Statement

of the

HON. TEODORO L. LOCSIN JR.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

On the Passport Data Issue

[Issued on 15 January 2019 in Pasay City, Philippines]

For now, the Department of Foreign Affairs is taking the word of APO Production Unit that there is no breach in passport data and as sufficient justification in removing the birth certificate requirement in the renewal of passports.

Only a Senate investigation will assure the public that there was no breach or loss of data. Until then, the Department can give no assurances on the safety and security of some data. END