Administrative Code of 1987/Book IV/Title I/Chapter 7

by Corazon Aquino

Layout 2

Chapter 7—The Foreign Service

Sec. 20. Functions of Diplomatic Missions.—The Diplomatic Missions shall:

(1) Represent the Philippines abroad and promote friendly relations with other countries in all fields;

(2) Protect national interests and the interests of Filipino nationals abroad;

(3) Ascertain and evaluate conditions and developments abroad and report thereon to the Department Head.

(4) Serve as channels of communication between the Government of the Philippines and foreign governments; and

(5) Perform such other functions provided by law.

Sec. 21. Functions of Consular Establishments.—The consular establishments shall:

(1) Protect national interests abroad and promote foreign relations in all fields, particularly in the economic and trade areas;

(2) Ascertain and evaluate conditions and developments abroad in the commercial, economic, cultural and scientific fields and report thereon to the Department Head;

(3) Issue passports and travel documents to Filipino nationals, and visas or appropriate documents to foreign nationals desiring to travel to the Philippines;

(4) Protect the interests of Filipino nationals abroad, provide necessary services and assistance, and perform notarial functions allowed by regulations;

(5) Transmit judicial and extra-judicial documents and execute letters rogatory or commissions to receive evidence abroad for Philippine courts;

(6) Supervise and inspect in accordance with laws and regulations of the Philippines, vessels and aircrafts and their crews; and

(7) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.