In a recent interview with the incoming Budget Secretary, Dr. Benjamin Diokno, he expressed the need for such adjustment since other countries like the USA, already have a 10-year VISA issuance.
Currently, the Philippines only allows up to 5 years passport validity. Duterte administration eyes to add more 5 years to lessen the burden of our OFWs and future applicants. Citizens showed great approval of the proposal since the renewal of passport in the Philippines is costly and time-consuming.
On the other hand, DFA Assistant Secretary Frank Cimafranca said that amending the passport law would also increase the cost. According to him, the current passport totals 44 pages and if changes will be made to the length of validity, it could increase up to 60 pages which would still increase the application cost.
Aside from the passport extension, Duterte admin also aims to extend the validity of NBI clearance and driver’s license (3-5 years) and to eliminate the expiration of NSO-issued birth certificate, which is only valid for 6 months at the present. This is to help speed up the process of job application in the country.