Dear PAO,
I plan to apply for my Philippine passport. I want to indicate in the application form that I was born in 1990. But the truth is that I was born in 1996.

I want to do this so that I would not need my parents to go with me to the DFA. We are not in good terms and they do not approve that I travel with my friends for the coming Christmas vacation. Will I get in any legal trouble if I pursue with my passport application?
Allan

Dear Allan,
It would be unlawful for you to declare any incorrect information in your passport application. First and foremost, whatever information you provide in the application form will reflect on your record with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and pertinent information about you such as your complete name, date of birth and place of birth will reflect in the passport which will be issued in your favor. Thus, it is essential for you to indicate only the correct information in the said form. Secondly, a minor who desires to apply for a Philippine passport must secure the consent of his or her parent or legal guardian. The said parent or legal guardian must accomplish and affix his or her signature to the affidavit of support and consent to travel which is indicated in the lower middle portion of the passport application form. If the parent or legal guardian concerned does not signify his assent to the said application, it may be a valid cause for the denial of the application.

Aside from the foregoing, it is necessary for a passport applicant to answer correctly and truthfully the application form because the following are explicitly indicated therein: “I SOLEMNLY SWEAR that 1) I am a Filipino citizen. 2) The information I provided in this application is true and correct. 3) The supporting documents attached are authentic. 4) I have not been issued a passport under any other name. 5) I am aware that under the law, I am allowed to hold only one Philippine passport at any given time. 6) I am aware that making false statements in passport application furnishing falsified or forged documents in support thereof are punishable by law” http://www.dfa.gov.ph). Pursuant to Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code, the penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods and a fine of not more than P5,000 shall be imposed upon any private individual who shall commit any of the falsifications enumerated in Article 171, id, particularly, making untruthful statements in a narration of facts, in any public or official document or letter of exchange or any other kind of commercial document.

Accordingly, it would be wise for you to disregard your intention of falsifying your application form. Instead, seek for your parents’ consent in order for you to apply for a Philippine passport as well as to travel abroad with your friends.

We hope that we were able to answer your queries. Please be reminded that this advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.