According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), 47 percent of people who schedule an appointment for passport application don’t show up. The DFA got tired of no-shows, so they they decided to punish those who flake.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said that starting June 1, applicants who will not show up on the date of their passport application appointment will be barred from re-applying for 30 days.
The DFA Chief said that he wants applicants to take thier reservations seriously. The bad practice of disregarding schedule has resulted to a two-month waiting period for those who want to set an appointment.
“They just apply now, they don’t show up again so starting June 1, if you do not show up for your appointment you’re gonna be put aside for at least a month. You are not going to apply for a new slot,” he said.
He initially thought of imposing a fine for those who don’t show up, but Commission on Audit advised against it because no service has been rendered yet.
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