Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act
RULE VIII
ROLE OF DFA
Section 1. Assistance to Nationals as the Third Pillar of Philippine Foreign Policy.
Assistance to nationals is the third pillar of the Philippine foreign policy. Pursuant to the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991 and the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act, as amended, the DFA is mandated to formulate and implement policies and programs to promote and protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants, and provide consular and legal assistance to overseas Filipinos in distress.
Section 2. International, Regional and Bilateral Initiatives to Protect Overseas Filipino Workers. The DFA shall continue to advocate in international and regional for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers by taking the lead and/or actively participating in the crafting of international and regional conventions/declarations/ agreements that protect their rights and promote their welfare.
The DFA, through its foreign service posts, shall endeavor to improve the conditions of overseas Filipino workers. It shall establish harmonious working relations with the receiving countries through, among others, the forging of bilateral agreements/arrangements or other forms of cooperation.
Section 3. One Country-Team Approach. Under the country-team approach, all officers, representatives and personnel posted abroad, regardless of their mother agencies shall, on a per country basis, act as one country-team with a mission under the leadership of the ambassador.
In receiving countries where there are Philippine consulates, such consulates shall also constitute part of the country-team under the leadership of the ambassador.
In the implementation of the country-team approach, visiting Philippine delegations shall be provided full support and information.
Section 4. Negotiations of International Agreements. The DFA shall be the lead agency that shall advise and assist the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating the total national effort in the field of foreign relations pursuant to the Revised Administrative Code (Executive Order No. 292).