DFA looking to launch Online Passport Renewal System by 2019

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is reportedly testing out a new system that will allow applicants to have online passport renewals. This is according to Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alan Peter Cayetano.

This supposed new system is aimed at reducing the appointments and lines at consular offices. Not to mention, the arduous process of getting an appointment. According to Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano:

“One of these technologies shown to me, ‘yung cellphone kukuhanan lang ng picture ‘yung passport, and then magse-selfie ka. ‘Yung face mo ico-compare sa passport. Then we can mail you the (renewed) passport already,”

The DFA is still in the process of finalizing the details of the said new system but they are aiming at a 2019 release. One catch though, only passports issued from August 2016 onwards are eligible for online passport renewal. This is due to the obsolete and corrupt data of previous applicants. Although, Cayetano is assuring the public that once they have the biometrics, online renewal will be possible.

source: ABS-CBN