Statement on Unauthorized Political Activities at the Philippine Consulate General in New York
Statement on Unauthorized Political Activities at the Philippine Consulate General in New York The Philippine Consulate General in New York has come across social media posts on 3 December 2024 falsely advertising a fundraising event to be held during the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, scheduled for 5-13 December 2024. These posts claim that the event aims to raise funds for the political campaign of a New York-based candidate. The Consulate categorically denies any association with such an event and emphasizes that no such activity has been approved by its leadership nor will it be allowed to take place within the Consulate’s premises.As a foreign mission, the Consulate is bound by international law, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR), to maintain strict neutrality and refrain from interference in the internal affairs of the host state. Any attempt to utilize the Philippine Consulate General in New York, located at the Philippine Center in New York, 556 5th Ave., New York, NY 10036, for campaigns or solicitation activities by candidates running for public office constitute a blatant violation of these principles.The Consulate also condemns the spread of misleading information and the use of…