DFA announces delay in passport release

 

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila says passport applications filed from the last week of March may not be released on time as before due to “logistical and supply chain issues” linked to the Middle East conflict.

A statement released by DFA today, Wednesday, said it may take between 10 to 15 working days for new passports to be released until further notice. 

This means that the wait may be longer if the passport application was made overseas. Currently there is already a waiting time of from six to eight weeks for passports where the application was made abroad.

Overseas posts are advising applicants to give an allowance of at least eight months before their passport expiration as travelers are normally required to have passports that have at least six months' validity before they are allowed to go abroad.

DFA says it is working with its printing provider to get operations back to normal.

In the meantime, Filipinos who are abroad are advised to coordinate with the consular or foreign service post nearest to them for additional information.

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The announcement comes in the wake of numerous complaints aired over social media about unexplained delays in the release of their passports.

40K Middle East-bound OFWs stranded in Manila

 

These newly repatriated OFWs from Qatar add to the rising number of jobless Filipinos

More than 40,000 overseas Filipino workers are reportedly stranded in Manila amid the worsening conflict in the Middle East, which has resulted in a deployment ban being imposed on most countries in the region.

This is apart from the more than 4,000 OFWs who have been repatriated from Middle East countries since war broke out between Iran and United States-Israeli forces.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the government is ready to assist all those who have lost their jobs, adding that there are 200,000 job orders in various countries now being offered to the displaced workers.

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Cacdac also said the stranded workers may also avail of the livelihood assistance and training being offered by the Department of Migrant Workers to repatriated Filipinos.

He added the group were given financial assistance before leaving their workplace and on arrival in the Philippines.

Apart from Iran and Israeli, the countries where OFW deployment has been suspended include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, along with Gaza, Syria, and Yemen. A total deployment ban is in force in Iraq and Lebanon.

The stranded workers are mostly staying at accommodation center of their recruitment agencies, while others have gone back to their provinces. There are also those who were on vacation or were about to return to their workplaces when the war broke out.

With no end in sight to the conflict, experts say the deployment to the Middle East could seriously decline in the second and third quarters of the year.

Latest reintegration fair also targets stranded OFWs 

But as the crisis cuts deeper into the country, about half of those who recently returned are said to be planning to return abroad once the situation in the region stabilizes.

 “Many of our returning OFWs, just about 50 percent, still plan to go back (to work abroad)… Why? Because they have valid employment visas. There is no problem with that. It only means they were able to properly ask permission from their employers to go home,” Cacdac said on the sidelines of a reitegration fair.

Those who do not wish to return to the Middle East will be helped in going to another country abroad if they so wish, while those who want to try their luck in the Philippines will be enrolled in a suitable reintegration program.

Meanwhile, 88 Filipinos from Qatar were brought home on two separate flights over the weekend. They took the number of repatriated OFWs from across the Middle East to 4,241.

SSS studies loan moratorium, penalty condonation

 

SSS personnel take care of members' needs

The Social Security System (SSS) is studying the feasibility of offering a loan moratorium (or a temporary suspension or reduction of loan repayments for a set period of time) for members, and a condonation program for contribution penalties for employers amid the worsening crisis in the Middle East.

Additionally, SSS is evaluating options for extending contribution payment deadlines for employers and individual paying members.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said these measures aim to provide immediate relief to SSS members and employers struggling with financial difficulties.

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"We recognize the hardships many Filipinos are enduring," de Claro said. "SSS remains committed to protecting the welfare of our over 40 million members. We are expediting internal reviews and consultations with stakeholders to roll out these support initiatives as swiftly as possible, while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the SSS fund."

SSS said updates on these programs will be announced through official channels once finalized. Members and employers are encouraged to visit www.sss.gov.ph or its official social media channels for the latest information on its programs.

 

Philippine peso falls to new all-time low of 60.69 to USD

 

Each USD now equals to Php60.69

The Philippine peso hit a fresh record low today, Monday, closing at Php60.69 to the US dollar, surpassing the previous low of Php60.55 set just three days ago.

The peso even dipped to an intraday low of Php60.84 before rising slightly before the close.

As the HK dollar is pegged to the US dollar, this meant a corresponding drop in the peso value, with the latest exchange rate listed as Php7.76 to the HK dollar.

