Cuasay, Daphnie J.
AB Political Science
Functions and Responsibilities
Immunities
DIPLOMATS
Represents the sending State in the receiving
State.
Protects the sending States interests and its
nationals in the receiving State, within the
limitations of international law.
Negotiates with the government of the
receiving State.
Determines the conditions and developments
in the receiving State, and makes report to
the sending State.
Promotes friendly relations between the
sending and the receiving State, and
develops their economic, cultural and
scientific relations.
Personal Inviolability; he shall not be liable
to any form of arrest or detention, but can be
arrested temporarily in case of urgent danger,
as such when he commits an act of violence.
Inviolability of premises and archives; the
premises occupied by a diplomatic mission
as well as the private residence, their
furnishings, and the means of transport of the
mission of the diplomat are inviolable. The
agents of the receiving State may not enter
without consent, except in extreme cases of
necessity.
CONSULS
Issuance of visa.
Mainly in the interest of commerce and
navigation.
Protect nationals of the appointing State.
Acting as notary and civil registrar and in
capacities of a similar kind, and performing
certain functions of an administrative
nature.
Exercising rights of supervision and
inspection provided for in the laws and
regulations of the sending State in respect of
vessels having the nationality of the sending
State.
Inviolability of archives; but not of the
premises where legal processes may be
served and arrest made.
Exemption from local jurisdiction; only for
offenses committed in the discharge of
official function, but not other offenses
except minor infractions.
Exemption from testifying on official
communications or on matters concerning
to consular functions.
 Right of official communication; the right to Exemption from taxes, custom duties and
communicate with his government. military or jury service.
Herewith, diplomatic pouch and diplomatic
couriers are also inviolable. Note: Immunities and privileges are also
Immunity from local jurisdiction; immunity applicable to the members of the consular post,
of the diplomatic agent from criminal their families and private staff.
jurisdiction of the receiving State. He cannot
be arrested, prosecuted and punished for any
offense he may commit, except from local
law and unless his immunity is waived.
He also enjoys immunity from the civil and
administrative jurisdiction of the receiving
State.
Exemption from taxes and customs duties;
except to indirect taxes (price of goods and
services), dues and taxes on private
immovable property, inheritance taxes,
capital taxes on investments in commercial
ventures.
Exemption from all personal services and
military obligations.
Coverage of Immunities Privileges are enjoyed by the envoy from the Every member of the consular post shall
moment he enters the territory of the enjoy the privileges and immunities
receiving State, and shall cease only the provided in the present Convention from the
moment he leaves the country, or on expiry moment he enters the territory of the
of a mission. receiving State on proceeding to take up his
In transitu; immunity shall continue post or, if already in its territory, from the
indefinitely even when travelling through a moment when he enters on his duties with
third State on the way to or from the the consular post.
receiving State. Members of the family of a member of the
consular post forming part of his household
and members of his private staff shall
receive the privileges and immunities from

Termination of Mission Death
Resignation
Removal or abolition of office
Recall by the sending State
Dismissal by the receiving State
War between the receiving and sending State
Extinction of State
the date from which he enjoys privileges
and immunities from the date of their entry
into the territory of the receiving State or
from the date of their becoming a member
of such family or private staff whichever is
the latest.
When the functions of a member of the
consular post have come to an end.
In the event of the death of the consul, the
members of his family forming part of his
household shall continue to enjoy the
privileges and immunities accorded to them
until they leave the receiving State or until
the expiry of a reasonable period enabling
them to do so, whichever is the sooner.
Withdrawal of the exequatur
Extinction of the State
War
Note: Severance of consular relations does not
necessarily terminated diplomatic relations.