Why consulates are important to overseas Filipinos

All of us, concerned and affected Filipinos in Germany, as well as our families and friends, are earnestly hoping for a reconsideration of the decision to close Philippine consular posts, including the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, whose services are particularly important to us.

Contrary to the general perception, an honorary consulate cannot perform the major functions of a Philippine consulate, such as the issuance of passports, authentication of documents, etc.

We therefore request President Aquino to stop the closure of Philippine consular offices, particularly our Philippine consulate in Frankfurt.

—VICTORIA VILLAR-DEMMER,

(on behalf of the concerned

groups in Germany),

president, University of the Philippines

Alumni Association, Germany e.V.