Special envoys can no longer use title of ambassador

MANILA, Philippines –  Special envoys shall no longer carry the title of “ambassador” in order to preserve the dignity of the position.

President Aquino signed last Aug. 25 Executive Order 5 amending EO 594 regarding the rules governing the appointment/designation and conduct of special envoys, particularly Section 2.

The amendment provides that “an appointed/designated special envoy shall not use the title ‘ambassador,’ pursuant to Republic Act 7157, otherwise known as the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, which states that only ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary may carry this title.”

EO 5 cited the need to clarify the use of the title “ambassador” by special envoys. The order will take effect 15 days after its publication.

The order said the conduct of effective foreign policy often calls for the appointment/designation of persons with expertise and experience to undertake special tasks or address certain issues, notably in international economic affairs.

But senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), who asked not to be named, said Mr. Aquino’s order is not new because former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had already ordered that special envoys could not carry the title of ambassador.

“There was a previous order before so this is nothing new. This is a reiteration. Former President Arroyo ordered that they can’t carry the title ambassador,” a senior DFA official said.