Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has suspended the nomination, processing, and confirmation of foreign honorary consular officers in the country while it conducts a comprehensive review of its accreditation framework, according to an official circular obtained by NewsWatch Plus.
In a memorandum dated Dec. 4, the DFA informed diplomatic missions and consular offices accredited in the Philippines that applications for honorary consuls are on hold pending the review.
“The Department is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its guidelines and processes with respect to the accreditation of foreign Honorary Consular Officers (HCOs) in the Philippines,” the DFA said in the document.
The DFA stated that “the nomination, processing and confirmation of nominations of foreign Honorary Consular Officers (HCOs) is suspended until further notice.”
The suspension also applies to requests to establish new honorary consular offices in the country.
Routine review
In response to questions from NewsWatch Plus, the DFA said the review is part of its institutional practice and was not triggered by a single incident.
“The DFA regularly reviews its internal policies and procedures to ensure continued alignment with Philippine law, international conventions, and evolving operational requirements,” the department said.
“The current review of the Honorary Consuls accreditation framework is part of this routine institutional process,” it said.
The department said diplomatic or consular services remain operational.
“The suspension is a temporary measure and does not affect ongoing diplomatic or consular operations or the delivery of essential services,” the DFA said.
Vetting concerns
Honorary consuls are non-career representatives appointed by foreign governments, often drawn from business, civic, or professional circles. While they do not enjoy full diplomatic immunity, they assist nationals of the sending state, promote economic and cultural ties, and coordinate with authorities.
Honorary consuls are not professional diplomats and may simultaneously hold private business or civic roles, thus their appointments have historically raised concerns over vetting standards, conflicts of interest, and potential security vulnerabilities – issues that have drawn renewed attention in recent years.
Joseph Sy case
The DFA review came amid heightened public and legislative scrutiny on Joseph Sy, a mining businessman and former honorary consul of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Davao, who is facing allegations related to his citizenship and identity.
Asked directly whether the review is linked to Sy’s case, the DFA responded in the negative.
“No, the review is a system-wide policy exercise and is not linked to any individual case, which are handled separately through appropriate processes,” it said.
Sy’s past honorary role has placed him within the broader discussion on how honorary consuls are screened, monitored, and held accountable.
He is the subject of hearings led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has described his case as raising serious concerns about state institutions’ ability to verify identity and citizenship.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sy’s fingerprints match those of a Chinese national identified as Chen Zhong Zhen, who previously held a long-term visa and an Alien Certificate of Registration.
The BI arrested Sy in August for alleged misrepresentation, being an undesirable alien, and violations of immigration laws. Sy disputed the allegations and maintained that he is a Filipino citizen.
