Philippine Political History & Executive Branch Overview

Barangay System

Basic political unit in the Philippines.

Origin of Barangay

Derived from 'balangay' - ancient plank boat that shaped Filipino maritime culture.

Composition of Barangay

30-100 families, independent polity with its own defined territory.

Leader of Barangay

Datu/Chieftain.

Leadership in Barangay

Acquired by birth or valor.

Roles of Datu

Implement laws, act as commander-in-chief during war, responsible for the livelihood of the people.

Sultanates

Formed in Sulu and Maguindanao (Mindanao) around 1400s.

Composition of Sultanates

Consisted of 10 or more villages.

Legitimacy of Sultanate Rule

Based on bloodline & religion (Islam).

Leader of Sultanate

Sultan.

Governance in Sultanates

Defined by religious tradition and Shariah Law.

Example of Sultanate Leader

Sayyid Abu Bakr, a Muslim missionary, established the Sultanate of Sulu.

Renaissance

14th century: Sparked desire for exploration → Age of Discovery.

Ferdinand Magellan

Landed in the Philippines in 1521.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi

Conquered the islands in 1565 → PH became a Spanish colony.

Encomienda System

Spanish colonizers granted the right to demand forced labor from natives.

Local Governance Structure

Local towns organized into provinces (Alcaldia), governed by Alcalde Mayor.

Reducción Policy

Relocation of locals into towns (pueblos).

Katipunan (KKK)

Established 1892; sparked revolution in August 1896.

Tejeros Convention

1897: Aguinaldo elected President; Andres Bonifacio questioned results.

Biak-na-Bato Republic

Signed Pact of Biak-na-Bato to end hostilities in 1897.

First Philippine Republic

Proclamation of Independence on June 12, 1898.

Malolos Constitution

Ratified in 1899; inaugurated the First Philippine Republic on Jan. 23, 1899.

American Period

1898-1946: Began after Spanish-American War.

Philippine Commonwealth

Established on Nov. 15, 1935, foundation: Tydings-McDuffie Act.

Japanese Occupation

1942-1945: Fall of Manila on Jan. 2, 1942.

3rd & 4th Republics

Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand Marcos.

5th Republic

Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, Rodrigo Duterte.

1986 EDSA Revolution

Ousted Ferdinand Marcos.

Freedom Constitution

Established by Corazon Aquino as a transitional constitution.

1987 Constitution

Ratified on Feb. 2, 1987; the supreme law of the land and foundation of governance today.

Executive Branch

Tasked with execution of laws and creation and implementation of government policies and programs.

President

Highest official of the executive branch with broad powers and responsibilities.

Vice President

Second highest official in the executive branch.

Qualifications for President & VP

Natural-born Filipino, registered voter, able to read & write, at least 40 years old on election day, resident of PH for 10 years.

Term of Office

Elected via direct voting, serves 6 years starting June 30 after election, cannot run for re-election, may be removed through impeachment.

Grounds for Impeachment

Violating the Constitution, bribery, treason, graft and corruption, other misconduct.

Presidential Succession

In case of death, permanent disability, removal, or resignation, succession order is followed until position is filled.

Scope & Limits of Presidential Authority

Head of State represents PH in international functions; Head of Government ensures governance; can sign or veto laws.

Appointment Power

Allows the President to appoint cabinet heads, ambassadors, military officers, and other officials.

Administrative Power

Control over executive departments, bureaus, and offices; ensures laws are faithfully executed.

Military Power

Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces; can declare martial law or suspend habeas corpus.

Treaty Power

Signs treaties and agreements which must be ratified by 2/3 of the Senate.

Executive Orders

Organize offices, authorize actions, create task forces.

Administrative Orders

Improve management and provide directives.

Proclamations

Declare holidays, commemorate events, or proclaim martial law.

Cabinet

Includes 22 executive departments (e.g., DepEd, DOH, DPWH) and advises and assists the President.

Local Government Units (LGUs)

Exercise decentralization; national government distributes power to localities.

Provincial LGU

Must have ≥250,000 people and ≥2,000 km²; headed by Governor.

City LGU

Must have ≥150,000 people and ≥100 km²; headed by Mayor.

Municipal LGU

Must have ≥25,000 people and ≥50 km²; headed by Mayor.

Barangay LGU

Must have ≥5,000 people; headed by Barangay Captain.