HOME | Part 1. | Part 2. | Part 3. | Part 4. | Part 5. | Annexes |
Ceremonial CorrespondenceCongratulatory MessagesThe President of the Philippines sends congratulatory messagesto heads of states celebrating occasions such as: independence day, anniversaries, principal national holidays, and birthdays of monarchs, heads of state and heads of government. These messages are prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are sent either directly to the heads of state or through the Philippine diplomatic representative in the celebrating state. The text of the message is likewise quoted in a note sent by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the representative of the celebrating state in the Philippines. Example: |
(1) | Mesage transmitted by the President to the President of the United States on the anniversary of its independence: ON THE OCCASION OF THE 199TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION |
(2) | Note sent by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the American Ambassador in Manila: Manila, 4 July 1975 Excellency: I have the honor to quote hereunder the text of the radiogram of His Excellency, the President of the Philippines to His Excellency, the President of the United States: "ON THE OCCASION OF THE 199TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION The officials of the Ministry join me in extending to you and to the members of your staff my best wishes on this happy occasion. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. CARLOS P. ROMULO His Excellency |
Felicittions are also sent on days of great rejoicing or celebration. Birth Anniversary |
Birthday - RP-UK JFF - 132 The Ambassador of the Philippines presents His compliments to His Excellency Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and has the honour to transmit through His Excellency to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II the following message from His Excellency the President of the Philippines: HER MAJESTY "MRS. MARCOS JOINS ME AND THE FILIPINO PEOPLE IN CONVEYING "MAY YOUR MAJESTY CONTINUE TO ENJOY GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS "FERDINAND E. MARCOS The Ambassador of the Philippines avails himself of this opportunity to renew to His Excellency Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs the assurances of his highest consideration. 3 May 1973 |
Birth of a Royal Heir |
NV-89-68 29th May 1968 Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's Note of the 27th May 1968 conveying to me the good news of the birth of a Prince to Her Royal Highness Princess Margrethe. I share the feeling of the Danish people over the happy event and extend my heartfelt congratulations to their Royal Highnesses. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of most distinguished consideration. [Pen Signature] His Excellency |
Correspondence Between Heads of StatesHeads of states send each other congratulatory messages on the occasion of national holidays or birthdays of a sovereign, and messages of condolence on the death of a close member of the sovereign's family. They also send letters to each other on any topic, but usually covering areas of common interest to their countries. On the Occasion of Accession to the Throne because of Death or Abdication |
Name and Title of Sovereign To (Name and Title of Head of State) Great and Good Friend: Called by the death (abdication) of my Father and by the order of succession to the throne of (name of country), I fulfill the duty of announcing to you my accession. I trust that my reign will always find support in your sentiments and I wish to assure you that on my part it will be pleasure to maintain and to cultivate the friendly relations and good will which happily exist between our two countries. I express the hope that you will lend me your valuable cooperation with a view to attaining this results, which is for the greater good of the people whose destinies have been confided in us. It is with this sentiment that I avail myself of this opportunity to convey to you my sincere wishes for the prosperity of (name of state of addressee) as well as for your personal happiness. Your Good Friend, Signature of Foreign Secretary (Minister) |
On the Occasion of Election to the Presidency |
Name and Title of Head of State To (Name and Title of Head of State) Great and Good Friend: I have the honor to inform you that I have taken on this day my oath of office as President of (name of state), to serve as such for a period of (four) years. In conveying this information, I wish to assure you that it shall be on my constant endeavor to maintain and strengthen the friendly relations that happily exist between our two countries at the present time. I trust that, in the attainment of this objective, you will lend me your valuable cooperation. I avail myself of this opportunity to express to you (Excellency, Majesty) my sincere wishes for the prosperity of (name of state), as well as for your personal happiness. Your Good Friend, Signature of Minister for Foreign Affairs |
The reply may be as follows: |
Name and Title of Head of State To (Name and Title of Head of State) Great and Good Friend: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of (date), announcing your (accession, election) to the (Throne, Presidency). It is my hope that under your benign (wise) rule (leadership), the bonds of friendship that bind our two countries will be maintained and further strengthened. Please be assured that, on my part, I shall endeavor to work for the realization of this end. I avail myself of this opportunity to convey to Your (Majesty, Excellency) my sincere wishes for the prosperity of (name of state of addressee), as well as for your well-being and happiness. Your Good Friend, Signature of Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Death of a Head of StateA formal notification on the death of a head of state is made to all chief of mission accredited to the country of the deceased. The diplomatic representatives of the mourning country notify the Foreign Office of the country to which they are accredited, of the death of their head of state. A stationery with a black stripe on the upper right side is used. Example: |