This marked the seventh record low for the Philippine currency this month alone, driven by the surging global oil prices and a strong dollar amid fears of a prolonged, full-scale war in the Middle East.

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The weakening currency has driven up local fuel prices as the country began buying up supplies from abroad to ensure the gas pumps do not run dry, and cause further havoc on the economy.

Analysts warn that if tensions in the Middle East do not ease up soon, the peso could drop to as low as Php61 to the greenback.

Fears that the war would escalate mounted as Yemen’s Houthi rebels joined the fray Saturday, firing a number of cruise missiles and drones at key sites in Israel.

This raised concern about the war spreading to the Red Sea, where Saudi Arabia has rerouted much of its oil exports to avoid the Strait of Hormuz which Iran has sealed off to all but a few allies that use it to transport crude and gas supplies.

Marcos declares ‘energy emergency’ amid global oil shortage

Marcos signs EO 110 which will roll out emergency measures to respond to the looming crisis

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a national energy emergency amid the global oil supply shortage sparked by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Marcos signed Executive Order 110 to roll out urgent measures to secure energy supply, protect the economy and speed up the shift to renewable energy while mitigating the impact on ordinary people.

Through EO 110, a group chaired by the President called the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (Uplift) will be set up to cushion the impact of the energy crisis.  

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Uplift will ensure the availability of domestic energy supply, uninterrupted delivery of essential services, continuity of economic activity and protection of vulnerable sectors.

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Committee members include the Executive Secretary and the secretaries of the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Social Welfare, Agriculture, Finance, Budget and Economy.

The committee will monitor the supply and distribution of fuel, food, medicines and other essential goods, while ensuring public transportation, utility and healthcare services continue as normal.

It will also coordinate efforts to maintain economic stability, streamline government processes and develop long-term strategies to reduce dependence on petroleum products such as promoting the use of electric vehicles in public transport.

Marcos said that disruptions in critical supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, threaten global oil production and transportation, and pose risks to the country’s security.

There is thus a need to declare a state of national energy emergency to enable the government to implement coordinated measures to ensure a stable and adequate energy supply while mitigating the impact on the economy.

“As a net importer of petroleum products, the Philippines remains highly dependent on external sources of fuel supply and is therefore vulnerable to disruptions in global oil production and transportation, which may affect the availability and timely delivery of petroleum products necessary to sustain domestic energy requirements,” the order read

“The Secretary of Energy has determined that the foregoing circumstances pose an imminent danger of a critically low energy supply and that urgent measures are necessary to ensure the stability and adequacy of the country’s energy supply,” it added.

Concerned agencies are directed to implement measures to cushion the impact of the fuel shortages, while the private sector, civil society organizations and other stakeholders are urged to partner with government to provide logistical and other support measures to help vulnerable sectors cope with the downturn.

 

Peso drops to historic low of 60.1 to USD

 

It was the first time that the peso fell to below 60- to-USD level

The Philippine peso slumped to a record low on Thursday, breaching the 60-to-the-dollar level for the first time in history.

The peso opened at Php59.9 and dropped to an intraday low of Php60.4, its lowest level on record, before closing the day at Php60.10, 58 centavos weaker than its previous finish of Php59.52 on Wednesday.

The plunge came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which caused investors to buy into the US dollar, generally regarded as “safe haven” currency.

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Analysts said the weakening of the peso was directly tied to the rise in crude oil prices after Iran launched retaliatory attacks on some energy facilities across the Middle East, including Qatar.

The shift of investments to the greenback gained further support after the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday held interest rates steady and warned of an “uncertain” outlook because of the intensified war in Iran.

The weakening of the peso dealt a blow to President Ferdinand Marcos’ declared intention early this year to keep the peso above the 60 to the USD level.

As the Middle East remains in turmoil, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday that it was closely monitoring the impact of the conflict on the Philippine economy.

“Price stability is the BSP’s main mandate. As such, the BSP is assessing the potential impact of higher oil price on the price of fertilizer, transport fares, and inflation in general,” it said.  

Meantime, overseas Filipino workers are once again seen as buoying up the moribund economy with their remittances which grew 3.5% to US$3.02 billion in January 2026 alone.

Always get affidavit of support when sponsoring trips

 

A notarized affidavit of support can help prevent offloading at Philippine airports

If you have family members whom you wish to sponsor for their travel to Hong Kong (or elsewhere abroad), make sure you secure an affidavit of support and guarantee from the Philippine Consulate General (PCG).

