House ratifies bicam report on 10-year Philippine passport validity

In February, the lower chamber passed House Bill No. 4767, which introduces an amendment to the Philippine Passport Law (Republic Act 8239) that will lengthen the passport’s validity. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA–The House of Representatives on Tuesday ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposal seeking to extend the validity of Philippine passports to 10 years for adults and five years for minors.

This after the Senate approved Monday on third and final reading its own version of the bill.

The ratified report will be submitted to Malacañang for the signature or veto of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In February, the lower chamber passed House Bill No. 4767, which introduces an amendment to the Philippine Passport Law (Republic Act 8239) that will lengthen the passport’s validity.

Under Section 10 of RA 8239, the passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.

The bill seeks to extend the validity of passports to five years for minors aged zero to 17 years old; and to 10 years for passports of adults aged 18 years old and above.

The present law refers to passport as “a document issued by the Philippine government to its citizens and requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass safely and freely, and in case of need to give him/her all lawful aid and protection.”