Public warned vs passport scam

MANILA, Philippines — Passport appointment slots are not being sold on social media.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stressed this point yet again, saying passport applications can only be made through its official appointment system at www.passport.gov.ph/appointment/.

“The DFA reiterates that it does not use Facebook or any other social media network to offer or confirm passport application appointments nor it has authorized any company or individual to offer and accept passport appointment scheduling on the department’s behalf,” it said.

“Those who engage the services of these unauthorized private entities or individuals using social media accounts and networks run the risk of not getting an authentic appointment or issues with their passport application, aside from incurring additional expenses,” it added.

The DFA advised the public to ignore offers on social media and use only the official passport appointment system that it maintains.

The agency said senior citizens, persons with disabilities, overseas Filipino workers and other qualified individuals may set their appointment using the courtesy lane facility by sending an email to [email protected] or to the email address of the nearest consular office.

“Kindly check the existing DFA advisories and local government units’ advisories on the implementation of community quarantine and for entry requirements before setting an appointment with a particular consular office,” it added.