Public officials told: Don't call yourselves "Honorable"

CEBU, Philippines – It is improper for a public official to attach the title of courtesy “Honorable” to their names because it should be the public that should make the reference to the official, the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

This was among the items emphasized by protocol officer Angel Espiritu II at the ongoing capability-building seminar for city and municipal tourism officers in Central Visayas.

Espiritu said it has become a practice for public officials to attach the abbreviated title “Hon.” to their names in nameplates on their desks in their offices but this practice is reportedly improper because the courtesy to call the official “Honorable” should come from the public or visitor and not the official pronouncing himself as such.

Espiritu said indicating the official’s complete name and position on the nameplate is enough.

The title of courtesy “Honorable” may, however, be used to address an official in sending communication or in writing an official’s name on a place card during functions for the usher to easily guide the official concerned to his/her seat.

The title is also being used to address former Presidents of the country, the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, members of the Cabinet. The President is being addressed as His or Her Excellency. 

Protocol is the body of ceremonial rules to be observed in all official interaction between states and their agents.

Patria Aurora Roa, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism-7 said they decided to include protocol and courtesies in the training module for the tourism officers in the region to equip them with the skills in properly handling guests in their respective locality.

Roa said there have been a number of incidents wherein addresses of communication letters are improper.

The seminar also tackled the role of protocol in international relations, proper display and salute to the flag, general order of precedence, seating arrangement, hosting official visits, airport courtesies, official communication, social graces and etiquette, decorum and table manners. — Gregg M. Rubio/JMO (THE FREEMAN)