The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa would like to inform the public that a certain website appearing in the Internet; “Application-download.com”, and which is said to be offering a so-called “Philippine passport application kit” is not an official Philippine government agency and is not in any way connected with the Philippine Embassy.

According to reports reaching the Embassy, the said website offers a so-called “Philippine passport application kit” for a fee of $18.75 payable by credit card.  The Consulate would like to clarify the public that any payment made to the said website is not to the Embassy, and does not in any way constitute payment for any service, consular or any other official service, provided by the Embassy.

Further, the Embassy is not in any way answerable nor responsible for any disputes, questions or matters arising out of transaction(s) made on the above-mentioned website.

The Embassy would like to reiterate to the public that all consular forms, such as visa, passport applications forms, or forms for reports of birth or marriage etc., can be easily downloaded at the Embassy’s official website: http://www.philippineembassy.ca, free of charge, or may be obtained at the consular office, free of charge.

Likewise, the Embassy will be pleased to provide answers or clarifications with respect to any consular services provided by the consular office (tel. 416-9227181).  END

Toronto, 12 February 2008