17 August 2015 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has received reports from Philippine Embassies and Consulates-General, as well as from DFA Field Offices (Regional Consular Offices and Satellite Offices), that misinformation has been going around social media and among Filipino communities abroad about the issuance of the Philippine ePassport with a new design.

The DFA would like to make the following clarifications and statements:

1.    The proposed Philippine ePassport with a new design is still in its development stages and its specifications have not yet been finalized. It is still not being issued and is thus unavailable for use; and

2.    The current ePassports being issued by the DFA are not obsolete, and these shall remain valid until the indicated date of expiration.

The DFA hopes that these points clear any misinformation and thanks the public for its cooperation. END