Overview
This lesson covers the structure and functions of the Executive Branch of the Philippine government, focusing on the roles, powers, and qualifications of the President.
Structure of the Philippine Government
- The government is divided into three branches: Legislative (law-making), Executive (law-implementing), and Judiciary (law-interpreting).
- The Executive Branch is headed by the President and includes the Vice President, Cabinet, and various departments and agencies.
- Local governments have governors, mayors, and barangay captains under the executive structure.
The President: Roles and Powers
- The President is the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
- Presidential powers include appointing heads of executive departments (with Commission on Appointments' approval), signing treaties (with Senate concurrence), and executing laws.
- The President can call the armed forces to suppress lawless violence, invasion, or rebellion.
- He/she has the power to grant reprieves, commutations, pardons, and amnesty (amnesty requires Congressional approval).
- The President may contract or guarantee foreign loans with the Monetary Board's concurrence.
- Must submit a national budget to Congress within 30 days of every regular session's opening.
- Delivers the State of the Nation Address to Congress at the start of its session.
Qualifications and Terms
- The President must be a natural-born Filipino, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years old, and a resident for 10 years.
- Term of office is 6 years with no re-election.
- The Vice President has the same qualifications and term length, may be appointed as a Cabinet member.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Executive Branch — Government branch responsible for implementing laws, led by the President.
- Veto — The President's power to reject proposed legislation.
- Cabinet — Group of appointed department heads advising the President.
- Commander-in-Chief — Supreme leader of the Armed Forces.
- Amnesty — Official pardon granted to a group, requiring Congressional approval.
Action Items / Next Steps
- List as many departments under the Executive Branch as you can.
- Review Article 7 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution for details on executive powers.
- Prepare for a quiz on the President’s roles, powers, and qualifications.