ADVOCACY MEMO 0004-2023-12-21

ADVOCACY MEMO 0004-2023-12-21 TO: DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo CC: OES/Senate Foreign Relations Committee RE: Opening of Vice Consulates It is interesting to note that the Philippines has very few “Consulates”, and the rest are “Consulates General”. As I recall, the DFA finds it difficult to open more “Consulates” and “Consulates General”, presumably because of budgetary reasons. Either that, or it appears to be difficult to convince the Congress to open more consular posts. For whatever it is worth, the DFA might find it practical and economical to open more “Vice-Consulates” instead, as an alternative. Based on my limited research, there appears to be no prohibition towards opening such “Vice-Consulates” in places where there are huge Filipino populations, and it might even be allowed in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Opening such “Vice-Consulates” would be economical, because the DFA could just rent small rooms in virtual offices that are so affordable, such that even small companies could afford. An even more affordable option would be co-working spaces. In both options, office equipment and even support staff are part of the regular services, thus saving the DFA more money. RAMON IKE V. SENERES