Administrative Code of 1987

Section 20

The Diplomatic Missions shall: (1) Represent the Philippines abroad and promote friendly relations with other countries in all fields; (2) Protect national interests and the interests of Filipino nationals abroad; (3) Ascertain and evaluate conditions and developments abroad and report thereon to the Department Head; (4) Serve as channels of communication between the Government of the Philippines and foreign governments; and (5) Perform such other functions provided by law.

Section 21

The consular establishments shall: (1) Protect national interests abroad and promote foreign relations in all fields, particularly in the economic and trade areas; (2) Ascertain and evaluate conditions and developments abroad in the commercial, economic, cultural and scientific fields and report thereon to the Department Head; (3) Issue passports and travel documents to Filipino nationals, and visas or appropriate documents to foreign nationals desiring to travel to the Philippines; (4) Protect the interests of Filipino nationals abroad, provide necessary services and assistance, and perform notarial functions allowed by regulations; (5) Transmit judicial and extra-judicial documents and execute letters rogatory or commissions to receive evidence abroad for Philippine courts; (6) Supervise and inspect in accordance with laws and regulations of the Philippines, vessels and aircrafts and their crews; and (7) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.