, and the application is work-related, may still avail of early release of their passports.

Medical or death certificates, and valid employment contract processed by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or Philippine Overseas Labor Office is needed for such releases.

The e-Passport system's maintenance was scheduled from April 1 to 15.

Help desks were set up by the DFA during the maintenance period to help clients in the processing their applications.

Also, the DFA thanked "the public for their understanding and cooperation during... the maintenance period." — Rie Takumi /LBG, GMA News