Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 748)
The primary objective of Executive Order No. 748 is to effect efficient delivery of basic public services by opening six new Regional Consular Offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring consular services closer to the people.
The six new Regional Consular Offices are located in Bacolod City, Butuan City, Puerto Princesa, Baguio City, General Santos City, and Cotabato City.
The creation of the Regional Consular Offices is pursuant to the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (RA 8042), and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Each Regional Consular Office is headed by a ranking Officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Executive Order takes effect immediately after publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.
Funding comes from the annual budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Passport Revolving Fund, with an initial amount of Sixty-Six Million Pesos (P66,000,000.00) allocated for the calendar year 2008.
Each Regional Consular Office is authorized to rent a staff house for its Home Office-based personnel, preferably in the same building or premises where the office is situated.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs is directed to formulate additional implementing guidelines necessary to effect the Order, coordinating with the Secretary of Budget and Management for provisions with financial implications.
The Regional Consular Offices, through their linkage with relevant regional governmental and non-governmental agencies, are vital partners in the commercial pursuit and economic diplomacy thrust of the Government in the regions.
The Executive Order was signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and by Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita.