Solon to DFA: Explain online passport appointment mess


The Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) much criticized online passport appointment system may face Congress scrutiny following widespread complaints from the public.
Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo said he may call for a congressional investigation depending on the DFA's explanation on the problem.
"I will be asking the DFA for a report to see if there's a need for the House [of Representatives] to investigate this issue," Castelo, vice chair of the House Committee for OFWs, said.
The DFA has come under heavy fire from Filipinos — including those working abroad — who are renewing their passports because of difficulties in getting appointment through the agency's online facilities.
The DFA's Facebook page has been flooded with complaints from people unable to get appointments earlier than March.
Castelo, meanwhile, appealed to the DFA to make passport renewal easier for OFWs.
"Please don't make passport renewal difficult for OFWs especially those who are in the country for a short vacation and who need to return soon to the countries where they are working," he said.
Though OFWs no longer need to make online appointment to renew their passport under DFA rules, Castelo said a special link for OFWs should be created on the DFA online appointment system "so they (OFWs) can be given priority appointment dates."
He said the special link for OFWs should be "separate from the general public."
"[OFWs] should have the option to make online appointments instead of going directly to the DFA office to renew their passport," Castelo said. "One will never know how long the line would be so there is no guarantee that they can be attended to once they go to the DFA." —KBK, GMA News

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