the new way to get Philippine Passport gives headache
By se7enthbird
@se7enthbird (8307)
Philippines
August 22, 2010 5:14pm CST
you need to go on line to get an application schedule, though it is listed all at the site what to do and what to bring, still there are a lot of Filipino people who would rather apply the old way for there are a lot who has no knowledge on using the computer. they will give a schedule on when and what time to go at the DFA office and the schedule is two months from now. WTH! the old way to get it is just going to DFA office fall in queue for hours and hours then after singing and giving the documents needed you will get back after a week or so to get your passport. yes the lines are long and boring, but it is better than to wait for 2 months before submitting the application form and the documents needed. they are even boasting that this is the new computerized way to get passport. computerized? is this a joke? if it is computerized then it has to be faster than the old way to get it. this is a headache. seeing this making me feel that the Philippines is not moving forward.
2 people like this
5 responses
@junmae (1586)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
I thought the new procedures now is good and more easier than the previous one according to the former president GMA, well I guess that is a lie again. I hope that they shouldnt change the way people used to apply with passports because some people are not techie with reagrds in using the computer. i hope that the previous government think about it before they implement it.
@se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
well all GMA said was really a lie. this king of system sucks. but i am still hoping that there will be changes as years go by. i hope that there will make a faster a better system than waiting for two months just to apply for a passport. plus a few more days for releasing. thanks a lot for the response
@diogz22 (516)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
I think they will still improve the system that is currently employed now. They are still on the first year of implementing this kind of system so definitely they will find another more convenient way. I think they have patterned this system with that of the US consular office that needs an appointment for Visa applications.
@jerikjames (1041)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
Well it really works for me. I really don't want to get stuck up in line for hours. It's also more organized and I believe it would only take a while before the system would reach it's maximum potential. Anyway, I personally would welcome the 2 months and be organized and go through the application process with ease. Oh and by the way, I'm afraid it's not two months, it was only two weeks in my case when I had a schedule. When I got there, the application went very smooth and easy and it was over before lunch. If there's no scheduling, do you think I would've finish that early? 
Anyhow, new systems always get rejections in the beginning because the employees are feeling their way through it and people can't appreciate it yet. But when you finally accepted the pros of the program, then I believe you'll see it as an advantage. 
Anyhow, new systems always get rejections in the beginning because the employees are feeling their way through it and people can't appreciate it yet. But when you finally accepted the pros of the program, then I believe you'll see it as an advantage. @se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
lucky for you it didnt take two months for waiting. the sister of my wife called around august 9 and the schedule they got was for Oct 5. so that would be two months of waiting. i wish this sysytem will improve. i have no faith much with our government since arroyo. even BIR and SSS. But i hope this time with Pinoy is a different stor. thanks a lot for the response
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
but we have to admit, there are a lot of people taking care of their passports everyday and it's increasing. they have to modernize. well, i guess i was one of those who were lucky enough to have a liaison or a travel agency to assist me. even at the times that i lost my passport and had it replaced. 
we are doing our best to go with the flow, some are not as we expected.@se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
i never experience going to DFA myself too. agency handles mine as well and i tried the door to door service but all of that was not available anymore. everyone has to get an appointment online. the agency will assist you but there will still be a personal appearance. thanks a lot for the response
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
2 months is quite a long time to wait but i guess we have to look at the brighter side of things. The most important benefit is people will not be victimized by fixers around the DFA. this new process would benefit not only those within metro manila since people from the provinces can plan their schedules well. I guess we just have to give DFA a few more months to improve on their waiting time. What i can see is it's more of a manpower problem. the sooner they can train staffs the better will be their service. Electronic is the way to go it's just that there are what we call birth pains that everyone has to go through every time a new process is introduced.
@se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
yes two months is long to wait specially if you really need it as soon as possible. fixers are still around, i heard they ask for 10thousand if you want a faster one. i hope that there will no one who will jump on that king of hook so that fixers will stop. Philippine passport has a new face too and a different color. thanks a lot for the response
@diogz22 (516)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
Probably the 2 months wait was just implemented recently since when I experienced getting my passport last march I had just scheduled my appointment with the DFA office at most 2 weeks. I think that was the time when it was first introduced the appointment system. There were other people on the gate who don't have any appointment was not allowed to enter the premises.
@diogz22 (516)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
I like there methods now compared before since before you have even have to wait for overnight just to get in line and expecting that by the morning you will be processed but in the end you'll be cued for the next day. That's a terrible way to waste a day waiting just to get a passport. Unlike today you just wait your schedule before you apply a passport and you will only spend half a day in the DFA office and then there you go just wait for at most 2 weeks to get your new passport. You can even have it delivered in your doorstep with an additional cost of course.
@se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
31 Aug 10
i think the call/deliver is the best way. thats is where i renewed my passport years ago. you will call then they will interview you and tell you to make sure all the needed documents are on hand so that when the agent arrive at your house they will just pick it up and all you need is to sign. i wish that system have a go again that is a very convenient way to get a passport. thanks a lot for the response
