PHL Embassy in Tokyo seeks understanding over epassport delays

Philippine officials in Japan sought understanding from ePassport applicants over the continued delay in the release of the documents. In an announcement on its website on Thursday, the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo said the release of ePassports will take "longer than the usual six-week turn-around time." "The Embassy reiterates its appeal for public understanding, as the Department of Foreign Affairs is exerting all efforts to resolve these problems as soon as possible," it said. The embassy noted the DFA earlier issued a statement attributing the delay in the processing and release of ePassports due to maintenance work and upgrades in the ePassport Personalization Center in Manila. The embassy cited the "considerable increase in passport applications during the summer season." "Consequently, the release of ePassports in Tokyo will take longer than the usual six-week turn-around time. In this regard, the Embassy wishes to advise applicants whose passports are about to expire to apply instead for Passport Extension at Window 6 of the Consular Section," it said. Passport applicants awaiting the release of their new ePassport who need to travel to the Philippines because of an emergency can apply for a Travel Document at the Passport Processing Window (No.6). The embassy advised these applicants to bring their ePassport official receipt, cancelled passport and photocopy of data page, two 2×2 pictures, and ticket reservation/travel booking issued by their travel agent. Applicants who are not traveling to the Philippines but need to present a valid passport to Japanese authorities can request for a certification of passport application, also at Window 6. In these cases, applicants should bring their ePassport official receipt and cancelled passport. The certification will be issued free of charge, it said. - VVP, GMA News