Senator Warns: Passport Tampering Threatens Philippine Tourism

Recent concerns over passport tampering at airports in the Philippines threaten the nation’s tourism goals. On May 1st, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian voiced his fears regarding this issue, emphasizing the potential harm it could cause to the country’s tourism sector. He noted that if this fraudulent activity continues unchecked, it could deter tourists and undermine confidence in the immigration systems nationwide.

Gatchalian stated: “The reported passport-ripping scheme is a serious threat to our country’s reputation as a tourist destination.”

He urged port authorities to take action against those involved and recommended that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and airport officials develop security measures that protect passengers while maintaining convenience.

Active Warning

In response, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon issued an advisory about this scam, which has been noted in several airports, leading to the offloading of passengers. He encouraged travelers to always verify their passport’s validity and condition before their flight and to consult authorities if they have concerns.

As per the Philippine Passport Act, a passport is classified as damaged if its physical state is altered due to neglect, aging, or wear, which can result in it being deemed mutilated if the data page is unreadable or information is absent.