DFA Information needed

[Peter Lee]

Hi everyone,

Just finished chatting with the wife, she is now in Cebu.   On the chat she explained she had an appointment for her passport Nov 6.   When she got there they said there were to many people and they took the first 100 they called a primary number.  The rest would have to wait till the next schedule as so many people were waiting.  It seems that she may have gotten there late or others were waiting very early knowing it would be crowed.  She was told last time she needs SECPA security papers passport.  She was told it would take a month for that to come back. She was told in the DFA it was needed for her passport.

This whole process is a mystery to me. NSO marriage certificate, SECPA clearance that takes a month, having an appointment and being kicked back and told next time coz it is too crowded. The CFO get in here someplace before or after the passport that is confusing also.  
Can anyone clear this up for me coz my wife sounds very confused about this mess and I am not there to help her.  

[Mita]

... in response to DFA Information needed, posted by Peter Lee on Nov 8, 2003

Peter,
It's not as confusing as it sounds. Take it one step at a time.

Yes, she has to be in line very early (5 am) for her passport and CFO application. This was for Manila, I'm not sure about Cebu.   I've never heard of SECPA and found online it  means Security paper.  This particularly refers to her birth certificate  and marriage certificate from the National Staitistics Office which is printed on security paper.  There's a hotline for the NSO where she can order that.  

Here's a website that can help you:  http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/passport.htm#Passport%20Requirements%20for%20first%20time%20applicants

The Commission on Overseas Filipinos gives seminars to departing nationals and the seminar can be taken after she gets her visa.  No need to worry about that right now.  They also have a website that you can access when the time comes.

Good luck,
Mita

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Re: DFA Information needed, posted by Mita on Nov 8, 2003

Hi Mita thanks for clearing this up for me and the web site was very helpful.  I think I had a mental block about this whole subject.  I attempted to email step by step instructions to Maricel but her email is full and I can’t send her anything.   I tried to call her on the phone as she is in Cebu now renting a room till she can do what she can with the passport but I get a recording of no attendance or no coverage area.   We chatted just 2 days ago and she seemed very depressed and moody.  We have been separated since the end of Aug and I expect a few problems as the time gets longer that we’re apart.  She talked about going to the beach and watching the waves.   I noticed an attitude change when the realization that I was not retiring in the PI right now.  I get the feeling she is uneasy leaving her home and family for good.  
I chatted with her nice not to make her feel bad about not knowing about coming early to the DFA for the passport.  I said we still have lots of time and not to worry about it.   I wanted her to ask if the registrar marriage certificate would be ok for the passport.  It sure is worth a try, meanwhile we have to just wait till the NSO marriage certificate comes back.  Until then there is not much more we can do.  
Till next time