Different people have different ways of viewing things. What may look beautiful to one person may look misplaced to some; a worn out piece of item could either be thrown out or kept for its sentimental value.
This may be the reason some people find it strange when they are told that their legal documents, IDs, and other personal effects are no longer acceptable because of its work-out state. Nababasa pa naman ang pangalan ko ah is a most common defense, and in that context, disagreements and misunderstanding arise.
Our passports are one of our most important identification; when traveling, it is THE most important document you must have in your possession. It could get worn out over time, a loose page here, a minute tear there. The problem is, what we may see as a nondescript stain in our passport may mean that it has been damaged and therefore, cannot be used by the owner and needs replacement.
So how do we know that the slight crumple and mindless ink mark left by the ground stewardess on our passport already rendered the document invalid?
Here are insights shared by the DFA on damaged passports and what can be done to resolve the issue:
a. Damaged passports would include the following:
- A ripped cover
- Detached pages
- Gone through a washing machine or recovered from a flooded house
- Bears bite marks (by your dog or cat)
- Crumpled but without tears
- Has obvious food or drink stains
- Burnt edges
b. What to do if your passport has been damaged?
- Submit a Notarized Affidavit of Mutilation
- Include detailed explanation on when, where, and how the passport got mutilated or damaged
- Original and photocopy of first and last pages of mutilated or damaged passport.
The DFA advised that there will be a 15-day clearing period before the processing of the application of replacement. It is also strongly advised that Filipino passengers make sure their passports are in tiptop shape before booking a ticket. There have been cases in the past when passengers were offloaded from their flight because their passports were found to be damaged or mutilated.
Sources:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-04-04-07-00-36
http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/nation/03/19/14/how-find-out-if-you-have-damaged-passport
Damaged Philippine Passport Incident 529. The Case of the Detached Cover.
MasterCitizen's Blog 
Hello po, what about pages na natupi pero sa pinaka bottom lang ng pages like super minimal? Or ung natupi po ng konti ung first two pages but super nasa gilid lang po?
Hi, yung passport namin ng anak ko may kagat ng daga sa edges konti lang naman. nagamit pa namin yung passports nung April going to australia at pabalik, tinanggap naman, gagamitin namin to Hongkong this November., mas mahigpit kaya sa Hongkong?
Hi Joanne,
Wala pong makakapag sabi, depende po yan sa immigration officer na matatapat sa inyo. Yung iba strict, yung iba naman po nadadaan sa explanation.
MC
Hi! I have my passport ripped at the very last page but nadikit ko by a tape. Mutilated po ba? It will expire on 2020 pa, do i need to schedule a RENEWAL online kahit 2020 pa? My concern is i will apply for a Us visa on April 2nd week and still don’t know the result. Kinakabahan tuloy ako baka bcoz of this i’ll get denied.
Sir maitanong ko lang po sana kasi po nasunog passport ko nung pagkasunog nang office namin at expired nayun kasi 6 or 7 years ago na po yata nangyari yun, balak ko kasi magka passport ulit. is it consider mutilated narin po bah sir? good evening po
Hi Ronald,
Yes considered na siyang mutilated. Nababasa pa ba yung first page ng passport mo?
Pwede ka nang mag apply ng renewal of your passport. Just set an appointment with the DFA online and prepare the documentary requirements.
MC
Goodafternoon,
My passport was been washed with my clothes but nothing is broken everything is completed, nalukot lang lahat ng pages and I’m here at US
It’s subject for renewal. Go to the nearest Phil Embassy in your area.
yung passport ko ho nabuhusan ng tuyo ho. anu ho dapat ko gawin? im here in phil.now. thank you.
subject for renewal na yan. kapag ni require ka ng affidavit may gumagawa naman doon sa DFA miso. Mag set ka muna ng appointment.
WAT IF PO KUNG NAPUNIT NG KUNTI S MAY SECOND TO THE LAST PAGE PERO NADIKIT DIN ULIT. IT WAS HAPPENED WHEN ARRIVED IN KUWAIT.
Pabalik dito sa Pinas pwede yan pero palabas ng Pinas baka harangin ka na sa Immigration nyan pag nakita.
Hello po. Yung passport ko po kasi accidentally nasulatan ng 2 years old kong anak sa page 11.. Considered mutilated po ba yun? Im willing to send a pic just pls msg.me po
Yes mutilated na yan subject to renewal. Check mo na yung site nila for appointment schedule.
Hello, I thought need lang ng appointment pag expired na yung passport na mutilated? And if hindi pa expired, pwede mag proceed agad sa ASEANA? Yun kasi nakasulat sa website nila. Although di masyadong clear. Need ba talaga ng appointment? Thanks!
Hi Czai,
Yes, all passport transactions with the DFA, whether first-time application or renewal, need an appointment online. If you are a PWD, pregnant woman, or Senior Citizen, you will be prioritized upon arrival and do not need an online appointment anymore.
MC