Initially, relations between the two countries were conducted through a legation, with former Insular Assemblyman Don Manuel Escudero y Casals being appointed as the mission's first minister plenipotentiary.

[3] Establishing the embassy also reorganized the Philippines' diplomatic presence in continental Europe, with it also assuming jurisdiction over the legations in Paris and Rome.

Originally a two-story manor house, which was demolished to make way for the chancery,[1] the fifty-year old property also included a stable and a large garden, on which the ambassadorial residence was later built.

[1] The Philippine Embassy in Madrid is headed by Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier, who was first appointed to the position by President Rodrigo Duterte on October 11, 2016.

[15] Current Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Antonio Manuel Lagdameo also briefly served a year as ambassador from 2008 to 2009.