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WHEREAS, it is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic and consular missions abroad (collectively the “DFA”) to preserve and enhance national security; to promote and attain economic security and to protect the rights, and to promote the welfare and interests of Filipino overseas;

WHEREAS, the DFA is responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of passport, visa, notarial, certification and authentication, and other Department issuances, both here and abroad;

WHEREAS, the DFA is authorized to charge and collect reasonable fees for the processing of its passport, visa, notarial, certification and authentication, other consular issuances and other Department issuances, both here and abroad;

WHEREAS, the Foreign Service Act authorizes the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to review, revise and update rules and regulations in the issuance of passports, notarials, certifications, and visas which may need to be revised and updated;

WHEREAS, there is an increasing demand for DFA personnel both here and abroad to work beyond regular office hours and a need to adopt technologies and/or processes to accommodate requests for expedited processing of consular services earlier than the normal period observed, including passport processing, and other Department services;

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 641 dated 25 July 2007 authorizes the establishment of Provident Funds in the Government, which may be funded by other fund sources as may be provided by the laws;

WHEREAS, Section 40 (c) in relation to Section 41 of the 2009 General Appropriations Act authorizes the exclusive use of service fees collected by Departments, bureaus, offices and agencies for the payment of any obligation through authorized deductions for the operation of a Provident Fund in favor of all its employees;

WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 279 dated 05 May 1992 authorizes the funding of the Provident Fund from the balance of service fees paid for services rendered by the government-agency concerned.

NOW, THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing premises:

SECTION 1. Expedite Service Fees, Other Service and/or Applicable Fees. Over and above the regular fees for the processing of its consular services, including passport processing, and other Department services, the DFA is authorized to charge and collect Expedite Service Fees requiring issuance beyond regular office hours or earlier than the normal processing period; and other fees to cover the use of technologies to further expedite these services; and other applicable fees in relation to such services. The DFA shall set such Expedite Service Fees, other service and/or applicable fees, respectively, in an amount not more than the DFA’s regular fees for its consular services, including passport processing, and other Department services.

SECTION 2. Proceeds from Expedite Service Fees, Other Service and/or Applicable Fees. The revenues collected or receipts of any kind from the collection of Expedite Service Fees, other service and/or applicable fees by the DFA under Section 1 shall accrue to the DFA Provident Fund, beginning 01 March 2010, and be used exclusively by the DFA for the operation of the Fund in favor and/or for the benefit of all its employees.

SECTION 3. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately.

(SGD.) GLORIA M. ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) LEANDRO R. MENDOZA
  Executive Secretary