Excellency: It is with deep regret that I fulfill the sad task of informing you of the death of the Honorable ___________________, President of the Philippines, on ___________________________. A visitor's book is provided at the Chancery of the Embassy, for those who may wish to pay calls of condolence, and will be open daily from eight to twelve o'clock in the morning and from two to four o'clock in the afternoon, until the day of the funeral. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of our highest consideration. Signature of Chief of Mission (Name and Address of Foreign Minister) |
A week after closing the visitor's book, a card of thanks is sent by the chief of mission to all those who have expressed their condolences. |
A. | Sample Card of Thanks The Ambassador of the Philippines |
B. | Sample of Message of Condolence The Ambassador of the Philippines presents his compliments to His Excellency the French Ambassador and has the honour to convey his sincerest condolences on the death of His Excellency General Charles de Gaulle, the great leader and former President of France whose place in history is secure among the greatest statesmen and as one of the towering personalities of our time. The Philippine Ambassador shares the sentiments of loss and sorrow felt all over the world at the passing away of such an eminent patriot whose entire career was single-mindedly devoted to the service of his country and his people but at the same time advanced the broader causes of peace and freedom for all mankind. The Ambassador of the Philippines avails himself of this opportunity to extend to His Excellency the French Ambassador the renewed assurances of his highest consideration. 11 November 1970 |
Documents Issued to/for Consular OfficersConsular Commission (Letters Patent) |
The President of the Philippines To all who shall see these Presents, Greetings: Know ye, that, reposing special trust and confidence in the Integrity, Fidelity and Ability of (name of consular officer), I do assign him as (rank) of the Republic of the Philippines at (post) and uch other parts as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice Consul of the Republic of the Philippines within the same allegiance; and do authorize and empower him to have and to hold the said Office, and to exercise and enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities thereto appertaining, during the pleasure of the President of the Philippines; and I do hereby enjoin all Captains, Masters and Commanders of ships and other vessels, armed or unarmed, sailing under the flag of the Republic of the Philippines, as well as other citizens, to acknowledge and consider him, the said (name of consular officer) accordingly; and I hereby pray and request (the Government of the receiving state) and all its authorities, judges, civil and military officials to recognize (name of consular officer) in his capacity of (rank) and to permit him fully and peaceably to enjoy and exercise the said office without giving or suffering to begiven unto him, any molestation or trouble, but on the contrary to afford him all proper countenance and assistance. I offer to do the same for all those who shall, in like manner, be recommended to me by (said Government). In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be here unto affixed. Done in the city of Manila, this ______ day of _______________ in the year of our Lord, one thousend nine hundred and ____________, and of the independence of the Philippines, the ___________________. (Seal of the Republic of the Philippines) Signature of the President By the President: Signature of the Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Sample Request for Provisional Recognition |
Excellency: I have the honor to inform you that (name of consular officer), whose curriculum vitae is enclosed herewith, has been appointed Consul of (name of sending state) in (name of receiving state), with residence in (name of city where consular office will be located). I would appreciate it if, pending the receipt of this commission and the issuance of an exequatur thereon, (name of consular officer) may be granted provisional recognition. Accept, Excelency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. Signature of Chief of Mission His Excellency |
Exequatur |
(Name of President) President of the Philippines To all whom it may concern: Satisfactory evidence having been exhibited to me that (name of consular officer) has been appointed (rank of consular officer), I do recognize him as such, and declare him free to exercise and enjoy such functions, powers, and privileges as are allowed to consular officers by the Law of Nations or by the Laws of the Republic of the Philippines. In testimony hereof, I have caused these letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be hereunto affixed. Done in the City of Manila this (date), and of the Independence of the Philippines, the ___________________________. Signature of the President By the President: |
||||||||||||||||
(SAMPLE: FULL POWERS) MALACAÑANG PALACE MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES TO ALL WHOM THOSE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETINGS: KNOW YE, that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, prudence and ability of:
