Travel clearance for minorsCebu City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VII advises those who will secure a travel clearance for minors, ages 17 years old and below, to file the application at least two weeks before the date of travel. The issuance of a travel clearance is specified under the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996. “The travel clearance is approved and issued within 24 hours as long as supporting documents are complied with and the social worker’s assessment is completed,” said Regional Director Ma. “There were instances that the minor was not allowed to take his flight because he failed to present a travel clearance at the airport,” Macapobre added. Director Macapobre said that the travel clearance aims to prevent child trafficking and other forms of abuse that a minor might encounter while traveling in another country.

Source: Manila Bulletin July 16, 2016 14:15 UTC