Statement of the Department spokesman 
regarding recent articles and commentaries
relating to the Electronic Passport Project (e-Passport)  

11 April 2007  

With reference to recent news articles and media commentaries relating to the Electronic Passport Project (e-Passport), the Department of Foreign Affairs stresses the following:  

1)  The funding mechanism for the e-Passport project is no different from that for the present passport system; Congress allocates a budget for DFA for the purchase of blank passport booklets.  As the e-Passport project is an undertaking between two government agencies – DFA and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – there will be NO added cost for the return on private investments to be passed on to passport applicants.

2)  There is absolutely no truth to the reported importation of US$2 million worth of passport booklets allegedly rotting in the consular service offices.

3)  The restraining order issued by the Supreme Court against BCA International Corporation and Branch 71 of the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City prevented what could be a serious disruption in the delivery of passport services.  

As this case is pending before the Supreme Court, it is not appropriate for the Department of Foreign Affairs to make further comments.

/jay

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