DFA to ban no-show applicants from passport appointments

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday warned the public of a 30-day ban to those who will not show up on the date of their passport appointment.

DFA Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said the no-show applicants will be barred from applying starting June 1 since statistics showed that 47 percent of people who applied do not attend their appointment and he wants applicants to value their slot.

Almendras added that the non-attendance on the passport appointment results to a two-month delay for several other applicants.

“If you don’t show up you’re not going be able to reserve for 30 days. So please take your reservations seriously,” Almendras said in a televised interview with ANC.

“They just apply now, they don’t show up again, so starting June 1, if you do not show up for your appointment you’re going to be put aside for at least a month. You are not going to apply for a new slot,” he added.

The DFA chief said the agency is still transitioning to a new system to accommodate all passport applications. Almendras then asked for Filipinos’ patience while they undergo system changes. — Rosette Adel