In the eyes of the law, a Philippine passport is not merely a travel document; it is a vital government record and the primary proof of a citizen’s identity and nationality. Under Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is the sole authority tasked with the issuance, denial, and cancellation of passports.

Losing this document necessitates a rigorous legal process to prevent identity theft and comply with national security protocols. Below is the comprehensive, step-by-step legal procedure for replacing a lost Philippine passport.

I. Immediate Preliminary Steps

Before approaching the DFA, the holder must establish the legal fact of the loss.

Execution of an Affidavit of Loss: You must execute a sworn statement detailing the circumstances of the loss (where, when, and how it happened). This must be notarized by a notary public in the Philippines or authenticated by a Philippine Consulate/Embassy if abroad.
Police Report (If Applicable): If the passport was stolen or lost due to a crime, a Police Report is mandatory. If the passport is still valid (not expired) at the time of loss, most DFA offices will require a Police Report regardless of the circumstances.
The 15-Day Clearing Period: Under DFA regulations, a lost valid passport is subject to a 15-day clearing period. This is a mandatory verification window to ensure the document has not been used for fraudulent purposes or flagged in any security database.

II. Documentary Requirements

The DFA treats the replacement of a lost passport as a New Application. You must prove your identity and citizenship from scratch.

Core Documents:

Confirmed Online Appointment: Appointments are mandatory via the official DFA Global Online Appointment System (GOAS).
Duly Accomplished Application Form: Printed from the online portal.
Affidavit of Loss: (Notarized).
Police Report: (If the lost passport is still valid).
PSA Birth Certificate: An authentic copy on Security Paper (SECPA). If the birth certificate is illegible, a Local Civil Registrar copy is also required.
Valid Government ID: (e.g., UMID, Driver’s License, SSS, PhilID).

Supplemental Requirements:

For Married Women: PSA Marriage Certificate (if using the husband's surname).
For Minors: PSA Birth Certificate of the minor, valid ID of the accompanying parent, and a Special Power of Attorney if the parents are not present.

III. The Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Secure an Appointment

Access the DFA GOAS website. Select the "Lost Passport" option under the application type. Be prepared to pay the processing fee and the Lost Passport Penalty Fee upfront via authorized payment centers.

2. Personal Appearance

Attendance is mandatory for biometric data capture (photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan). There are no exemptions for personal appearance, even for minors or seniors, in cases of lost passports.

3. Verification and Interview

During your appointment, a consular officer will conduct a brief interview regarding the loss. Ensure your story aligns with your notarized Affidavit of Loss. Any discrepancies may lead to a "hit" in the system, requiring further investigation by the Office of Consular Affairs – Intelligence and Investigation Unit (OCA-IIU).

4. The Waiting Period

After the data capture, you must wait for the 15-day clearing period (if valid) plus the standard processing time (usually 7–12 working days for regular or 5–7 days for expedited).

IV. Fees and Penalties

Replacing a lost passport is significantly more expensive than a standard renewal due to the administrative costs of verification.

Item	Cost (Approximate)
Standard Processing Fee	₱950.00
Expedited Processing Fee	₱1,200.00
Penalty for Lost/Damaged e-Passport	₱350.00

Note: If the lost passport is already expired, the 15-day clearing period and the additional ₱350 penalty may be waived, depending on current DFA circulars.

V. Important Legal Considerations

Found Passports: If you find your old passport after filing for a replacement, do not attempt to use it. Once a passport is reported lost, its unique serial number is deactivated and shared with INTERPOL. Using a "found" passport after reporting it lost may lead to detention at Bureau of Immigration counters.
Mutilated Passports: If the passport is still in your possession but is damaged beyond recognition (e.g., water damage, torn pages), it is legally treated as a "Lost Passport," and the same procedures and penalties apply.
Overseas Loss: If the loss occurs while traveling, you must visit the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate to apply for a Travel Document, which allows for a one-way direct flight back to the Philippines. You will then process the full passport replacement upon arrival.

VI. Summary of Timeline

Day 1: Execute Affidavit of Loss and Police Report.
Day 2: Secure DFA Online Appointment.
Appointment Day: Biometric capture and interview.
Days 1-15: Mandatory Clearing Period (for valid passports).
Days 16-25: Production and Printing.
Day 26+: Release/Delivery of the new 10-year validity passport.