DFA to cut off foreign travels

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs will cut off foreign travels to replenish its depleted passport revolving fund reportedly eaten up by travel allowances, insurance and other expenses, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said yesterday.

Locsin said the DFA’s arrears to APO Production Unit, the country’s passport printing contractor, has reached P388 million.

Locsin said the agency would look for ways to replenish the fund.

Under the Philippine Passport Act, the DFA may charge a service fee of not more than P250 for the processing and issuance of passports requiring special consideration, waiver or issuance beyond regular office hours.

Sought for comment, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the DFA may ask the Department of Budget and Management to replenish the passport revolving fund.

Malacañang is optimistic that Locsin would be able to look for money to replenish the fund.