DFA Rejects Remulla Visa Outsourcing Claims

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday rejected calls for the agency to stop processing visa applications Inquirer.net. This rejection follows accusations from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, made during a radio interview, where he suggested that visa issuance should not be the DFA’s responsibility and accused the DFA of turning visa issuance into a business Inquirer.net. The DFA issued a statement strongly objecting to Remulla’s public remarks, asserting that they undermine the institutional integrity of the Department and unfairly malign the reputation of the Philippine Foreign Service and its personnel Inquirer.net.

What Happened: The Core Dispute

Ombudsman Remulla stated that visa processing should be handed over to a third-party service provider, such as the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS), claiming the DFA is “not capable” of obtaining necessary background information for entrants Inquirer.net. However, the DFA stressed that its mandate to process visa applications is grounded in both domestic and international laws, specifically the Administrative Code of 1987 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations Inquirer.net. The DFA also defended its collection of visa fees, confirming they are pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, while denying corrupt practices within the agency Inquirer.net.

What Visa Issuance Entails

The DFA opposed the characterization of visa processing as a “merely clerical function” Inquirer.net. The agency emphasized that visa issuance involves the substantive assessment of applications and verification of documents, requiring the exercise of official judgment under applicable Philippine laws, rules, and regulations, and cannot be reduced only to administrative receipt and processing Inquirer.net.

Outsourcing vs. Sovereign Authority

While the DFA recognizes that administrative support services, like application receipt, may be provided by third parties such as VFS, it opposed a complete transfer of duties to a third-party service provider Inquirer.net. The DFA reiterated that this outsourcing of administrative services does not equate to the transfer of sovereign authority to approve or deny visas; this authority remains a governmental responsibility exercised by the Philippine Embassies and Consulates Inquirer.net.

Our view is that maintaining government control over the final decision of visa approval is crucial for national security and adherence to international consular duties, regardless of administrative support provided by external partners.

Government processes, when automated by AI, must prioritize fairness and accessibility, supporting ethical AI governance.

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