This was the advice given recently by Vice Consul Angelo Manuel when he spoke about the services provided by the notarial section of the Consulate which he heads.

Manuel said that in about 90% of the cases of offloading of sponsored travelers at Philippine airports, what was lacking was an affidavit of support from the person sponsoring the trip.

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Conversely, he said there has not been a single incident of offloading that occurred when a sponsorship letter notarized at the Consulate had been obtained for the traveler.

Offloading of passengers is a device used by Philippine immigration authorities to stop or minimize the problem of human trafficking. Often, it is caused by insufficient or missing documentation, or by the failure by the traveler to satisfactorily explain why they are flying out of the country.

Offloading of passengers at Philippine airports has become so prevalent that it has raised concerns among the public and lawmakers, especially as only a small percentage of those who were stopped from boarding their flights were linked to trafficking.

In the latest full statistics provided by Immigration in 2023, more than 36,000 Filipinos were denied boarding at international airports. In the first half of 2024, there were 16,217 cases recorded. In 2022, it was found out that only about 1.5% of the 32,404 offloaded passengers were tied to trafficking.

To obtain an affidavit of support, the applicant must either appear personally at the Consulate or apply for the document online. The applicant must produce the originally signed affidavit and one photocopy; original and two photocopies of passport and HK ID.

The notarial fee is HK$200 for regular mailing and HK$280 for express mailing.

For full details, consult the PCG website: https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/

Philippine Immigration has recently issued an advisory to outbound passengers to avoid offloading. For those on sponsored trips, they must have an affidavit of support and guarantee from the sponsor at the country of destination, duly authenticated at the Philippine Consulate in the country of destination.

The traveler must know the contents of the affidavit, including the name and contact details of the person, organization or company that issued the invitation or is sponsoring the trip, as he or she will be interviewed by immigration officers on the details of the document presented.

Immigration says the affidavit of support does not fully guarantee a hassle-free exit from the Philippines, but it strengthens the traveler’s claim to legitimate travel.

For those travelling as tourists, they must show proof that they are financially capable of completing their travel, including cash on hand, credit card, etc. In addition, they must have a return ticket and a valid passport with at least six months’ validity.

 

 

 

Digital apostille for Philippine civil registry and academic documents launched

 

Screen grab from the eApostille launch at DFA

Filipino citizens will no longer have to queue up for hours for documents issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), then get them authenticated, under a new electronic system launched Monday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs led by Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro launched the fully digital apostille platform which reduces authentication time for PSA and CHED eCertificates and eliminates the need for physical submission of documents.

Through this system, anyone who needs to obtain eCertificates of birth, marriage, death or of no marriage from PSA or education records from CHED may do so online, then get the digital certificate apostilled through the DFA e-Apostille portal at apostille.gov.ph.

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As the Philippines is a signatory of the Apostille Convention, Filipinos who need to submit Philippine documents abroad only need to apply for an Apostille certificate instead of having the documents authenticated in the nearest embassy or consulate.

With the launch of the e-Apostille system, the process has been made easier, with applicants being able to secure the certified official document online, anywhere. This simplified process is also expected to substantially diminish the workload of Philippine posts abroad.

Once the document is issued an Apostille, the applicant may submit the document directly to the concerned party, bypassing the old system of getting the “red ribbon” certificate on them.

Secretary Lazaro says Filipinos may now easily access secure document authentication

“The launch of the Fully Digital Apostille for PSA eCertificates and CHED eCAVs demonstrates our commitment to modernizing public services while strengthening the Philippines’ international engagement,” Secretary Lazaro said during the launch.

“This system enables our citizens to access fast, reliable, and secure document authentication anywhere in the world."

She noted that the Philippines was the first ASEAN country to accede to the Apostille Convention and the third to launch a digital Apostille system.

The DFA said the e-Apostille system is part of the Marcos administration’s move toward digitalization and ensures the seamless integration of digital document issuance and authentication processes.

It also said the DFA is coordinating with other document-issuing government agencies to further expand the eApostille system.

Further information on the application process for the digital eApostille may be obtained from the PSAHelpline.ph for civil registry documents or at CHED One Touch Portal at ecav.ched.gov.ph for academic records. 

