The Executive Department

Overview Office of the President: Executive Branch of Government Qualifications for Running for Office Powers and Privileges of the Executive Vacancy and Succession

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

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

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

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

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

Acts of Clemency 1. Amnesty 2. Pardon 3. Commutation 4. Reprieve 5. Remission of fines and forfeitures

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

Increase his/her salary or that of the Vice-President during his/her term Ratify foreign treaties Grant clemency in cases of impeachment

Causes of Vacancy Death Permanent Disability Resignation Impeachment

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

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

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

Philippine Presidents Aguinaldo ( ) Quezon ( ) Laurel ( ) Osmeña ( ) Roxas ( ) Quirino ( ) Magsaysay ( ) Garcia ( ) Macapagal ( ) Marcos ( ) Aquino ( ) Ramos ( ) Estrada ( ) Arroyo ( )

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 inthe Executive Branch

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