The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has firmly rejected statements made by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla questioning the agency’s authority to issue visas and raising allegations regarding its passport services.
The DFA stressed that its authority to issue Philippine visas is expressly provided under Section 21(3) of the Administrative Code of 1987 and is not merely dependent on or delegated by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The agency emphasized that its powers over visa issuance are established by law, reinforcing its mandate to regulate the entry of foreign nationals into the country.
The DFA also clarified that the 14-day visa-free entry arrangement for Chinese nationals is based on a presidential directive aimed at promoting trade, investments, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
According to the department, the arrangement is strictly limited to tourism and business purposes and cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa or immigration status.
The agency likewise opposed any investigation or proposal to transfer visa processing functions to private service providers such as VFS Global, stressing that the approval or denial of visas is a sovereign government function that cannot be outsourced.
Furthermore, the DFA denied allegations that it issues “fake” passports or imposes impossible documentary requirements on applicants.
The department explained that all passport application and issuance procedures are mandated under Republic Act No. 11983, otherwise known as the New Philippine Passport Act.
Addressing concerns surrounding fees, the DFA said charges collected for passport and visa services are not commercial undertakings but are imposed in accordance with the government’s prescribed Schedule of Fees.
The agency added that revenues generated from these fees form part of government collections, disputing what it described as misleading statements made during a radio program aired on November 7.
The DFA maintained that the integrity of DFA visa and passport services remains anchored on existing laws, regulations, and established government procedures.