I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, have designated the Honorable Manuel Collantes Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, as Leader and the rest as Members of the Philippine Observer Delegation to the Sixth Summit Conference of Non-Aligned Countries to be held in Havana, Cuba on 25 August to 9 September 1979, and have invested in them with full and all manner of power and authority, for and in the name of the Republic of the Philippines, to meet and confer with any person or persons duly represented in the said Meeting being invested with like power and authority. IN THE TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed. DONE in the City of Manila, Philippines, this 14th day of July in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy nine. BY THE PRESIDENT: Minister for Foreign Affairs |
||||||||||||||||
(SAMPLE: LETTER-CREDENTIALS) 13 February 1981 S i r : In connection with the forthcoming Asian-African Legal Consultative Committee Inter-sessional Meeting on the Law of the Sea which will be held from 16 to 18 February 1981 and Inter-sessional Expert Group Meeting on the Exclusive Economic Zone, from 19 to 21 February 1981, both in New Delhi, I wish to inform you that the following shall be participants in said Meetings:
Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. (SGD) CARLOS P. ROMULO The Honorable UNIO:RAA:prf:act |
Letters of Credence |
(SAMPLE: LETTER OF CREDENCE - PILIPINO) PANGULO NG PILIPINAS (RP SEAL) Dakila at Butihing Kaibigan: Hinirang ko si Samakatwid, hinihiling ko sa Inyong Ingalan nawa ng Maykapal ang Inyong sa Ang Inyong Butihing Kaibigan, Nilagdaan ng Pangulo: Minister ng mga Ugnayang Panlabas Maynila, Ika |
|
(SAMPLE: LETTER OF CREDENCE - ENGLISH) PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES Great and Good Friend: I have made choice of a distinguished citizen of the Philippines, to reside near the Government of Your in the quality of of the Republic of the Philippines. He is well informed of the relative interests of the two countries and of the sincere desire of this Govern- ment to cultivate to the fullest extent the friendship which has so long subsisted between them. My knowledge of his high character and ability gives me entire confidence that he will constantly endeavor to advance the interests and prosperity of both Governments and so render himself acceptable to Your I therefore request Your to receive him favorably and to give full credence to what he shall say on the part of the Republic of the Philippines and to the assurances which I have charged him to con- vey to you of the best wishes of this Government for the prosperity of
May God have Your in wise keeping. Your Good Friend, By the President: |
Letter of Credence Accrediting Ambassador to the Pope |
Name and Title of Head of State To (Title and Name of Pope) Most Holy Father or Your Holiness: Desirous of Yostering the relations of friendship and good I therefore request Your Holiness to receive him favorably, May God have Your Holiness in His safe and wise keeping. Signature of Head of State By the President: Signature of Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Letter of Credence Accrediting a Minister to a King |
(Name and Title of Head of Sending State) To (Title and Name of Sovereign) Great and Good Friend: I have chosen (name of Minister), a distinguished citizen of I therefore request Your Majesty to receive him favorably and May God have Your Majesty in His wise keeping. Your Good Friend, Signature of Head of Sending State By the President: Signature of Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Letter Accrediting a Charge d'Affaires |
Excellency: I have the honor to inform you that I have appointed (name of In communicating the foregoing information, I have the honor to I avail myself of this occasion to convey to Your Excellency Minister for Foreign Affairs His Excellency |
Letters of Recall |
(SAMPLE: LETTER OF RECALL - PILIPINO) PANGULO NG PILIPINAS (RP SEAL) Dakila at Butihing Kaibigan: Sa dahilang si na may ilang panahon nanirahang malapit sa Pamahalaang ng Inyong bilang ng Republika ng Pilipinas ay pinabalik na, at sa dahilang bindi niya maiaabot nang tuwiran ang kanyang liham ng pagpapabalik, ipinagkatiwala ko sa kanyang kahalili ang tungkuling paglalagay niyon sa mga kamay ng Inyong Ikinalulugod kong paniwalaan na si sa panahon ng kanyang misyo, ay nag-ukol ng buo niyang maka- kaya upang mapatibay ang mabuting pagkakaunawaan at magiliw na pagsasamahan ng dalawang Pamahalaan ng Republika ng Pilipi- nas at ng Ako'y umaasa na sa kasiya-siyang panunuparan ng tungkuling inl- atang sa kanya'y natamo niya ang pagtingin at mabuting kalooban ng Inyong Ang Inyong Butihing Kaibigan, Nilagdaan ng Pangulo: Minister ng mga Ugnayang Panlabas Maynila, Ika |
|
(SAMPLE: LETTER OF RECALL - ENGLISH) PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES Great and Good Friend: who has for some time resided near the Government of Your in the character of of the Republic of the Philippines, having and being unable to present his letter of recall in person, I have entrusted to his successor the duty of placing it in the hands of Your I am pleased to believe that during his mission, devoted all his efforts to strengthening the good understanding and the friendly relations existing between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and I entertain the hope that, while fulfilling satisfactorily the trust imposed upon him he succeded in gaining Your esteem and good will. Your Good Friend, By the President: Minister for Foreign Affairs Manila |
Calling CardsForms for Diplomatic Officers:
|
||||||
Cards are used for various occasions: to express gratitude, felicitations, to make and return calls, condolences, etc. The following are generally accepted abbreviations, written in pencil on the lower left-hand corner of cards: p.p. - pour presenter (to introduce) Card forms for Consular Officers:
|
||||||
Diplomatic and consular officers when assigned in the Home Office should refrain from using their diplomatic titles or ranks. They should indicate below their names, the position they hold in the Home Office. |
(SAMPLE: CALLING CARDS) |
Invitations |
(SAMPLE: INVITATIONS) |