Embassy of the Philippines, Amman

Last updated
Embassy of the Philippines, Amman
Pasuguan ng Pilipinas sa Amman
سفارة الفلبين في عمان
Pasuguan ng Pilipinas seal.svg
Embassy of the Philippines, Amman
Location Amman
Address20 Salah Touqan Street, Sweifieh
Coordinates 31°57′4.9″N35°52′5.1″E / 31.951361°N 35.868083°E / 31.951361; 35.868083
Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos
Website ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph

The Embassy of the Philippines in Amman is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is located in the neighborhood of Sweifieh in the Wadi Al-Seer district of western Amman. Although the current embassy dates from 1998, the Philippines also maintained a previous resident embassy in Jordan between 1980 and 1993.

Contents

History

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Jordan were established on March 1, 1976, although a resident mission in Jordan would not be immediately established by the Philippine government. An honorary consulate was first established in 1979, led by Costandi M. Muna. [1]

A resident mission in Jordan was finally opened in 1980, when Rafael E. Seguis, who would later become Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, was designated as the mission's chargé d'affaires . [1] The following year, he was replaced by Cesar C. Pastores, who in 1983 would become the Philippines' first resident ambassador to Jordan. [1] This first mission, however, was closed in 1993 due to financial constraints, [2] and was subsequently replaced by another honorary consulate, led by retired major general Shafiq Jumean, which was placed under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad. [1]

The Embassy was reopened in 1998 due to the increasing numbers of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) working in Jordan, as well as in recognition of Jordan's critical role in the various peace processes in the Middle East. [1]

In June 2013, an Embassy staff member was accused by Representative Walden Bello of being complicit in a sexual exploitation ring involving female OFWs in their care, which also implicated other missions in the Middle East. [3] Later identified to be the welfare officer for the mission's Philippine Overseas Labor Office, [4] he denied any involvement in the scheme. [5] Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario nonetheless opened an investigation into the matter, and even temporarily recalled Ambassador Olivia V. Palala so she can assist him in the probe. [4] A separate probe was also opened by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on the matter, [6] and several members of the Senate sought to investigate the scandal as well. [7] The welfare officer was subsequently suspended by the DOLE without pay for four months on unrelated charges of using indecent language with distressed OFWs and viewing pornographic materials on a government-issued laptop, [8] and although he appealed the DOLE's decision, [9] it was later upheld with a further suspension on future overseas deployments. [8]

Chancery

The chancery of the Philippine Embassy in Amman relocated to Sweifieh on June 1, 2022, [10] moving from its previous location in the neighboring neighborhood of Abdoun. [11] The new chancery was inaugurarated on Independence Day, June 12, 2022, by Ambassador Akmad A. Sakkam and Embassy personnel, with members of the Filipino community in Jordan also in attendance. [12]

Staff and activities

The Philippine Embassy in Amman is currently headed by Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, who was appointed to the position by President Bongbong Marcos on September 1, 2022. [13] Prior to becoming Ambassador, Santos, a career diplomat, headed the Philippine Embassy in Tehran as ambassador to Iran, [14] and before that headed the Philippine Embassy in Doha as ambassador to Qatar. [15] His appointment was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on September 28, 2022, [16] and he presented his credentials to King Abdullah II on March 8, 2023. [17]

Many of the Embassy's activities center around the protection and welfare of OFWs deployed to Jordan, including controlling the flow of Filipino labor into the country, [18] and ensuring that Filipinos already working in Jordan are able to regularize their status. [19] Its record though is mixed; in 2013, around 30 stranded OFWs protested at the Embassy, demanding their immediate repatriation to the Philippines. [20] Beyond that function, the Embassy has also been involved in a number of cultural initiatives to promote ties between the Philippines and Jordan, such as arranging showings of Filipino films in the country, [21] and organizing a Filipino food bazaar. [22]

The Embassy is also responsible for the Philippines' relationship with the State of Palestine, and as such it exercises jurisdiction over Filipinos residing in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war in October 2023 it has overseen efforts to evacuate Filipinos from both territories, [23] [24] but it has also engaged in consular outreach missions, [25] [26] as well as virtual consultations with the Filipino community in Palestine. [27]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Warsaw</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Poland

The Embassy of the Philippines in Warsaw is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Poland. It is located on ul. Stanisława Lentza 11 in the Wilanów district of south Warsaw, near the Wilanów Palace. Although the current embassy dates from 2009, the Philippines also maintained a previous resident embassy in Poland in the early 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Bandar Seri Begawan</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Brunei

