E-payment now accepted at PH Embassy in Washington DC

The Philippine Embassy’s first customer completes his successful electronic payment transaction for his passport application. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON – The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC is now accepting e-payment for transactions at the consular section and in consular outreach missions within its jurisdiction in the United States.

The public can now use digital payment methods, including credit card, debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay, the embassy announced in a press release.

“Gone are the days of cash-only transactions as the Embassy embraces the digital age,” according to the press release.

This upgrade in payment processing comes as a result of the embassy’s partnership with Cliqbux LLC, an IT company headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Founded by Filipino American tech visionary Levi Bondoc, Cliqbux specializes in developing cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

“We are thrilled to introduce this new e-payment system, which aligns with our commitment to enhance the overall experience for our constituents,” said Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez.

Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (center) with Cliqbux CEO Levi Bondoc (2nd from right) and Philippine Embassy officials Consul General Iric Arribas (leftmost), Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon Ascalon Jr. (2nd from left) and Consul Barbie Rosales (rightmost). CONTRIBUTED

“By modernizing our payment infrastructure, we aim to streamline processes, improve efficiency and provide greater convenience to the public.”

The embassy will continue to accept cash and money orders to accommodate those who prefer traditional payment methods. Those making electronic payments will be charged a 4 percent convenience fee to cover processing costs.

The Cliqbux system is also used at the Philippine Consulates General in San Francisco and Los Angeles, further extending the reach of modernized payment solutions to Filipino communities across the United States.

The Philippine Consulate  General in Los Angeles started accepting e-payments in March this year.

“I am pleased to bear witness to this milestone just before I conclude my tour of duty here in Los Angeles,” said Consul General Edgar B. Badajos.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco started to implement the e-payment system October last year.

“The acceptance of e-payment has been a priority for the Consulate, in response to the feedback we have been receiving from our clients,” said Consul General Neil Ferrer. “This initiative is also in line with the Consulate’s objective to digitalize consular transactions, thereby making processes more convenient for our kababayans.”

To learn more about Cliqbux, visit their website.