Notes on the Executive Department (Philippines)

Notes on the Executive Branch

Overview
The Executive as the key player in Philippine politics
The notion of a “historically dominant Executive”
Personalization of the Office of the President

It Pays to be President…
The President has always played a central role in Philippine politics
In part, this is rooted in the prestige of the position
It can be shown that the “dominance” of the Executive is because of the development of the Office as an institution

The Executive in Historical Context
Numerous attempts were made to formalize the role of the Executive even under colonial rule
Biak-na-Bato, Constitution of Makabulos, Malolos Constitution, Etc.
However, the serious development of the Executive branch took place under the 1935 Constitution and onwards

Under the 1935 Constitution
Main Features of the Executive Branch:
President = Head of Government and Head of State
Term Limits = Amended to a maximum of two four-year terms
The Executive Branch as co-equal with the other branches of government

Under the 1935 Constitution
The President had clearly defined roles:
Chief Executive
Chief Administrator
Chief Legislator
Diplomatic Chief
These roles further developed as different individuals assumed the Office

Presidents (1935 Charter)
Quezon (1935-44)
Laurel (1943-45)
Osmeña (1944-46)
Roxas (1946-48)
Quirino (1948-53)
Magsaysay (1954-57)
Garcia (1957-61)
Macapagal (1961-65)
Marcos (1965-73)

The 1973 Constitution
Introduced a parliamentary system of government into the Philippines
Office of the President existed as “symbolic head of government”
The constitution was used by Marcos to legitimize and consolidate his rule
“ Pangulo” presidency

In the Post-Marcos context
The Freedom Constitution gave President Aquino transitory emergency powers
The 1987 Constitution contains checks and balances against extreme consolidation of power under the Executive

Lessons
The Executive in Philippine politics derives its centrality mostly from its function and roles
The notion of a historically dominant Executive, while inaccurate, does contain some truth
To date, even the present Executive Branch is open to personalism

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Notes on the Executive Department (Philippines)

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