President Benigno S. Aquino III has prohibited an appointed special envoy from using the title of "Ambassador."

In Executive Order (EO) No. 5, the President said only Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary may carry such title based on Republic Act No. 7157 or the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991.

EO 5, signed last August 25, amended Executive Order 594 dated December 20, 2006 regarding the rules governing the appointment/ designation and conduct of special envoys.

"There is a need to clarify the use of the title 'Ambassador' by Special Envoys in order to preserve the dignity of the said title and position," the order read.

"An appointment/designated Special Envoy shall not use the title 'Ambassador' pursuant to Republic Act 7157, otherwise known as the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, which states that only Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary may carry this title," the order read.

EO 5 noted that a President usually appoints a special envoy or a person with expertise and experience to undertake special tasks or address certain issues, notably in international economic affairs.

An appointment of special envoy is considered expired subject to renewal based on specific mission and for limited period of time not exceeding six months.

EO 5 takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Executive Order No. 5 effectively amends former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Executive Order No. 594 — which states the rules governing the appointment or designation and conduct of special envoys — by adding a second paragraph to Section 2.

According to the EO, there is a need to clarify the use of the title "Ambassador" by special envoys "to preserve the dignity of the said title and position." (with a report by Roy C. Mabasa)