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Filipino expats, getting a passport may cost more

Dubai - There's a good reason for it, however

Filipinos might have to dole out more in order to secure a Philippine passport. However, it is for a very good reason.
According to the Filipino Times, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) seeks to enhance the cover of Philippine passports by using a sturdier material. The report mentions that the department is considering to use poly-carbonate cards, the material used for credit cards.
DFA assistant secretary, and former Consul General of Dubai, Frank Cimafranca elaborated on the proposal in an interview with DZMM, a local radio station. He said that the new material is being considered because paper-based passports are more prone to scratches and damages while travelling. "We are looking to use durable material like poly-carbonate, like credit cards, which is kind of a plastic material."
He, however, added that this might mean that passport fees will increase.
"It comes with additional payment because the cost of production of the booklet will increase," he said.
Apart from that, the DFA also revealed that they are considering adding 20 extra pages to the Philippine passport in light of its validity being extended to 10 years. The current passport has 44 pages.