The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), also known as the Philippine Representative Office in Taiwan, is the representative office of the Philippines in Taiwan, functioning as a de facto embassy in the absence of diplomatic relations. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized under Philippine law.Executive Order No. 15 Authorizing the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Inc. "MECO" to Perform Certain Functions Relating to Trade, Economic Cooperation, Investment, and Cultural, Scientific and Educational Exchanges, President of the Philippines, May 16, 2001
It was first established in 1975 as the Asian Exchange Center, replacing the former Philippine Embassy.The International Law of Recognition and the Status of the Republic of China, Hungdah Chiu in The United States and the Republic of China: Democratic Friends, Strategic Allies, and Economic Partners, Steven W. Mosher, Transaction Publishers, 1992, page 24 In 1984, its staff acquired diplomatic privileges and immunity, as did those of its Taiwanese counterpart in Manila, then known as the Pacific Economic and Cultural Center.Foreign Policy of the Republic of China on Taiwan: An Unorthodox Approach, Yousan Wang, Greenwood Publishing Group, 1990, page 89 It adopted its present name in March 1990.Ensuring Interests: Dynamics of China-Taiwan Relations and Southeast Asia, Khai Leong Ho, Guozhong He, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya, 2006, page 25
In addition to its Taipei Office, it also maintains Extension Offices in Kaohsiung and Taichung.Manila Economic and Cultural Office Directory and Office Locations
Its counterpart body in the Philippines is the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila.Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines
In September 2025, Corazon Padiernos was designated as Officer in Charge and Resident Representative of the office, after Cheloy Garafil was elected as Secretary General of the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
List of chair and resident representative List of Chair and Resident Representative (1989–present): Rafael Alunan III (1989–1992) Carlos C. Salinas (1992–1995) Alfredo Yao (1995–2000) Eddie M. Garcia (2000–2005) Amadeo R. Perez Jr. (2005–2010) Antonio Basilio (2010–2016) Lito Banayo (2016–2022) Silvestre Bello III (2022–2024) Cheloy Garafil (2024–2025) Corazon Padiernos (2025–present)
See also Philippines–Taiwan relations List of diplomatic missions in Taiwan List of diplomatic missions of the Philippines
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