Reorganization of DFA Consular Offices

Executive Order No. 292 (1987) mandates efficient delivery of passport, visa, and authentication services by DFA-OCA.
Republic Act No. 8239 authorizes the Secretary of Foreign Affairs or authorized officers to issue passports.
Previous EOs upgraded and expanded the regional consular offices to serve areas beyond NCR.

Field Offices of DFA-OCA reorganized as DFA Consular Offices.
Functions include:
- Issuance of passports to Filipino nationals.
- Providing authentication services.
- Verification for consular record documents, delayed registration of births, marriages, deaths abroad.
- Assistance-to-Nationals (ATM) services.
- Other functions assigned per existing laws and regulations.
DFA COs are supervised by the Assistant Secretary for DFA-OCA.
Leadership to be by Foreign Service Officer, Staff Officer, or qualified personnel designated by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Current Satellite Offices and Regional Consular Offices renamed as DFA Consular Offices.
Each office designated as "DFA Consular Office [City/Municipality/Location]."
27 DFA COs listed across NCR and provinces nationwide.

New offices may be created if the following are met:
- Projected clientele: ≥ 75,000 if outside NCR; ≥ 300,000 if within NCR.
- Projected annual passports/authenticated documents handled: ≥ 100,000.
- Projected annual consular collections: ≥ PhP 71,250,000.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs to submit cost-benefit analysis to DBM.
Opening subject to President’s approval and available funds.
Exceptions allowed with justification and DBM concurrence.

Closure authorized when:
- Consular service demand is chronically low or declined ≥ 50% over 5 years.
- Nearby new DFA CO can serve clients adequately.
- Security reasons or natural/man-made calamities.
- Other analogous circumstances.
Written notice of closure to be given to DBM and Office of the President within 30 days.

Creation of home-based plantilla positions for DFA COs in coordination with DBM.

Heads assigned outside their domicile and without housing provided quarters at government expense.
Housing benefits subject to DBM limits and existing laws.
Heads opting for other housing bear cost difference if rental exceeds government limits.
Existing government quarters available for occupancy or personal choice at own expense.

Heads entitled to transport personal effects up to 500 kilograms at government expense.
Excess baggage costs borne personally.

Heads entitled to monthly representation and transportation allowances within prescribed ceilings.

Operating expenses charged to DFA annual appropriations and Passport Revolving Fund (RA No. 8239).
Creation of new positions may be funded from Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund if needed.
Future budget allocations included in General Appropriations Act.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs empowered to issue rules to implement this Order.
Coordination with DBM required for rules with organizational, staffing, or financial implications.

All conflicting issuances, orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.

Invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision does not affect the remainder of this Order.

The Executive Order takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.