Question & AnswerQ&A (OP EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 15)
MECO is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
The Philippine government adheres to a One-China policy recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole government of China, but it promotes friendly and unofficial people-to-people relations with Taiwan through MECO to facilitate trade, cultural, and other exchanges.
MECO is authorized to assist in formulating and implementing programs to attract investments from Taiwan to the Philippines, promote Philippine exports and manpower services to Taiwan, negotiate agreements on trade and cooperation, report on employment and business opportunities in Taiwan, disseminate information about the Philippines, conduct market assessments, and facilitate cultural, social, and educational exchanges.
MECO can issue temporary visitor's visas, transit and crew list visas, and other authorized visa services; issue, renew, or amend passports for Filipino citizens; certify authenticity of documents; provide translation services; assist and protect Filipino nationals in Taiwan; and collect reasonable fees for these services.
MECO must seek policy guidance from the Office of the President in line with the Philippines' One-China policy and submit quarterly reports on its activities to the Office of the President. It must also coordinate all Philippine activities concerning Taiwan.
Executive Order No. 931 (January 16, 1984) and Executive Order No. 490 (June 26, 1998), as amended by Executive Orders Nos. 4 and 229 (July 17, 1998 and April 7, 2000), respectively, are repealed by EO No. 15.
No, MECO is authorized to collect reasonable fees only on the first four functions enumerated under Section 2: issuance of visas, issuance and renewal of passports, certification/authentication of documents, and translation services to defray operation costs.
MECO is authorized to assist and protect Filipino nationals, including OFWs, working or residing in Taiwan by making representations on their behalf before civil and juridical authorities of Taiwan to the extent allowed by local and international law.
The quarterly reports ensure that MECO's activities align with the Philippine government's policies, particularly the One-China policy, and allows for oversight and coordination of Philippine interests and relations with Taiwan.