The Embassy of the Philippines in Bandar Seri Begawan is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Sultanate of Brunei. Opened in 1984 after Brunei gained independence from the United Kingdom, it is currently located in the Diplomatic Enclave of Bandar Seri Begawan, behind the offices of the country's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Tokyo</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Japan

The Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan. Opened in 1944 as the first embassy established by a Philippine government, it is currently located in the Roppongi district of Tokyo's Minato ward, near the Roppongi Hills development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Madrid</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Spain

The Embassy of the Philippines in Madrid is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Spain. Opened in 1951, it is located at the corner of Calle Eresma and Calle Guadalquivir in the barrio (neighborhood) of El Viso, part of the district of Chamartín in northern Madrid, where it has been since 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Tel Aviv</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Israel

The Embassy of the Philippines in Tel Aviv is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the State of Israel. Opened in 1962, it is located on 18 Bnei Dan Street in the Yehuda HaMaccabi neighborhood of central Tel Aviv, across from Yarkon Park.

Overseas Filipinos, including Filipino migrant workers outside the Philippines, have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 1, 2021, there have been 19,765 confirmed COVID-19 cases of Filipino citizens residing outside the Philippines with 12,037 recoveries and 1,194 deaths. The official count from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the cases of overseas Filipinos is not included in the national tally of the Philippine government. Repatriates on the other hand are included in the national tally of the Department of Health (DOH) but are listed separately from regional counts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Stockholm</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Sweden

The Embassy of the Philippines in Stockholm is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Sweden. It is located on the island of Lidingö in Stockholm County, east of Stockholm city proper. Although the current embassy dates from 2020, the Philippines also maintained a previous resident embassy in Sweden between 1978 and 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Mexico City</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Mexico

The Embassy of the Philippines in Mexico City is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Mexican States. It is currently at Avenida Thiers 111 in Colonia Anzures, part of the alcaldía (municipality) of Miguel Hidalgo in northwestern Mexico City.

The Embassy of the Philippines in Jakarta is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Indonesia. It is currently located at 8 Imam Bonjol Street in the Menteng district of Central Jakarta, near significant city landmarks like the Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum and Taman Suropati.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Malaysia

The Embassy of the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to Malaysia. It is at 1 Jalan Changkat Kia Peng in central Kuala Lumpur, near significant city landmarks like the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Bukit Bintang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Beirut</span> Diplomatic mission in Lebanon

The Embassy of the Philippines in Beirut is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Lebanon. Opened in 1996, it is currently located at the W Building on Rue Mar Geries in the southern Beirut suburb of Hadeth, part of the Baabda District in the Mount Lebanon Governorate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Norway

The Embassy of the Philippines in Oslo is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Norway. Opened in 2007, it is currently located along Nedre Vollgate in central Oslo, near Kontraskjæret and the Akershus Fortress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Cairo</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Egypt

The Embassy of the Philippines in Cairo is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Arab Republic of Egypt. Opened in 1960, it is currently located in the southern Maadi district of Cairo, near the Cairo American College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, The Hague</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in the Netherlands

The Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. First opened in 1959, it is located in the Archipelbuurt neighborhood of The Hague's city center, where it has been since 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Rome</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Italy

The Embassy of the Philippines in Rome is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Italian Republic. First opened in 1947, it is currently located along the Via Aurelia in the quarter (quartiere) of Aurelio, part of Municipio XIII in western Rome, just west of Vatican City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Lisbon</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Portugal

The Embassy of the Philippines in Lisbon is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Portuguese Republic. It is located in the freguesia of Santo António in central Lisbon, next to the Casa-Museu Medeiros e Almeida, and near the Avenida da Liberdade and the Marquis of Pombal Square. Although the current chancery dates from 2010, the Philippines also maintained a previous resident embassy in Portugal between 1965 and 1974.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Paris</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in France

The embassy of the Philippines in Paris is the diplomatic mission of the Philippines to France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Damascus</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Syria

The Embassy of the Philippines in Damascus is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Syrian Arab Republic. Opened in 2009, it is located in the Western Villas district of the Mezzeh municipality in southwestern Damascus, near the Presidential Palace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Baghdad</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Iraq

The Embassy of the Philippines in Baghdad is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Iraq. Opened in 1980, it is located in the Al-Jadriya neighborhood of the Karrada district in eastern Baghdad, near the main campus of the University of Baghdad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the Philippines, Manama</span> Diplomatic mission of the Philippines in Bahrain

