DFA rejects Ombudsman’s call to remove visa issuance from its functions

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday rejected Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s call to remove its visa issuance functions and his allegation that it has turned the service into a business.

“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 said in a statement.

The department said its authority to issue visas is grounded in Section 21(3), Chapter 7, Title I, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, which recognizes visa issuance as a statutory consular function.

It also cited Article 5(d) of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as well as Articles 3 and 70, which cover the exercise of consular functions by diplomatic missions.

“Contrary to the characterization of visa processing as a merely clerical function, the issuance of visas involves the substantive assessment of applications and verification of documents,” the DFA said.

These tasks require official judgment in accordance with Philippine laws, rules and regulations, it added.

While third-party service providers such as VFS Global may provide administrative support, primarily by receiving applications, the authority to approve or deny visas remains with Philippine embassies and consulates, the department said.

Visa fees are collected in accordance with 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.

The department vowed to uphold its statutory responsibilities and protect the integrity of the Philippine visa issuance process. -Ma. Teresa Montemayor/Philippine News Agency