DFA start Issuing E-Passports

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that they are now ready to issue epassports. This kind of passport uses microchip technology, meaning the pages of the passport has an integrated circuit (chip) that stores important information about the owner of the document. It contains personal information such as the biometrics, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature that confirms that all the stored data are true and correct

The DFA informed that they start processing application for e-passports via the online appointment system on August 26. At the onset, numbers of e-passport to be issued is limited to 100 ePassports a day and they will use a first-come-first-serve basis.

Also from August 26 to September 30, they will only entertain those applying for passport renewal. Those who want to apply should visit the website of DFA http://dfa.gov.ph - and submit an online appointment application.

At present, the government is issuing two kinds of passports to Filipinos, the manually scripted green/brown passports and the machine-readable passports (MRP). Data showed that almost 1.4 million of machine-readable passports were issued by the DFA main office and over 40 Philippine embassies and consulates in mid-2007.

The first person in the Philippines to be given an e-passport is President Macapagal Arroyo. It was handed to the president during the launching ceremony that was held at the DFA main office in Pasay City.

The e-passport is said to be better than its machine-readable counterpart because of its 64-kilobyte microchip that are able to store security features and personal data of the holder. This way, the problem of fake passports and tampering of documents are prevented.

The DFA said that an initial two to four million e-passports will be released in two to three months. Once released, the e-passports can be availed for the price of Php 950 each. According to the DFA, people with machine-readable passports can still be used until the expiration date