The proposal to extend Philippine passports’ validity from five years to 10 years has inched closer to implementation as the bill now lands on President Rodrigo Duterte’s table and only awaits his signature.
Senator Cynthia Villar, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said she is confident that Duterte will prioritize the signing of this bill because it is included in his legislative agenda.
“With the speed and efficiency both houses of Congress provided in passing this bill, it goes without saying that we are all in agreement that this measure will work for the benefit of the travelling public, especially our Overseas FIlipino Workers (OFWs),” Gulf News quoted VIllar as saying.
The bill seeks to amend the Section 10 of Republic Act 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 and extend the validity of regular passports to 10 years.
On the other hand, the measure mandates a five-year validity for passport holders below 18 years old.
Villar said the Bicameral Conference Committee agreed to fully adopt the Senate version of the proposal or the Senate Bill 1365 that aims to “make the passport processing system seamless, convenient and pro-people, and the production and security of passports at par with technological advances and world standards”.
Photo Credit: Muscat Daily
