Section 4Sec./Art. 4

Authority to Issue, Deny, or Cancel. - Upon the application of any qualified Filipino citizen, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, hereinafter referred to as "DFA Secretary", or any duly authorized consular official may issue passports in accordance with this Act.

Philippine consular officials in a foreign country shall be authorized by the DFA Secretary to issue, deny, or cancel a passport in the area of jurisdiction of the FSP in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

In the interest of national security, public safety, and public health, and in accordance with Sections 5 and 10 of this Act, the DFA Secretary, or any of the authorized consular officials, may deny issuance of a passport or cancel a passport: Provided, That such act shall not mean a loss of, or a doubt issuance of a passport may not be denied if the safety and interest of the Filipino citizen are at stake: Provided, finally, That denial or cancellation of a passport shall not prevent the issuance of an Emergency Travel Document to allow for a safe return journey by a Filipino to the Philippines.