Philippines now 'PH,' not RP, says DFA

The Philippines has long been known by the initials "RP" for "Republic of the Philippines."

However, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) says from now on, it will be using the initials "PH" or "PHL" when referring to the Philippines.

The DFA says the move complies with the country codes set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The DFA said the use of the designated country codes PH or PHL would “avoid the ambiguity and confusion with the use of the initials RP."

“The long standing usage of the initials RP is not in accordance with ISO codes, leading to ambiguous initials that can also refer to other countries," the DFA noted.

In a department order issued on October 20, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo directed the DFA’s 67 embassies, 23 consulates general and four permanent missions to use the initials PH or PHL in their dispatches and reports to the Home Office.

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