 

Cacdac recalls ‘disrespectful’ MWO staff in Bahrain

 

The Bahrain MWO staff (in purple) tells OFWs there was no more cash aid for them

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac ordered the recall Monday of a staff member at the Migrant Workers Office in Bahrain who was filmed telling overseas Filipino workers who had lined up to ask for financial aid that there were no more funds.

“I have issued the order recalling that MWO Bahrain employee being highly disrespectful to OFWs in a viral video,” Cacdac said in a social media post.

He assured OFWs of his office’s continuing commitment to serve “with humility, respect and hard work.”

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Cacdac made the move after being informed of the Sunday incident by Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Migrant Workers, who was given a copy of the video by some OFWs.

In the video, the unnamed staff could be heard telling OFWs who were lingering outside the MWO office:  “Magsumbong na kayo sa mga gusto ninyong pagsumbungan, wala ng pondo. Ang Manila ho ang nagsasabing wala ng pondo.”

(You could seek help from anyone you want, there are no more funds. Our Manila office is the one that says the fund has all been used up).

The OFWs in the video could be heard asking for “ayuda” or financial help, saying they were also affected by the worsening tension in the Middle East.

The Philippine Embassy in Bahrain had earlier posted an advisory saying the distribution of financial assistance to OFWs was being temporarily suspended.

The Embassy also said that they would no longer entertain those who do not secure prior appointment, in line with the host country’s security guidelines.

Cacdac meanwhile clarified that the financial help given to OFWs who have lost their jobs in Bahrain amounts to Php3,000 but said this is likely to be raised.

He added recipients will no longer have to line up at the Embassy to apply for the cash aid as this will be deposited directly to their E-wallets.

His statement came amid calls for a clarification from some OFWs who said they were promised USD200 for the cash assistance, but were given only USD50 each.

Peso falls to new record low vs US$ amid Mideast crisis

 

(Inquirer graphic)

The Philippine peso dropped to a new historic low against the US dollar on Monday amid the continuing crisis in the Middle East, which caused crude prices to surge past US$100 a barrel.

The local currency closed at 59.50 per dollar at the end of trading, weakening by 50 centavos from the previous close and surpassing the earlier record low of 59.46 set on Jan. 15.

The peso also posted a new intraday low of 59.71 amid heavy trading.

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The currency’s decline comes a day before oil prices in the Philippines are set to rise, with diesel, the one used mostly in public transportation, expected to hit a high of Php90 per liter.

With no end in sight to the Middle East conflict, traders warn the currency could dip further as fuel prices continue to rise.

In a bid to beat the last day of filling-up at current prices, many vehicles lined up at gas stations across the country, while police officers were deployed to ensure motorists were not hoarding fuel or were not asked to pay more for

As part of cost-saving measures, all government offices started a four-day workweek starting today, and were told to use a uniform setting of 24 degrees for all air-conditioners.

The public has also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to save up on fuel.

4-day workweek ordered for Phl govt offices ahead of surge in fuel prices

 

Long lines are seen at gas stations ahead of the expected surge in fuel prices (GMA photo)

Fuel prices in the Philippines are expected to surge to unprecedented levels starting next week, as global oil prices react to continued tensions in the Middle East.

This has prompted President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to order all government offices, except those providing emergency services, to start a four-day workweek starting Monday, March 9.

The Department of Energy (DoE) said it expects a minimum increase of Php19 per liter for diesel, which fuels most public transportation vehicles in the country, including jeepneys and buses.

The resulting price of at least Php90 per liter for diesel has prompted some jeepney drivers to say they might stay off the streets as they will lose money without a corresponding fare increase, despite the fuel subsidy they are getting from the government. 

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Gasoline pump prices are also expected to rise by at least Php9 a liter, while kerosene prices will surge by a minimum of Php31 a liter.

The DoE said the country has enough supply to last from 50 to 60 days but if the conflict holds, shortages could occur. 

But it warned that any price hike should take effect only from Tuesday, March 10, or one week since the last increase. The government agency has asked help from the police in monitoring any unauthorized increase at gas pumps across the country until then.

Police help ensure gas stations do not increase fuel prices until Tuesday

In response to the looming crisis, the government has started looking for other oil suppliers, including Canada, the United States, South America and Africa, as most of the country’s supply now comes from the Middle East.

President Marcos has also ordered government offices to implement energy-saving measures, such as setting air conditioners to 24°C, while appealing to the public to reduce non-essential travel.

