Anyone can make a Freedom of Information Request to the DFA.

Information, official records, public records, and, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as research data used as basis for policy development.

Before submitting a Freedom of Information Request (FOI Request), try to check if the information you are looking for is publicly available. The DFA publishes a wide array of useful information at DFA.GOV.PH and at the DFA’s Official Facebook page and Twitter account.

If the information you are looking for is publicly unavailable, you may send us an FOI Request through the following process:

1. Fill up the request form and submit it to the DFA’s FOI Receiving Officer (Download the form here). Make sure that all fields are filled up, and provide a scanned copy or photo copy of at least one valid government-issued picture ID as proof of your identity. Please make sure that your photo and signature appear on the ID.

You may choose any of the valid IDs as proof of your identity:

• Valid Philippine Passport
• Digitized SSS ID
• Driver’s License
• GSIS E-card
• PRC ID
• IBP ID
• OWWA ID
• Digitized BIR ID
• Senior Citizen’s ID
• Unified Multi-Purpose ID
• Voter’s ID
• Improved Postal ID

Other acceptable IDs:
• Valid school ID • Valid Employment ID

2. Describe in detail the document you wish to access.
3. The FOI Receiving Officer will validate and record the request.
4. As necessary, the FOI Receiving Officer may clarify the request on the same day it was filed, such as specifying the information requested, and providing other assistance needed by the Requestor.
5. The FOI Request is forwarded to the Decision Maker for proper assessment. The Decision Maker shall check if the office or Foreign Service Post (FSP) holds the information requested, if it is already accessible, or if the request is a repeat of any previous request. 6. The FOI Request will be forwarded to the office or FSP involved to locate the requested information.
7. Once all relevant information is retrieved, a final check will be conducted if any exemptions apply, and a recommendation will be made on the appropriate response to the request.
8. If necessary, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs shall provide necessary clearance to the response. 9. OPD shall prepare the information for release.
10. The Requestor will be notified on how the information can be collected, and the corresponding cost, if any.
We accept FOI Requests that are sent to us electronically through email or fax. However, if these platforms are not available, you may also send us your FOI Request via mail or courier. Here are the contact points you can use to reach us:
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Fax: +63 (2) 832 3307
• Address: 6/F, Public and Media Affairs, Office of Public Diplomacy, Department of Foreign Affairs, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300

In the event that you prefer to send an FOI Request through eFOI platform, you may do so here: https://www.foi.gov.ph/

There are no fees to make a request. However, the DFA may charge a reasonable fee for necessary costs, including costs for printing, delivery, reproduction, and/or photocopying..

The standard processing time is 15 working days. However, depending on the type and complexity of document/record being requested, it may take longer. Should an extension be necessary, you will be informed accordingly. The extension shall not be longer than 20 working days.

No. All requests will be reviewed equally on a case-to-case basis and will be allotted least fifteen (15) working days for processing from the time of receipt.

The DFA encourages you to visit the Philippines’ eFOI portal (https://www.foi.gov.ph/) for more details on the FOI guidelines and the government’s efforts in creating a more open government.