Passport applications in areas that are not under ECQ may resume — DFA

Dulay also asked for passport applicants to become more patient and understanding as the consular offices enforce such changes. (Shutterstock photo)

The processing of passport applications in places that are not placed under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) may resume, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

During the Laging Handa online press briefing on Saturday, April 25, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Brigido Dulay said the DFA’s other consular offices suspended its operations due to the ECQ. But if these places relax restrictions or are placed under the general community quarantine (GCQ), Dulay said, “Magbabalik po ‘yung operasyon sa normal (the operations will be back to normal).”

Dulay, however, added that while normal operations may resume, the DFA has to implement changes in its protocol in compliance with preventive measures related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Gusto ko lang po paalalahanan ang ating mga kababayan ‘no (I just want to notify our fellow countrymen),” he said, continuing, “Hindi na po pupwede ‘yung dating proseso (We cannot apply the usual process).”

“Mag-iiba po kami ng proseso para makasunod po tayo sa patakaran ng social distancing at decongestion (We will change the process so we can observe social distancing and decongestion guidelines),” he added.

Dulay also asked for passport applicants to become more patient and understanding as the consular offices enforce such changes.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier approved the extension of the ECQ in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and other areas that are considered “high risk” for COVID-19 until May 15, 2020.

[READ: Duterte extends ECQ in NCR, other Covid-19 ‘high risk’ areas]

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who announced the decision on Friday, said, “Ang lahat po ng probinsya na hindi kasama dito sa mananatili ang ECQ ay mapapasailalim sa new normal na tinatawag na general community quarantine (All provinces that are not included in the areas where ECQ will remain have to undergo the new normal or the so-called general community quarantine).”

Friday’s announcement was the second extension. The first extension of ECQ in Luzon was supposed to end on April 30.