DFA: Validity of expiring passports extended

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Wednesday that the validity of expiring passports will be extended for another year for those who have urgent travels. DFA said that this is due to "unpreceedented increase in applications and other technical concerns" that caused delay in the processing and releasing of passports. "The extension will be free of charge while the applicants are waiting for the release of their new electronic passports (ePassports)," the agency said in a statement posted on its website. Meanwhile, applicants who need to get their pasports immediately due to emergencies can go to the Passport's Director's Office for assistance. To accomodate all applications for passports, the DFA also announced the extension of the Office of Consular Affairs' work hours. The processing is now until 8:00 p.m on weekdays and 5:00 p.m on Saturdays. They also encourage the public to file their application as early as 12 weeks before their scheduled travel. "The DFA is exerting all efforts and is committed to resolve the delays at the soonest possible time, and requests the public's patience and understanding, particularly those who applied at its Regional Consular Offices (RCOs)," the statement said. - VVP, GMA News