Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III has called for an inquiry on reports that the Manila Economic and Cultural Office is treating its employees as political appointees, a move that may be violative of the country’s One-China policy.
“There is a need to review the consular functions being performed by Meco as there have been reports that its employees are being treated as political appointees under its ‘new management,’” Pimentel said.
He cited a Supreme Court ruling classifying Meco as a nongovernmental entity.
This means that its employees enjoy security of tenure in accordance with the Constitution and existing labor laws as it performs consular functions for the Philippines in Taiwan.
The senator said reports have reached him that the new management of Meco, whom he did not name but was clearly referring to the team of Meco chairman Angelito Banayo, is insisting that they be given a free hand to appoint their own people.
He said that treating Meco employees as political appointees “may result in removing the status of Meco as a private corporation.”
“It may considered a government-controlled entity performing diplomatic functions in Taiwan,” Pimentel said, warning that this may violate the One-China rule.
Under Senate Resolution No. 302 filed by Pimentel, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has been directed to conduct a probe in aid of legislation on the legal basis of Meco and its authority “to perform diplomatic and consular functions.”
