Overview
This lecture covers the structure and functions of the Executive Branch of the Philippine government, with a focus on the roles, qualifications, and powers of the President.
Structure of the Philippine Government
- The Philippine government has three branches: Legislative (makes laws), Executive (implements laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws).
- The Executive Branch is headed by the President, who is the highest leader and head of state.
The Role and Powers of the President
- The President is the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
- The President controls executive departments, bureaus, and offices, enforcing laws and policies.
- The President represents the country in international relations and can sign treaties (requires Senate concurrence).
- The President can appoint heads of executive departments, ambassadors, and other key officials with approval from the Commission on Appointments.
- The President may grant reprieves, commutations, pardons, and remit fines after conviction, and grant amnesty with Congress concurrence.
- The President may contract or guarantee foreign loans with Monetary Board approval.
- The President submits the national budget to Congress and delivers the State of the Nation Address.
- The President cannot be re-elected and serves a single six-year term.
Qualifications and Term of Office
- Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years old, and resident for ten years before election.
- The Vice President has the same qualifications and term (six years), and may be appointed as a Cabinet member.
Other Components of the Executive Branch
- Cabinet members head various government departments.
- Local government executives include governors (provinces), mayors (cities/municipalities), and barangay captains (barangays).
- The President oversees all executive departments and ensures the faithful execution of laws.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Executive Branch — The government branch that enforces laws and administers public policy.
- President — The head of the Executive Branch, state, and government; Commander-in-Chief.
- Veto — Presidential power to reject proposed laws.
- Cabinet — Group of department heads advising and assisting the President.
- State of the Nation Address (SONA) — The President’s annual report to Congress on government plans and achievements.
- Amnesty — General pardon extended by the President, often for political offenses, with Congress approval.
Action Items / Next Steps
- List as many executive departments as you can for review.
- Review Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution for further details about the Executive Branch.