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Ahead of the feared fuel price increase, Philippine stock prices fell while the peso weakened to the 59 to US$1 level. However, this is still stronger than the peso’s record low of 59.46 to the greenback posted on Jan. 15.

With no relief in sight, Filipinos are bracing for other adverse knock-on effects like a significant rise in inflation, along with transport costs and prices of basic commodities.

299 Filipinos caught in Mid-East crisis flown home

 

Secretary Cacdac leads welcome for the repatriated OFWs

Nearly 300 overseas Filipino workers arrived at around 6am today, March 5, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport after being repatriated from the Middle East.

In a statement, the Department of Migrant Workers said 299 OFWs were flown from Dubai aboard Emirates Airlines Flight 336 which took off at 10:07pm last night.

Some of the returnees were advised by their employers to back to the Philippines to avoid being caught in the ongoing conflict in the region, while others had completed their contracts and decided to go home.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac told the returning Filipinos that the Philippine government was thankful that they managed to return home safe.

“Also, we are much thankful to the Emirates, to the UAE government for taking care of you, and for preparing a flight to Manila as we provide support,” said Cacdac.

He said the DMW provided the retunees with financial support and other forms of assistance.

Filipinos stranded in HK were given free return air tickets to Manila and other assistance

In Hong Kong yesterday, the Migrant Workers Office also repatriated more than 80 Filipinos who were stranded in the city on their way to various destinations in the Middle East.

The returnees who comprised OFWs on their way to their job sites and tourists who were transiting through Hong Kong were all provided with free tickets back to the Philippines, as well as temporary accommodation, food and some cash.

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The MWO advised all Filipinos who intend to fly from Hong Kong to another destination in the conflict-hit areas to check with their airlines first to ensure they can complete their  journey.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. advised all Filipinos in the Middle East to follow local advisories and stay put for the meantime, as repatriation efforts are being hindered by airport closures, inadequate information and friendly fire incidents.

Around 2.2 million Filipinos live and work in the Middle East.

The renewed conflict was sparked by a series of attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran, which retaliated by bombing targets across the region.

 

Migrante HK hits out at 400% increase in verification fee for new contracts

 

Militant migrant group Migrante Hong Kong has denounced the four-fold increase in the verification fee for new employment contracts submitted to the Migrant Workers Office starting Sunday, Mar 1.

The group is set to stage a picket outside the Philippine Consulate offices on the same day to protest against what they called an unconscionable exaction on Filipino migrant workers.

“Maliwanag pa sa (sikat) ng araw na isa na naman itong porma ng pangongotong. Wala na talagang pakundandangan ang gobyernong Marcos, Jr. sa pagturing sa mga OFW bilang negosyo, imbes na bigyan ng maayos na proteksyon at pagbutihin ang serbisyo sa mga OFW,” said a statement issued by Migrante HK early on Saturday.

PINDUTIN DITO

(This is clearly another form of exaction. The government of Marcos Jr is really bent on treating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as commodities, instead of providing them greater protection and better service).

Under the new fee schedule released by the MWO on Friday, all new individual employment contracts submitted for verification from March 1 will be charged a fee of HK$320, instead of the current HK$80.

All existing contracts that will be extended with the same employer, or transferred to a new one, will be verified at the old rate.

The fee, as before, is supposed to be paid by the employer or the recruitment agency after Immigration approves the contract, and issues an employment visa to the worker. 

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Only those with verified contracts can apply for the overseas employment certificate, which serves as an exit pass when they leave the Philippins for work abroad.

Thomas Chan, head of the HK Union of Employment Agencies, has also criticized the new fee as being too steep, and is one that will likely be opposed by everyone involved.

Chan also said that some workers might be forced to pay the fee themselves to appease employers who might be outraged by the jacked-up amount.

Migrante HK said that with the widely-reported increase in the budget allocation of the Department of Migrant Workers, there should be no reason why it would raise the verification fee, especially not by 400%.

“Para tayong binusuhan ng asin sa sugat, lalo na at hindi pa napapanagot ang lahat ng sangkot sa malalang korapsyon sa bansa,” said Migrante HK.

(This was like rubbing salt to our wound, especially since not all of those linked to massive corruption in the country have been held to account).

The group said it would not keep quiet in the face of the new exaction on OFWs, and vowed to continue protesting until the Philippine government backtracks on the issue.