How can we replace damaged passports, visas? DFA personnel answers

In case you missed it, Kuya Kim Atienza’s passport was recently eaten by his senior dog, Lolo Joe.

The veteran TV host said the travel document itself is already expired, but it still had multiple valid visas on it.

In Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Tuesday, Department of Foreign Affairs Passport Division Acting Director Von Ryan Pangwi explained how to get a replacement passport if it gets damaged or mutilated.

“Ang unang-una mong kailangan gawin is get an appointment as soon as possible with the DFA,” he said.

On the day of your appointment, present the damaged passport, affidavit of damaged passport, valid government ID, PSA birth certificate, and marriage certificate for women carrying their husband’s surname.

Meanwhile, for damaged visas, you will have to apply for another visa.

“I would advise that you contact the foreign embassy involved,” he said. “The important thing is to keep your passport secure.”

Meanwhile, Kuya Kim admitted that what happened to his passport was his fault and not his dog’s.

“Mahal ko ‘yung asong ‘yun eh! Although sinabi ko ‘bad dog,’ importante kasi ‘yung command na ‘bad dog’ eh. A dog knows na mali ‘yung ginawa niya,” he said.

“There are no bad dogs, only bad owners. Kasalanan ko ‘yun. Dapat ko iniwanan mag-isa yung passport ko.”

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News