Senator Bong Go has co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2001, or the New Philippine Passport Act, which seeks to provide a new passport law, repealing Republic Act No. 8239, or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.
The measure was principally sponsored by Senator Imee Marcos.
In his co-sponsorship, Go recognized the need for a simplified, accessible, and secure Philippine passport that can cater to the needs of the general public.
“With the advancements in technology, it is just right and proper that we have a more simplified, accessible, and secure Philippine passport. After all, the right to travel is recognized in our Constitution,” the legislator said.
“The bill provides new guidelines and requirements for the issuance of Philippine passports, and it also includes specific provisions for minor applicants, foundlings, senior citizens, and migrant workers.”
The lawmaker explained that the bill provides new guidelines and requirements for the issuance of Philippine passports, and it also includes specific provisions for minor applicants, foundlings, senior citizens, and migrant workers.
The senator also lauded that the ten-year validity of passports is carried in the proposed measure.
The ten-year validity of passports was initially introduced during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte through the passage of RA 10928.
This move was praised by Go, as it helped to alleviate the difficulties experienced by Filipino citizens in renewing their passports.
“Noong panahon po ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, pinirmahan niya po ang Republic Act 10928 to amend the existing passport law to extend the validity of passports from five years to ten years,” he said.
“Ayaw nating mahirapan ang ating mga kababayan sa pagkuha ng basic government services.”
“Napakalaking bagay po noon, lalung-lalo na po sa ating mga kababayan na napakahirap pong mag-renew ng passport, para hindi na mahirapan ang ating mga kababayan na pumila at magbayad pa para sa panibagong passport. Ayaw nating mahirapan ang ating mga kababayan sa pagkuha ng basic government services,” Go added.
Meanwhile, under the proposed measure, the Department of Foreign Affairs will also be mandated to establish an online application portal and Electronic One-Stop Shop that can be easily accessible on their official website.
“This will facilitate convenience of application and ease in gathering and submission of requirements. The bill also reiterates the ten-year validity of regular passports, except for those under 18 years of age,” he said.
Additionally, SBN 2001 recognizes the need to provide special assistance to senior citizens, persons with disability, pregnant women, and overseas Filipino workers who may require special accommodations in the passport application process. Special lanes will be created to expedite their application and renewal process.
It includes a 20% reduction in passport application fees for senior citizens and PWDs, recognizing the need for these vulnerable sectors to receive government services at a lower cost.
“Through this measure, we hope we could enhance and protect the unimpaired exercise of our right to travel. It is for these reasons that I request to be considered a co-author of this measure,” Go concluded.
