MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday pushed back against calls for it to halt the processing of visa applications.
The reaction followed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s remarks in a radio interview accusing the DFA of turning visa issuance into a business. Remulla also questioned the agency’s role in processing visa applications.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly objects to the recent public remarks of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla calling for the removal of the Department’s visa-issuance functions and alleging that the DFA has turned Philippine visa issuance into a business,” the DFA wrote in a statement.
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It continued: “Ombudsman Remulla’s remarks undermine the institutional integrity of the Department and unfairly malign the reputation of the Philippine Foreign Service and its personnel.”
The DFA stressed that its mandate to process visa applications are grounded in both domestic and international laws such as the Administrative Code of 1987 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
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Based on the two legal instruments, visa issuance is recognized as a consular function, which falls under the duties of the DFA.
Moreover, the DFA defended its collection of visa fees, denying corrupt practices within the agency.
“The visa fees collected are pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, including the prescribed Schedule of Fees. The DFA does not tolerate corruption and remains committed to accountability, transparency, and utmost professionalism in the delivery of public service,” it said.
Further, the agency opposed the characterization of visa processing as a “merely clerical function.”
“The issuance of visas involves the substantive assessment of applications and verification of documents. These responsibilities require the exercise of official judgment pursuant to the applicable Philippine laws, rules and regulations, and cannot be reduced to just the administrative receipt and processing of documents,” the DFA emphasized.
Remulla stated that the visa processing should be handed over to a third-party service provider, such as the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS), noting that the DFA is “not capable” of getting the background for those entering the country.
But the DFA opposed a complete transfer of duties to a third-party service provider, asserting once again that visa processing must be done by the government.
“The Department recognizes that administrative support services may be provided by third parties such as VFS, primarily in the receipt of applications. Such outsourcing of administrative services does not mean the transfer of sovereign authority to approve or deny visas. This authority remains a governmental responsibility, as exercised by the Philippine Embassies and Consulates,” it reiterated.