Tolentino concerned about low ranking of PH passport on Henley index

Senator Francis Tolentino on Friday expressed concern over the low ranking of Philippine passports in the 2021 Henley Passport Index, which placed the country in the 82nd spot among 166 countries.

The senator aired his concern during the hearing of the Senate committee on foreign relations, chaired by Senator Koko Pimentel, saying that the country’s 2021 ranking should not be taken lightly by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“It is indicative not just of the survey done, but the power of our passport,” Tolentino said.

“The passport is the badge of citizenship and you should be proud of that. Ngayon, kung downgraded ang passport natin, medyo downgraded ang pagtanggap sa atin ng host country,” he added.

The 2021 Henley Passport Index places the Philippine passport as the 82nd most powerful passport in the world, meaning it can be used visa-free in 66 destinations and with visa in 160 destinations.

Also, Tolentino called on the DFA to tap the help of the Philippine Postal Service when it comes to passport applications.

The senator said the DFA should consider it since the practice is already being implemented in the United States and in the European Union.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)