Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 313)
The one-China policy signifies that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, acknowledges that there is but one China, and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.
Yes, people-to-people relations such as commercial, economic, cultural, and other unofficial contacts are allowed and are facilitated by private offices like the Philippines' Asian Exchange Center, Inc. in Taipei and Taiwan's Pacific Economic and Cultural Center in Manila, which must maintain a non-governmental image.
Because such visits assume an official character as these officials are perceived as representatives of the Philippine Government, their visits are publicized, draw public attention, and are seen by the People's Republic of China as violations of the one-China policy.
Philippine government officials are prohibited from receiving Taiwanese officials who are visiting the Philippines, as part of the effort to avoid official recognition or contact with Taiwan that contradicts the one-China policy.
No official activity relating to Taiwan may be carried out without the clearance of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon its signing on December 17, 1987.
They facilitate unofficial contacts between the Philippines and Taiwan, operating on a non-governmental basis tolerated by the People's Republic of China, and are not accorded diplomatic or formal consular status.
The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines is responsible for granting clearance for any official activity relating to Taiwan.