The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday rejected Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla's call to remove visa issuance from the agency, saying his allegations undermine the integrity and reputation of the Philippine Foreign Service and its personnel.

In a statement dated Oct. 26, the DFA disputed Remulla's claim that the government had turned Philippine visa issuance into a business.

“Ombudsman Remulla’s remarks undermine the institutional integrity of the Department and unfairly malign the reputation of the Philippine Foreign Service and its personnel," the statement read.

The department said its authority to issue visas is based on Philippine law and international conventions, including the Administrative Code of 1987 and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

It stressed that visa issuance is not merely a clerical task, as it involves evaluating applications, verifying documents and exercising official judgment under applicable laws and regulations.

“These responsibilities require the exercise of official judgment pursuant to the applicable Philippine laws, rules and regulations, and cannot be reduced to just the administrative receipt and processing of documents," it said.

The DFA acknowledged that third-party service providers, such as VFS, may assist in administrative tasks, including receiving visa applications.

However, it emphasized that outsourcing these services does not transfer the government's authority to approve or deny visas, which remains with Philippine embassies and consulates.

The department also said visa fees are collected in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the prescribed schedule of fees.

The DFA said it does not tolerate corruption and remains committed to accountability, transparency and professionalism in public service.

It added that it would continue to carry out its legal responsibilities and protect the integrity of the country's visa issuance system.