Despite shift to high-tech passport, fixers still pester DFA

Even a shift to high-tech passports might not help the Department of Foreign Affairs in efforts to rid the agency of passport fixers.

The DFA admitted this over the weekend as it warned the public anew against fixers charging exorbitant fees, this time for a passport appointment.

"DFA-OCA does not authorize any of its personnel to offer passport-related services (particularly appointments) to the public inside or outside of its premises," it said on its website.

It noted there are now "unscrupulous and enterprising individuals" who charge exorbitant fees in exchange for a passport appointment.

The DFA Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) said getting an appointment for passport processing is free and may be done in two ways.

One is to call telephone number 737-1000, while another is to log on to www.epassport.com.ph.

"The public is further advised not to deal or transact any business with any of these people or even offices near the DFA offering passport-related services to avoid being victimized," the DFA said.

Inquiries or urgent concerns or requests may be directed to any of the DFA-OCA Public Assistance personnel, it added.

The DFA said its OCA can provide assistance to applicants with urgent passport requirements provided that sufficient proof of urgency is submitted.

"Finally, the cooperation of the public is requested by reporting any suspicious and anomalous offers regarding passports to the Office of the Passport Director," it said. — LBG, GMANews.TV

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