Definitions
- "Government": Government of the Philippines.
- "President": President of the Philippines.
- "Department": Department of Foreign Affairs.
- "Secretary": Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
- "Service": Foreign Service of the Philippines.
- Defines "Government agency," "Abroad," "Principal officer," and "Chief of mission" for applicability within the law.
Functions and Duties of Foreign Service Personnel
- Represent Philippine interests abroad under Secretary’s direction.
- Fulfill duties arising from appointments, laws, orders, and international agreements.
- Serve government agencies as prescribed by the President or upon request through the Department.
Categories of Foreign Service Personnel
- Chiefs of mission: Ambassadors or equivalent positions.
- Foreign Affairs Officers: Career diplomats appointed under the Act.
- Foreign Service staff officers and employees: Technical, administrative, clerical roles.
- Alien clerks and employees: Non-Filipino support staff.
- Consular agents and honorary consuls.
Salary Structure
- Chiefs of mission classified into three salary classes (P10,000–P12,000 per annum).
- Foreign Affairs Officers have four classes plus career minister with specified salary ranges.
- Staff officers/employees have six salary classes with defined brackets.
- Special provisions for salary determination for alien clerks.
- Differential salaries permitted up to 25% for posts with difficult conditions.
Compensation for Temporary Charges
- Foreign Affairs Officers acting as charge d’affaires ad interim receive representation allowances equivalent to chiefs of mission.
- Officers temporarily in charge of consulates receive equivalent allowances.
Position Classification
- Secretary classifies all Foreign Service positions by classes and grades.
- Salary protections for incumbents earning more than statutory amounts.
Appointments and Assignments
- President appoints ambassadors, ministers, and consuls with Commission on Appointments’ consent.
- Secretary recommends qualified Foreign Affairs Officers for career minister or chief of mission roles.
- Career status secured once appointed to these roles.
Foreign Affairs Officers’ Career Service Corps
- Composed exclusively of Filipino citizens, appointed by President on Secretary’s recommendation and with Commission consent.
- Candidates must pass competitive exams or qualify under specified exemptions.
- Board of Foreign Service Examiners conducts exams and certifies eligibles.
- Appointments to classes, not specific posts.
- Restrictions on service duration abroad and in the Department for rotation and efficiency.
Foreign Service Staff Officers and Employees
- Appointed by Secretary; must have civil service eligibility and Philippine citizenship.
- Assignments and transfers controlled by Secretary.
- Travel entitlements linked to length of service.
Alien Clerks and Employees
- Appointed by Secretary on mission chief’s recommendation.
- Transfers limited within the same country only.
Consular Agents, Honorary Consuls, and Attachés
- Appointment of consular agents and honorary consuls regulated by Secretary with President’s approval.
- Civil and military attachés designated by Secretary, receiving pay and benefits from their respective departments.
Personnel Administration: Promotions
- Board of Foreign Service oversees policies on selection, assignment, and promotion.
- Efficiency ratings used for assessments, with defined rating scales.
- Merit-based promotion system for Foreign Affairs Officers and staff.
- Separation notices for unsatisfactory performance issued.
Separation from Service
- Mandatory retirement at age 65 with possible extension in emergencies.
- Separation for disloyalty, misconduct, or unsatisfactory performance after hearing by the Board.
- Separate provisions for alien clerks and consular agents.
Insurance and Retirement
- All permanent Filipino officers/employees enrolled compulsorily in Government Service Insurance System.
- President encouraged to propose a specific retirement and disability system for Foreign Service personnel.
Allowances, Per Diems, Travel Expenses, and Benefits
- Living quarters allowance based on actual rental expenses or fixed rates; no double claims allowed.
- Cost of living, post, representation, and clothing allowances subject to regulations and Presidential approval.
- Per diems provided for travel with specific limits; service allowances substitute when meals included.
- Official transportation privileges for personnel and dependents defined with limitations.
- Loans of household equipment, medical services, and burial expenses covered.
- Leave entitlements with accumulation provisions and home leave after three years abroad.
- Allowances and benefits exempt from Philippine income tax.
Final Provisions
- Secretary authorized to implement reorganization, regulate funds, and promulgate supplementary rules.
- Positions grouped and funded in classes for flexible human resource allocation.
- Savings from appropriations may be used for emergencies, repatriation, and other service needs.
- Separability clause ensures validity if any part is declared unconstitutional.
- Repeal of inconsistent prior laws and regulations.
- Effectivity upon approval.