DFA sees passport appointments back to pre-pandemic levels this year

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is expecting passport appointments to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, Raffy Tima reported on Unang Balita on Thursday.

According to DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, about 2.5 million passport slots were opened last year. The number is expected to increase this year.

At present, there are no backlogs in passport appointments.

"Today, passport applications can be efficiently completed in a matter of minutes rather than hours as before," Manalo said. 

Meanwhile, consular offices will be more watchful for foreigners securing Philippine passport as they are oftentimes used in illegal activities.

"Here at Aseana alone we are able to identify and prevent at least 58 attempts," said DFA Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz of the Office of Consular Affairs. —KBK, GMA Integrated News