Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 582)
The main policy objective is to reduce red tape by streamlining processes and eliminating duplicative cross-agency activities concerning document authentication for use abroad.
The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) is mandated to be the sole agency responsible for authenticating documents.
The AO-OP performed authentication functions similar to those performed by the DFA-OCA.
The AO-OP must transfer all equipment, furniture, materials, pertinent documents, and other facilities necessary for authentication operations to the DFA-OCA.
AO-OP personnel shall be detailed to the DFA-OCA for a maximum of six (6) months.
After the transition period, AO-OP personnel may either stay with the DFA-OCA or avail of early retirement privileges.
All revenues or receipts from the authentication process shall be remitted to or deposited intact with the National Treasury.
The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs shall issue the necessary rules and regulations.
The DFA, in coordination with concerned government agencies, shall conduct continuing research for further improvements of the authentication process.
Letter of Instruction (LOI) 1446 s. 1985 and other inconsistent issuances or parts thereof are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
EO No. 582 took effect immediately upon its signing on December 4, 2006.
The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and Optional Protocols, of which the Philippines is a signatory, is referenced.
EO No. 292 mandates the DFA to serve as the official channel for foreign relations and to carry out legal documentation functions under pertinent laws and regulations.