You probably seen a lot of blogs and articles about this one as I did. But for some reason, each of which have some missing detail that it'll make you do more research. So I'm writing this one as an experience renewing mine.
THE APPOINTMENT
First thing I did is set an on-line appointment thru http://www.passport.com.ph/set-appointment. Everything on this site is pretty much self-explanatory so just fill out the form and submit it. Just make sure to have all information true and correct to avoid unnecessary hassle and have your appointment cancelled/rescheduled.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email with the details of your appointment which include the date and time you should be there as you preferred on your application. Read thru the entire email and make sure you click the confirmation link. You should do this within 24 hours upon receipt of email, otherwise, your appointment will be cancelled. The link will redirect you on your filled out application form (adobe format so you should have a reader to be able to view it). It's a two-page file, the filled out application form and to do list (requirements). Print both and affix your signature where indicated.
Now, to the business of requirements. I have a green passport issued after May 1995 so the only thing needed is a photocopy of pages 1,2,3 last page and the page/s with latest immigration stamp of departure and arrival. Just to be sure to bring a valid ID. It wasn't asked of me but you know this things, they might suddenly ask for one. They also require you to use BLACK ball point pen not a sign pen. In case you forgot to bring one there are vendors outside DFA.
D-DAY
The schedule requires you to be there on the day and 30 minutes before your appointment. They will not entertain you if you come in early since they are doing it on a 30-minute batch. Don't come late too, if this happens, go home and do the entire process of setting an appointment again. The initial 30 minutes is actually for the line outside where the guards will call out appointment times who can enter and fall in line to start the processing. At first glance, it looks quite chaotic. There is no official line outside so you have to wiggle yourself in to be able to show the guard you appointment papers. Not to worry, it would only take you about 10-15 minutes to get in assuming you are on the right time. Once inside, go to the verification table and present your papers. If everything is in order, they will affix their initial and point you towards the waiting area. You will see a couple of hundred people seated and waiting. Just ask the guard where to sit/fall in line based on you scheduled appointment.
To my surprise, it only took about half an hour and already I was in front on the counter having my documents verified. Funny thing is they asked you to photocopy several pages of your passport but the verifier will only take the first two pages and the last then return the rest to you. Once verified, they will punch a hole on your passport to cancel it. They will then ask you if you want your passport processing be regular or expedited. 950 pesos for regular processing which will take 20 days or if you're in a hurry 1200 pesos for a 10-day processing.
Once you have the receipt and the rest of your documents back proceed to Door 1 and go to 2nd floor to pay at the cashier. Another line about 15 minutes. After paying and having your receipt validated go directly to the encoding area and get a number. I was a bit taken aback since I was about 400th on the line. Good thing there are about 50 or so encoders and it took about 30-40 minutes for my number to be displayed on the large LCD TV with corresponding table number to proceed to. Once seated, submit you documents and receipt for encoding and have your picture taken. The encoder will also scan your right and left thumb print and sign on an electronic pad. The encoded data will then be printed and presented to you for verification and correction if needed. If everything is in order, affix your signature on it and return it to the encoder. He will then return a copy of your receipt and your done! All in all it's about a 2-hour process more or less.
But before proceeding to the exit, think about having your passport delivered. Stamped on your receipt is the date on when to return and claim your new passport. Door to door passport delivery is 120 pesos. Pretty good deal I would say instead of going back and spend fare/gas money plus probably food just to claim it. So I suggest you have it delivered and wait for it at the comfort of your home. Just look for the counter that says "Passport Delivery".
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Have your requirements complete before proceeding to DFA (Dept. of Foreign Affairs)
- BE THERE ON TIME!
- Bring enough money, 1200 pesos for expedited and 950 pesos for regular. Extra 120 pesos if you want your passport delivered.
- Eat enough to fuel you the entire process. You don't want to be pale in front of the camera and have your picture looking like a corpse or a ghost.
- Drink enough fluids before entering. The guard will not allow bottled drinks inside. You might be carrying liquid explosives or something.
- If your a guy with long hair, bring something to tie it with.
- Just in case you haven't noticed, the address of DFA-OCA is now along Macapagal Ave. not the one in Libertad. Check this link for map location http://www.passport.com.ph/location-map.
- Finally, if you're having a bad face and hair day on your appointment day, I'm sorry to say you have to live with that ugly looking picture on your passport for 5 years.
