Philippines targets 2028 rollout of redesigned passports

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs is working toward introducing redesigned Philippine passports by 2028, according to senior officials who outlined the timeline during House appropriations committee deliberations on the agency's 2027 budget allocation.

Assistant Secretary Robespierre Bolivar, who heads the DFA's policy planning and coordination division, disclosed the target date as lawmakers reviewed funding requirements for the foreign service agency's operations and initiatives.

The next-generation passport project follows the enactment of new legislation governing passport issuance, reflecting efforts to modernize the country's travel documentation capabilities. The redesigned passports are expected to incorporate updated security features and administrative improvements aligned with contemporary international standards.

Full details regarding the specifications of the new passport design and implementation costs have not yet been disclosed. The DFA is expected to provide additional information as the project advances through its planning and development phases ahead of the 2028 launch.