6 new DFA consular offices eyed, TOPS’ security risks raised

DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Citing national security concerns, Senator Loren Legarda on Thursday said she will move to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) budget to earmark funds for six additional consular offices.

These new consular offices will replace the DFA’s Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (Tops), which Legarda noted could be a national security concern.

Legarda is the panel chair of the Senate finance subcommittee, which is tackling DFA’s proposed 2025 budget of P27.4 billion. 

“We are humbly requesting, because we expect a surge of passport appointments in the next two years, we are humbly requesting for the opening of six consular offices,” DFA Assistant Secretary Adelio Cruz told Legarda.

Cruz said each of the consular offices will cost P16.4 million to operate annually, requiring 15 employees.

He also confirmed that the new consular offices may replace the Tops, which Legarda said is being “taken advantage of” since its operation is not being fully managed by the DFA.

Legarda also asked DFA chief Enrique Manalo: “Are Tops a possible threat to our national security if mismanaged?”

“I think, definitely,” Manalo responded.

Legarda ordered the DFA to give additional details for the planned additional consular offices, which will be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“I will amend the budget to include the opening of six consular offices to replace the Tops and give me the list of personnel needed and we will call the DBM,” she said.

“It is a national security issue. We can’t wait another year, another year may makalusot maski isa lang na Alice Guo, patay na tayo. Hindi na pwedeng maghintay. Dapat isara na yan,” she said of Tops.

Cruz previously said the DFA denied the passport applications of over 170 “questionable” foreign nationalities, many of them applying in Tops locations in the country.