Key Features of RA 11983 (New Philippine Passport Act)

Republic Act No. 11983, enacted on March 11, 2024, introduces significant reforms to the Philippine passport system, enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and security. This law repeals the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 (RA 8239) and aligns passport services with modern technological advancements and international standards.

1. Digitalization and Streamlined Application Process

*Online Application Portal: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is mandated to establish an online portal and electronic one-stop shop for passport applications, simplifying document submission and reducing in-person visits.

*Offsite and Mobile Services: The DFA can provide passport services beyond consular offices through offsite and mobile units, increasing accessibility for Filipinos in remote areas.

2. Enhanced Validity and Ownership Provisions

*Passport Validity: Regular passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 18. The DFA may issue passports with shorter validity when necessary for national interests.

*Government Ownership: Passports remain the property of the Philippine government and cannot be confiscated by any entity other than the DFA. Unauthorized withholding is subject to penalties.

3. Inclusive Services and Special Lanes

*Special Lanes: The law mandates the establishment of special processing lanes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, minors aged seven and below, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers, and individuals with urgent cases.

*Support for Muslim Pilgrims: The DFA is tasked with accommodating Muslim Filipinos participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as coordinated with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

4. Reversion to Maiden Name

*One-Time Reversion: Married women may revert to their maiden names upon passport renewal, provided all other identification documents reflect the maiden name. This reversion is allowed only once.

5. Strict Penalties for Passport-Related Offenses

*Illegal Withholding: Unauthorized confiscation or withholding of passports is punishable by imprisonment of 12 to 20 years and fines ranging from ₱1 million to ₱2 million.

6. Passport Revolving Fund

*Service Fees: The DFA may collect service fees up to 30% of regular passport fees for special services, which will constitute a Passport Revolving Fund. This fund supports the improvement of passport and consular services, subject to auditing and congressional review.

RA 11983 represents a comprehensive overhaul of the Philippine passport system, aiming to provide more efficient, secure, and accessible services to Filipino citizens.

Link: Republic Act No. 11983 (The New Passport Law)