PHILIPPINE POLITICS ANG GOVERNANCE LESSON 6

1. The Executive Department
Prepared by: Cherrylyn T. Magano, LPT

2. Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
1. Explain the roles and power of the Philippine president; and
2. Discuss how the president exercises power.

3. A Glimpse Back
Write three characteristics of an ideal democracy and how the
Philippines can attain such ideal form.
1.__________________________________________
2.__________________________________________
3.__________________________________________

4. Test your Stock Knowledge
Write down the names of the president of the Philippines in
Chronological order.

5. The Executive Branch
• Charged with the execution and administration of a country’s
laws
• In general, the executive branch sets the direction of national
policy
• Executive power in the Philippine government is vested in the
office of the President of the Republic

6. Running for President
Natural born citizen of the Philippines
 Registered voter Literate (can read and write)
 At least 40 years old on election day
Resident of the country for 10 years
Elected at large by plurality

7. Term Limits
The term of the President is for six years (no re-election)
 No person who has succeeded and served as President
for four (4) years can run again
 Vice-President: maximum two (2) terms

8. Presidential Privileges
Appoint the heads of the different executive departments
Appoint ambassadors, consuls and public ministers
Appoint armed forces personnel from the rank of colonel or naval
captain
 Contract / guarantee foreign loans

9. Presidential Privileges
Negotiate foreign treaties Make appointments not
otherwise provided for by law Suspend the writ of habeas
corpus Declare martial law Prepare the national budget
Perform acts of clemency

10. Acts of Clemency
Amnesty
Pardon
Commutation
Reprieve
Remission of fines and forfeitures

11. The President Cannot:
Hold any other office or enjoy any other form of employment
Make appointments two months prior to the next elections
Make appointments within the 4th civil degree of
consanguinity

12. The President Cannot:
Increase his/her salary or that of the Vice-President during
his/her term
Ratify foreign treaties
Grant clemency in cases of impeachment

13. Causes of Vacancy
Death
Permanent Disability
 Resignation
Impeachment

14. Causes of Vacancy
Written declaration that s/he is unable to discharge the powers
and duties of the Office
If a majority of the Cabinet makes a written declaration that the
President cannot discharge the powers and duties of the Office

15. More on Vacancy
The President can, at a later time, inform Congress s/he is fit to
perform her/his duties again
Congress can judge otherwise by a two-thirds vote of both
houses voting separately

16. Even More on Vacancy
If the President falls seriously ill…
 The public will be informed of his/her state of health
 Members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and foreign
relations shall have access to the President
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces shall have access to the
President

17. Some Notes
The Executive in Philippine politics derives its centrality mostly
from its function and roles –Based on its historical evolution –
Plenty of prestige is associated with the Office of the Executive
Personalism has always been prevalent in the Executive Branch

18. Philippine Presidents
 Emilio Aguinaldo (1898-1902)
 Manuel L. Quezon (1935-44)
 Jose P. Laurel (1943-45)
 Sergio Osmeña (1944-46)
 Manuel Roxas (1946-48)
 Elpidio Quirino (1948-53)
 Ramon Magsaysay (1954-57)
 Carlos P. Garcia (1957-61)
 Diosdado Macapagal (1961-65)
 Ferdinand E. Marcos (1965-86)
 Corazon C. Aquino (1986-92)
 Fidel Ramos (1992-98)
 Joseph Estrada (1998-2001)
 Gloria Arroyo (2001-10)
 Benigno C. Aquino III (2010- 2016)
 Rodrigo R. Duterte (2016-Present)

19. Analysis Guide
1. Do you think the qualifications to be a president or vice-
president are enough ? What other qualifications do you
think should be included?
2. What is your opinion on the concept of servant-leadership? Is
it applicable in our leaders today?
3. What do you think is the most important function of the
president? Why?