Outsource Philippine visas? Ombudsman call draws DFA defense of mandate
Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has proposed outsourcing visa processing to third-party providers like VFS to improve security and efficiency. The Department of Foreign Affairs has objected, arguing the proposal undermines their diplomatic mandate.
Why it matters
The debate highlights a conflict between administrative efficiency in immigration and the traditional diplomatic roles of government agencies.
MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has called for Philippine visa processing to be outsourced to third-party providers, a comment which drew a sharp objection from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking on DZRH on Saturday, October 24, Remulla said foreign service officers should focus on diplomacy rather than handling visa applications.
"Ang problema ng DFA, they forget that their primary job is to be diplomats. Eh dito iba 'yung gusto nilang mangyari, gusto nilang magnegosyo," Remulla said.
("The problem with the DFA is that they forget that their primary job is to be diplomats. But here, they want something else to happen; they want to go into business.")
"Ako talaga ang stance ko diyan, let the Philippine visa processing be done by a third party, VFS (Visa Facilitation Services). Para alam natin kung sino pumapasok, nave-vet natin lahat ng pumapasok," he added.
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