The Embassy of the Philippines in Manama is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Opened in 1992, it is located in the Adliya neighborhood of central Manama, near the Salmaniya Medical Complex.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Brief History of Philippine Embassy Amman, Jordan". Embassy of the Philippines, Amman. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  2. ↑ Slomanson, William R. (2011). Fundamental Perspectives on International Law (PDF) (6th ed.). Boston: Wadsworth. p. 87. ISBN   978-0-495-79719-7. LCCN   2009940128. OCLC   428032361 – via the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Certain States, however, can afford embassies in only a few places. In 1993, the Philippines announced that it would close its consulates in a number of US cities. It also closed its embassies in Cuba, Jordan, Micronesia, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Romania, Senegal, and Sri Lanka.
  3. ↑ Salaverria, Leila B. (June 18, 2013). "Legislator bares sexual exploitation of Filipinas by PH embassy personnel". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  4. 1 2 Boncocan, Karen (June 19, 2013). "Embassy execs linked to sex ring ordered back to Manila for probe". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  5. ↑ Salaverria, Leila B. (June 19, 2013). "Sex in PH embassies". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  6. ↑ Boncocan, Karen (August 14, 2013). "DOLE to submit findings on 'sex-for-flight' probe, Baldoz tells lawmakers". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  7. ↑ Yamsuan, Cathy C. (June 20, 2013). "Senators seek probe of scandal". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  8. 1 2 Santos, Tina G. (April 10, 2014). "Labor execs in sex-for-flight scandal grounded". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  9. ↑ Santos, Tina G. (December 26, 2013). "Exec in sex-for-flight scandal appeals suspension". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Starting 01 June 2022, we will be fully operational at the new Embassy chancery in Sweifieh" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Amman. May 31, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  11. ↑ REQUEST FOR QUOTATION HIRING THE SERVICES OF A MOVING COMPANY FOR THE TRANSFER OF EMBASSY OFFICE FROM ABDOUN, AMMAN TO ITS NEW LOCATION IN SWEIFIAH, AMMAN JORDAN (PDF) (Report). Embassy of the Philippines, Amman. April 27, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Philippine Embassy Celebrates Independence Day, Inaugurates New Chancery" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Amman. June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  13. ↑ ACTION: CONFIRMED – Ad Interim / Nomination – From: June 30, 2022 To: May 31, 2023 (PDF) (Report). Commission on Appointments. p. 6. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  14. ↑ Fadriquela, Jerome (August 27, 2021). "Pinay na biktima ng domestic violence sa Iran, nakauwi na sa Pilipinas" [Filipina domestic violence victim in Iran returns home to the Philippines] (in Filipino). ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  15. ↑ Ager, Maila (March 12, 2014). "CA confirms appointment of 8 ambassadors, 87 DFA officials". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  16. ↑ Fernandez, Daniza (September 28, 2022). "Manalo, 23 other DFA execs hurdle CA confirmation". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  17. ↑ "PH Ambassador Wilfredo Santos Presents Credentials to His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan" (Press release). Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. March 10, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  18. ↑ Pazzibugan, Dona Z. (December 14, 2020). "Deployment of workers to Jordan suspended". Cebu Daily News. Inquirer Group of Companies . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  19. ↑ "1100 Filipino workers rectify their residence, work status". Jordan News Agency. January 8, 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  20. ↑ Carcamo, Dennis (April 23, 2013). "OFWs picket shelter in Jordan". The Philippine Star . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Pinoy docufilm na 'Halawod' itinanghal sa Women's Film Week sa Jordan" [Filipino documentary film 'Halawod' screened at Jordan's Women's Film Week] (in Filipino). ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. March 31, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  22. ↑ "Food Bazaar sa Jordan ibinida ang pagkain at kulturang Pinoy" [Filipino food and culture is the star at the Food Bazaar in Jordan] (in Filipino). ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. June 27, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  23. ↑ Abarca, Charie (February 22, 2024). "Last batch of 14 Filipinos back in PH from war-torn Gaza, says DFA". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  24. ↑ Marcelo, Elizabeth; Jaymalin, Mayen (November 24, 2023). "5 Filipinos cross West Bank border to Jordan". The Philippine Star . Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  25. ↑ "Philippine Embassy in Jordan Conducts 1st Consular Outreach Mission in Gaza in since 2019" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Amman. March 28, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Philippine Embassy in Jordan Resumes Consular Outreach in the West Bank, State of Palestine" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Amman. August 30, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  27. ↑ "Philippine Embassy Holds Virtual Meeting with Filcom Leaders in Palestine" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Amman. February 10, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.