The extension of the Philippine passport’s validity from five years to ten years has been well-received by the general public. With the approval of RA 10928 or Philippine Passport Law by President Rodrigo Duterte, we will be saved from the hassle of needing to renew our passports often.
However, the new policy would mean a new advanced system in renewing passports. The new system requires complete information of the passport holder to be inputted.
If your passport is about to expire or already expired, check if the address stated is only the province and does not include the city or the municipality. If so, you would be required to bring your birth certificate to amend the data.
Here’s how to get an NSO/PSA copy of your BIRTH CERTIFICATE ONLINE
According to Vice Consul Elizabeth Picar Ramos, they are only required for those applicants whose passports do not reflect the city of municipality of their birth place. They need to secure a copy of their birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), formerly National Statistics Office (NSO).
Ramos warned that failure to comply to the new requirement means the printing of the passport will be suspended. Thus, she encourages them to ensure all required documents are presented to make the process fast and efficient.
This new policy will be effective for applicants who will renew their passports.
Filipinos can apply for passport renewal online or book an appointment as early as ten months before the expiration of their passports.
Passport renewal is now strictly by scheduled appointment through the Passport Appointment Portal.
Applicants who failed to show up during their scheduled appointment since June 1 need to set another appointment online.
