Philippine Next Gen e-Passport in the offing in 2028

Photo caption: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) aims to roll out the “next-generation” Philippine passports by 2028, with enhanced security features. Photo by: DFA - Embassy of the Philippines-Berne | APO

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs plans to launch a Next Generation Philippine passport in 2028, featuring a redesigned booklet, additional pages to support full 10-year validity, enhanced security elements and the latest contactless chip technology, DFA Assistant Secretary Emil Fernandez said during a recent House budget hearing.

The agency has set aside ₱2.8 billion ($44.76 million) in 2027 under its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses to fund the rollout, part of a proposed ₱35.173 billion ($562.3 million) budget aimed at sustaining diplomacy and national-security operations.

Fernandez said the indicative 2028 launch will be preceded by a year-long phase-in of technical and operational requirements.

As of July 31, 2026, the DFA reported issuing 1.578 million passports.

Details

• Planned features: Redesigned booklet, extra pages for 10-year validity, stronger security features, latest “contactless chip”.

• Timeline: Planned launch in 2028, with requirements phased in over the next year.

• Budget allocation: ₱2.8 billion ($44.76 million) in 2027 for the “next-generation” passport, funded under MOOE, which accounts for 54% of DFA’s 2027 budget proposal.

• DFA budget: DFA seeking ₱35.173 billion for 2027 to support foreign service posts, consular services and diplomatic operations.

• Passport output: 1.578 million passports issued as of July 31, 2026.