United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson speaks with reporters in a roundtable assembly in Cebu City on Friday, May 19. (DALE ISRAEL / INQUIRER VISAYAS)
CEBU CITY — United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson introduced that there are “no immediate plans” to reopen the United States Consulate in Cebu for processing visas and different consular companies attributable to price range and different constraints.
During a roundtable assembly with reporters in Cebu City on Friday, May 19, Carlson mentioned the federal government is presently prioritizing the institution and reestablishment of diplomatic relations with different Pacific island nations.
“Let me just say that if I personally had the budget and if it were up to me, we never would have left and we certainly would be right back,” she mentioned.
“I know that it is challenging because of the extra cost to get to Manila which is why we are streamlining as much as we can the processes,” Carlson mentioned.
She mentioned the United States Embassy in Manila could have prolonged workplace hours to accommodate visa processing, notably for provinces exterior of the National Capital Region, and to facilitate streamlined renewal of current visa holders.
The Embassy now has extra employees members to course of visas in comparison with when the COVID-19 pandemic began. In truth, extra visa functions are being processed now than in 2019 or previous to the pandemic, Carlson mentioned.
The presence of a United States Consulate in Cebu would have offered handy entry for these in Visayas and Mindanao, eliminating the necessity to journey to the Embassy in Manila.
The ambassador mentioned the reopening of the Consulate in Cebu largely is dependent upon the price range allotted by the United States Congress.
“While there are no immediate plans, it’s on the radar. Again, that separation of powers and (US) Congress holding the budget. We will be lobbying for that,” she mentioned.
Carlson mentioned there may be bipartisan assist within the United States for strengthening relations with the Philippines. the Embassy in Manila.
Carlson mentioned the reopening of the Consulate in Cebu would rely largely on the price range given by the United States’ Congress.
“No immediate plans but it’s on the radar. Again, that separation of powers, and (US) Congress holding the budget. Will be lobbying for that,” she mentioned.
Carlson mentioned there may be bi-partisan assist on the facet of the United States for strengthening its relations with the Philippines.
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