Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Jose Luis Montales admitted earlier this week some government employees have been selling endorsements for passport appointments, which allows applicants to use the courtesy lane when applying for passports.

According to reports, privileges provided to government employees were allegedly being sold to individuals seeking assistance when applying for their passports.

“Some they falsify the endorsement, some get authentic endorsements but for a fee,” he explained. “Some are directors, some, they even occupy higher positions.”

The DFA official, however, said he is unable to discuss further details as there is an ongoing investigation with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

“This is under investigation and I don’t want to comment on that,” he added.

After it was earlier revealed appointments with the DFA, a requirement when applying for a new passport or renewal, were fully booked through March 2018, DFA employees were accused of intentionally blocking schedules on the online appointments page after being paid by local travel agencies, who then provide appointments for their customers and charge P4,500 to P5,000 for “passport assistance,” for what should be a free process.

DFA-Bacolod officer-in-charge Carmela Constantino questioned how accusers know proponents of the scheme are DFA employees.

“DFA employees are required to wear their identification cards,” she insisted./PLL, WDJ