The price of Philippine passports may increase from the current ₱950 to ₱1,500, although the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is asking the APO Production Unit to defer the adjustment until the rollout of a new generation of passports in 2028.
During the DFA’s Senate budget hearing Friday, Sept. 18, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the agency recognizes the need for a higher passport fee after more than a decade without an increase.
“Ang sabi namin sa kanila ay kung pwede nyo po i-postpone muna ang pag-increase, acknowledge naman din namin na may talagang siguro it's about time,” Lazaro said, noting that it has been at least more than 10 years since the Philippine passport increased its fee.
Lazaro said the proposed adjustment followed negotiations with APO Production Unit, which produces Philippine passports. However, the DFA has asked APO to postpone the increase until the launch of the new generation passport, expected by mid-2028.
She noted that the Philippine Passport Act prohibits an increase in passport fees within three years, prompting the DFA to consider the timing of the adjustment.
Sen. JV Ejercito raised concerns over a letter from APO warning that its financial situation could affect its operations if passport fees remain unchanged.
Ejercito said the current passport fee is ₱950, while the proposed new rate is ₱1,500. He also noted that according to the APO production unit, discounted rates may apply to senior citizens and overseas Filipino workers, with the latter potentially paying ₱1,200.
Lazaro said the DFA would continue discussions with APO and develop a communication plan should an adjustment become necessary.
“Kailangan din namin i-convey yan. Magko-communications plan pa kami. Hindi naman basta-basta. Maski na po tatlong buwan, kailangan pa rin ho ng enough explanation.”
Ejercito, meanwhile, said the Senate could consider possible government subsidy if needed, particularly to prevent overseas Filipino workers from bearing a heavier financial burden.
He also pointed to the government’s limited fiscal space and said any subsidy would need to be assessed carefully.
“Medyo masikip din yung fiscal space natin. We cannot just allocate money kung talagang hindi kailangan. We have a very limited fiscal space this year.”
