EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 659 - DEFINING THE SCOPE OF SPECIAL DIPLOMATIC ASSIGNMENTS

For the purpose of defining more clearly the conditions under which existing officials of the government may serve or participate in diplomatic missions abroad, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President and Prime Minister of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order as follows:

1. In addition to the regular functions, duties and responsibilities vested upon his office or position, any official of the government, whether elected or appointed, may be designated by the President/Prime Minister to perform special diplomatic assignments in other countries. Such special assignments shall be distinguished from and shall not constitute offices or positions as defined under existing laws.

2. Special diplomatic assignments shall be defined and categorized as follows:

a. special missions with special objectives
b. special acts
c. special posts for limited for defined period