Manila, March 31 -- Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida on Tuesday said the government has extended its visa relief program for foreigners affected by the crisis in the Middle East.

Vida said the DOJ extended the program from April 1 to May 1 under Department Order (DO) 219, which he signed on March 30.

The DO 219 extended the original directive, under DO 159, which permits those whose stays expire on Feb. 28, 2026, to remain in the country without incurring fines or penalties.

"We do understand that there are still some visiting foreigners who have difficulty going back because of the restrictions and the various constraints. So, based on the order I signed yesterday, we're extending this to May 1," Vida said in a pr...